Desktops Buying Guide
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September 1, 2004 11:46
3.0/5
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January 16, 2004 12:38
3.5/5
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April 14, 2003 03:02
Mediocre
1.0/5
2.8 GHz is the fastest processor offered and a 1-yr warranty is the longest you can get. Customer support isn't very good and the system looks a little dull. -
March 16, 2003 04:12
3.5/5
I rely on Cnet for all my technology purchases; in the last six months I have purchased two MP3s, two handhelds, and my ABS desktop. Since I relied on Cnet's reviews prior to all my purchases, I feel an obligation to let other readers know that I find Cnet's reviews right on target; my ABS was no exception; I was a little hesitant because I have never configured the components of my computer before and contrary to other ABS purchasers, I am not a "tech-geek" or a gamer. However, ABS's website was very easy to use and their customer service and sales reps knowledgable and helpful. Additionally, delivery was prompt and the system came with a helpful, user-friendly manual. For significantly less than I would have paid elsewhere 6 months ago (I paid a little over $1000), I was able to purchase a system with the following salient features: Intel Pentium 4 2.4GHz processor, 100GB hard drive, two internal fans, 512 MB PC2700 DDR RAM, Plextor 48x24x48 CD-RW, see-through cool silver case with a neon-blue cathode light inside, and wireless keyboard and mouse. I wanted the latest features, but didn't want to spend much money on the desktop, but rather on a 19" flat-panel display (a Dell I purchased on Ebay); ABS fit the bill and I haven't had any problems in the last several months. The operating system is XP and I use the full suite of Microsoft products and audio file sharing software daily. Also, as for the ABS technical service staff- they are certainly technically proficient; since English may not be their first language,you must have patience- they are still responsive and helpful which I can attest too when I was having problems powering down; If on-the-spot service is your primary criterion, you probably shouldn't have bought from ABS in the first place; Overall, I definitely think you walk away with much more than you pay for and if you are tech-savvy, ABS is the place to buy! Even if you are not (I'm a female in my late 20s), I would still give ABS a hard look- I did and couldn't be more pleased! -
February 8, 2003 12:42
4.0/5
This is the fastest computer I have ever used. I am a computer programmer and have used many systems. This P4 2.8ghz system is incredibly fast. The RAID drive setup really speeds up I/O as does the use of SDRAM. The only complaints: The Antec case is metallic gray and the drives dont match. And the system fans were pretty loud. I replaced all three fans with the silent Pabst fans and now its perfect. I tried two other computers from different manufacturers and had to send them back. I was worried that ABS would be the same, but their system has been flawless....fast and flawless. -
February 5, 2003 11:32
5.0/5
Just like "Satisfied Customer" and "Pickiest Consumer" - I am completely pleased with my ABS Awesome system so far. From customer service to putting it together, it has been a breeze. I ordered my system two and a half weeks ago, it arrived about a week later. The several times that I had to call customer service, the lady I was directed to wasn't in, but she did actually call me back and was very helpful. The system is the powerhorse that I wanted it to be - of course I upgraded to the Kingwin tower and 1 gigabytes of RAM, the video card (Sapphire ATI Radeon 9700 Pro) and the sound card (Creative Labs Audigy 2). The ViewSonic monitor that comes with the system is just fine and the Klipsch speakers - wow! My work involves both data and image analysis, I have to run memory intensive programs simultaneously. I also use my computer on a daily basis for hours and hours. This system so far is exactly what I wanted and I am very pleased. Definitely converted (my previous systems have been HP and Dell). My only wish is that they would start making laptops (my Dell has been a disaster). Anyway I highly recommend ABS. -
January 11, 2003 12:02
5.0/5
I ordered my ABS system around December and i have to say. This is the sweetest computer i have ever seen. The bang for the buck is incredible. I don't even know where to start. Let's just say this....When i was in the market for a new system, i checked with Dell, Gateway, Alienware, etc,. And what i found was amazing. For the same system that ABS was offering for $2500...you could get at these companies for about...$4000-5000. Wanna know the kicker....this system actually was faster than many of those equally equiped systems. I've had this system for about 2 months now....not one crash. no problems at all. Totally amazing. I play all my games (that allow it) at 1600x1200 with everything turned on. Morrowind, Neverwinter, Unreal....everything that i have thrown at it is nothing for this system. I can't begin to tell you how impressed i am. The system is blazing fast...totally loaded. p4 2.8, 160gb harddrive, 19 crt monitor, wireless mouse/keyboard, ati 9700 pro 128 graphics card, dvd+r/w, cd+r/w, 400watt thx sound system that will put a hole in the wall. Basically this system is build for power, great on looks, sweet for the ears......it's the best computer i have ever had...and that's saying alot. -
January 5, 2003 08:52
5.0/5
First of all shipping was prompt. I actually got thye awesome 3550 because I wanted 8x agp which is currently unavailable in rdram computers from any manufacturer. 2.6 p4, dvd, fastest cd-rw you can buy, audigy 2, 8x agp, 400 watt power supply, 6.1 inspire speakers, 100 gig hard drive, msi 648 max-L motherboard, 512 mb of one piece 333 mhz ddr memory, modem, the coolest looking case i have ever seen (black chieftec w/ window), wireless keyboard and mouse, plenty of software, plenty of fans (not loud though) and some other stuff I'm probably forgetting all for under 1,300. Not bad at all. I just bought a 19" black NEC LCD (1920nx- great monitor by the way) and I must admit that I have one of the coolest computers I have ever seen and I've had them all. It has worked perfectly. Tech support has been outstanding. I needed the pin definition for the firewire port on the audigy 2 card and they faxed it to me in 5 minutes. Try getting that from dell (which is what I usually buy- not anymore). The best part about ABS is that their computers are totally non-proprietory. It doesn't even say ABS on boot-up (says MSI- my motherboard). As soon as DDR II comes out I am swapping motherboards. You can't do this with a dell or most other manufacturers becuase they use non standard components. You'll probably have to replace the power supply and the motherboard if you have a dell. And get ready to start splicing wires if you want the lights to work on the case. This is why I will never buy from them again. If you know anything about computers and you want the best get an ABS. You won't regret it. -
December 10, 2002 08:53
4.0/5
A month ago I bought an Awesome 3140 from ABS. I had it configured to have an Athlon 2400+ MSI motherboard ATI radeon 9700pro 19" NEC monitor and a 100gb special edition hard drive for $1600 shipped. I've had no conflicts or problems and have installed alot of programs. Best computer i've had or seen and at the best price. -
December 9, 2002 01:12
4.0/5
1. Brand name components 2. Increadible Value 3. Built and Packed right 4. Sweet tower and motherboard choices 5. Kicks dell's in everything
