I agree. Anyone who seriously thinks they can build a *good* system for under $300 (or Dell can) is mistaken. I build all of my systems (family, too) because like you, Adrian, I want something I can depend on.
But the price war mentality you and Andrew write about is also extending to the component side of the industry.
We're seeing component prices drop in relationship, and not always for the better. Items like optical drives, which used to last for years have lifespans measured in months. Fans, power supplies and even memory are now things you have to shop carefully for.
This mentality of "cheap" I believe, is harming us across the board, as consumers expect low prices and are accordingly comfortable with simply replacing a product instead of repairing it. When was the last time you saw a TV repair shop?
This "throw-away" model of consumerism leads to landfills overflowing with cheap, quickly-obsolete and shoddily-made items.
Discussion on:
Message 2 of 1
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
