PCs Gone Wild
NEW YORK--One of the most interesting parts of the personal-computing business involves building systems for gamers. People who play fast-paced action games all the time may very well be the industry's dream customers: They value performance above all else and they're willing to pay for it.
But they can also be very picky about what they buy. Let's take a look at what Dell and HP have cooked up to try to satisfy gamers' needs:
* HP's Blackbird 002 comes mounted on the kind of metal stand you might use to display an enormous model airplane--here, it helps ensure air flows into its cooling vents from underneath. The entire side flips down to expose an interior in which every component is both visible and easily accessible for repairs or upgrades (why can't regular desktops be more like that?). It starts at $2,500, but if you want to go all-out with every available option--including a liquid-cooling system for its processor--HP rep Ann Finnie said you could drop up to $7,100 on this model.
* Dell's XPS 720 is equally massive; like the Blackbird, it's built to stand on top of the desk, where it can make all of your other gadgets feel small. The grill at the front of its chassis lights up in your choice of colors and, with some tinkering, can respond to what happens in a game--when you get shot, the lights can turn red. Dell's Web site lists configurations going from $1,699 to $6,900. Next to it sat a gaming-oriented laptop, the $3,000-and-up XPS M1730, with comparably high-powered components inside and one really good idea on the outside: a backlit keyboard, like what's on Apple's MacBook Pro. (Why can't the rest of Dell's laptops be more like that?)
Elsewhere at this show, Sprint and Palm formally unveiled the Centro, the smaller-than-a-Treo Palm smartphone that first surfaced in public at Sprint's "technology summit" in Tysons Corner last month. It will sell for $99 after a rebate, starting October 14. Sprint has a teaser site set up; if you don't need any goofy Flash animations in your life right now, see TreoCentral's writeup of the press conference.
What else would you like me to look for at Digital Life today and tomorrow? Holler in the comments...
By Rob Pegoraro |
September 27, 2007; 1:43 PM ET
| Category:
Computers
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Posted by: Darn kids get off my lawn | September 27, 2007 5:22 PM
I believe the word is "holla."
Posted by: Dave | September 27, 2007 7:16 PM
in response to the first commenter. Yes! in fact, most of the "gamers" who would buy a Dell or HP are either technically inept or very lazy. These days, if you want a good gaming system, you would build it yourself. The customer service from any of those companies is a joke, even the famous Alienware has lost reputation after being bought out by Dell. And if you were to talk to any very serious gamers and told them you have a Dell, they would probably laugh at you (most likely in a very nerdy fashion!) But as long as you do a bit of research, building your own computer gives you alot more control, much better pricing then any of these Dell or HP "gaming rig" monsters you see for thousands and thousands of dollars.
Posted by: Leif | September 27, 2007 8:54 PM
I would like to see some info about good home theater PCs. Doesn't have to be super-fancy - just something good enough to play 1080p video smoothly without a loud fan ruining the sound.
Posted by: bb | September 28, 2007 1:57 AM
Here's some real advice for anyone who wants a serious gaming rig: build your own. I built a PC this past summer with nearly identical specs to the HP Blackbird002 for only $1400. And that total included a widescreen monitor and shipping!
Posted by: Tirade | September 28, 2007 7:46 AM
Tirade...
Why don't you help us wannabe geeks out and post your parts list for your rig?
Posted by: H.C.D. | September 28, 2007 9:32 AM
Sites such as NewEgg have parts lists that are rated by experts. This would help with your desire for a parts list. It really depends on what you are trying to do, IMHO.
Time spent researching is time well spent when it comes to do-it-yourself computers.
Purchase all components with high ratings and reputation of manufacturer as the top priority. Be prepared to pay approximately 15-20% more than the cheapest components - especially memory, motherboard and power supply.
Read the product reviews. Often you will find caveats and problems that are found by other users - you can avoid these by making another selection.
Posted by: Geno - USA | September 29, 2007 2:09 PM
What about doing a special on "The Internet Home" devices and gizmoes for your entire home. For example, connecting your TV to your PC and your HiFi and then to your MP3, DVD Camcorder, Fridge, Microwave etc. Imagine being totally connected, what would that be like? Totally cool I guess!
Posted by: Brian | September 30, 2007 12:15 AM
Buying a Dell of HP gaming machine is like buying a tricked out Scion--part of the thrill of owning one is knowing that you made all the cool-looking modifications yourself.
That said, I don't have anything against either group, I just don't understand them. Though that may be because I'm technically inclined.
Posted by: BR | October 1, 2007 8:48 AM
One look at the "Palm's Engineering Staff" at the "TreoCentral's writeup" link above, tells you all you need to know about why Palm sucks.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 1, 2007 12:49 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
What happened to building your own gaming rig? That's probably around the same price as any of this mass-produced crap, and you have better control over the components, design, and look of the machine. Is this just not done any more?