What is the Difference Between an Electronics Store PC and CMUs Offering?
Most all manufacturers such as Compaq, IBM, Dell and Gateway have two different PC lines. One is what we call the “electronics store” version which was developed for home or small business office use. The components are whatever was “low bid” that week, therefore, the component brands change frequently in these models. Also, these systems are designed to run a couple hours per day and then be turned off. Often these systems are difficult to upgrade to the next generation processor or to add RAM, and often Ethernet cards are difficult at best to install. In addition, large electronic stores will purchase obsolete models and offer them at drastically reduced prices, but “buyer beware!” Replacement parts for these systems are almost impossible to find and often the system must be returned to manufacturer for repairs which means you may be without your PC for up to six weeks or more.
