Date: Sun, 01 Jun 2003 11:30:13 -0400 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Multiple ? on HD Drivers In-reply-to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Message-id: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
At 08:31 PM -0500 05/30/2003, Mike T. wrote:
>>An IBM 16gig hard drive I purchased in 1999 is still going strong, like the
>>day I got it. The 80mb hd's in several Compact Macs that I've aquired over
>>the past 2 years have run super, no problems at all. On the other hand, I
>>know several people who own Gateway computers (ehhwwwwww!) and they each
>>have been through at least 3 hard drives each in the same time period.
>>Depends on the manufacturer, temp of the room the computer is in, airflow in
>>the chassis and other variables. And don't buy from Gateway . "Hey,
>>not only do you have to run Windows, but we're putting it on an ultra-cheap
>>hard drive so you can re-install 5 months from now!" WOW--Where do I sign
>>up????
>The 200MB HD I bought for my Mac IIci, in 1992 -- such a deal! $999! >is still running just fine. > >The 9 GB 5.25" FH drive I bought four years ago is a great door stop. > >My housemate has gone thru three HDs in the last four years. sigh. >He has TWO cd-r drives and still can't be bothered to make backups... > >- Dan.
I must disagree. I have a Gateway Destination Digital Media Computer (Pentium II 300, 256 MB RAM, 2 8.7 GB HD's, Win 98 OE) that I use as my TV, DVD player in my bedroom. It has a 36" monitor, so it has a great picture. My Gateway came with IBM hard drives, and I have never had a problem with them, and I bought this system new in mid-1998. In fact, the only problems I have had with this computer are: the monitor's vertical hold ate itself last October, and that was a $200 repair, but still cheaper than a new monitor of similar size. The only problems I had with the hard drives have been related to Windows; and easily fixed with ScanDisk, or the required periodic re-installing of Windows. In fact, I am typing this message on this computer, and it is wonderful with the radio-frequency keyboard and mouse.
The tech support from Gateway has been very good, when dealing with the Destination-specific support team. The regular support people, however are clueless... both about the Destination systems, and about computers in general. The only real beef I have with Gateway is twofold: they no longer make these type of computers, instead now referring to those who ask to buy a Win XP Media Centre computer instead, of course with the $12,000 plasma screen TV/Monitor... and also that updated drivers for 80% of the hardware in this computer do not exist; therefore owners of these systems are limited to Windows 98. Replacing hardware for new pieces that have newer drivers is problematic, as not only can it cause compatibility problems, but there often isn't similar hardware of the same capabilities available... certainly not at affordable prices, if available at all. Oh, well...
Regardless... Many of us who own Gateway products are happy with them, and they do put quality drives in them. Like any other company, people will occasionally get a crappy unit. I can't speak to what Gateway is doing these days, though. Like all major manufacturers, the economy has forced them to go with cheaper parts at times, just to be able to make a profit. Apple is the same way... they went to IDE drives instead of SCSI a few years ago in order for them to make more of a profit on their systems, as well as to make it easier for Mac owners to buy replacement or extra drives, as SCSI is much more expensive.
A happy Gateway owner, as well as a happy Apple owner
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