Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!husc6!rutgers!mtune!mtunk!io!granjon!edsel!arrow!pierce!cbdkc1!czei
From: czei@cbdkc1.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: What's a good price on an IBM Clone?
Message-ID: <2645@cbdkc1.ATT.COM>
Date: 28 Dec 87 13:55:30 GMT
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Columbus
Lines: 41
Keywords: Clone, inexperienced buyer

Too be totally honest, I really know nothing about clones, being
a Macintosh enthusiast.  (Please don't hold that against me)
Being unable to persuade my father-in-law to make his next computer
purchase a macintosh, I'm trying to make sure he doesn't get ripped
off again when he buys a PC clone.  (The last computer he bought
was an Epson, that WASN'T compatable with ANYTHING, because the
salesperson told him there was this REALLY great piece of software
that was ALMOST ready that would solve all his problems.  He's still
waiting).   Anyway, he's looking at an XT clone from a local
dealer for about ~$2500.  Sure, it includes a hard disk, modem, and
a monitor, but that doesn't seem like a great deal to me. The dealer
is even bundling some 'wonderful, integrated' software to do
'everything he needs'.  My father-in-law is an electronic parts
salesmen, by the way, but I doubt if software that is bundled with
a computer can be that great.   I already don't like the salesmen,
as when my father-in-law mentioned I had discussed mac's, the guy
said "you don't want to buy those- they're unreliable.  Why, they
freeze up on you at a moments notice.  You need a tried and true
design like the PC."    

So, I don't want to argue about which computer is better, I'm just
trying to help someone who's been burnt before to steer clear of
the rip off's.  One of the big arguments I've heard for PC's is
that they're so cheap.  At $2500 I could get a Macplus, hard disk,
modem, and a monitor (ok, so it is small :-) ) for the same price,
so where's the bargain?  I suspect that the above quote is way
overpriced, and most clones are still a bargain compared to the
generally more expensive macs.

I'd appreciate any help finding a reputable mail order house,
or reasonable price ranges for AT or XT clones.

Thanks,

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Michael S. Czeiszperger     | "HELP!  I'm stuck in 3B HELL !!!"
Contracted to AT&T          | Phone: (614) 860-4952  (formerly with Ohio
Unix Systems Administration | UUCP: cbosgd!dkc1!czei  State University)
6200 E. Broad Street        | Disclaimer: "The above opinions are those
Columbus, OH   RM 1L334     |   of a large rodent with sharp teeth"
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