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A New PC -- Free? $399 $599? $999?
Now how much should you pay?

Note: The following was prepared in November 1999. In the following seven months, the free pc offers all but disappeared. Five years later, however, the remainder of the information is still relevant. 

Yes, you can get a computer for "nothing." Kind of like you can get a cell phone for "nothing." The big difference? The cell phone is designed to make phone calls, which is what you want to do with it, and the better it does it the more you spend on the service. The "free" PC, on the other hand, is designed to deliver ads to your attention. Is that what you wanted a computer for?

FREE?
Seriously, the compromises found in these systems make them the "bottom of the bit bucket" in terms of current computing power. Inexpensive components and those on the cusp of obsolescence make up a computer that's a bit more up to date than the one your brother-in-law offered you, but that's about it. And don't forget the other trade you make -- a bit of privacy -- a detailed profile of your habits as a consumer will be created and maintained.

$599
Well, now we're getting somewhere. The specs are getting decent and some of the packages -- a monitor AND a printer? -- wow! Here's the big question -- why are these things so cheap? Easy answer. Since the PC is destined to become "a commodity appliance" some very large manufacturers are experimenting on just exactly how cheaply a pc can be produced. Combined with their huge distribution systems and economies of scale, they've cut the price to an almost ridiculous extreme. The componentry is what suffers here. Audio and video subsystems are built into the motherboard. Every component, right down to the 150 watt power supply, is the cheapest possible.  To be fair, these machines may well be engineered to perform reliably for years, but only time will tell. You opt in or out of that experiment with your checkbook.

BUT A $400 REBATE!
NOW IT'S JUST $199!
Did you look at that rebate closely? You just signed up for three years of service at a major Internet Service Provider (ISP) at about $20.00 per month. You paid $720 for that $400 rebate. Again, this might be a great deal for some people. If you're looking for an ISP, or wouldn't mind changing your e-mail address to another ISPs, then great -- you're going to have to pay for an ISP anyway, right? 

RIGHT?
Maybe. Maybe not. High bandwidth communications are coming to your house, whether you like it or not. The telephone company has a scheme (DSL), the power utilities have a scheme (over your power lines), the cable tv companies are already making great inroads with cable modems, and satellite systems have yet to shine. Cable modems are available within 15 miles of me already, and I live in northern Wisconsin. Just a little closer, and I'd dump my 56k pots ISP in a heartbeat. (pots=plain ol' telephone service). Then I'd be glad I wasn't tied into 30 more $20 payments.

SO $999+, HUH? WHY SO MUCH?
What do you get for the extra cabbage? Quality components with proven track records, carefully chosen from trusted manufacturers with a firm foothold between cutting edge technology and reliable performance. Brand name video and audio cards. Top quality memory (ram). A capable power supply.  But remember this -- you'll almost always get a marginal keyboard and mouse (or other pointing device). Monitors (if included) are usually serviceable, but seldom better than that at this price point.  Also remember that these systems often come with little more than an operating system (Windows, etc.) and the device drivers for your specific hardware

DELL, MICRON, GATEWAY?
By now you're probably onto the scheme. These companies (who make excellent computers) spend a great deal of time determining the ultimate balance between low cost and high performance. Potential problems even in the big guy's hardware include odd arrangements with major OEMs which alter (some often expected) warranty and support coverage.  Another thing -- software. Many manufacturers bandy about the names of major software publishers (i.e. Microsoft, Intuit, et. al.) when boasting about the bundled software that comes with their systems. But be sure to find out exactly what version of what title you're getting. Microsoft Works might be Microsoft Word compatible, but it "ain't the same thing." Still, a good system will come from one of these guys, or a local builder who you know and trust. Ask around.

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