How can you possibly build a computer cheaper than what the manufacturers are selling them for? I have yet to see one that can do it. A 2400 machine for $399; no way you can build one cheaper than that.
End user license agreement is something you should read first and see if you can do that. I haven't.
Technically you can install XP (with the same production key) on a different machine even with the restriction posed by software activation. The activation is flexible enough so if you try to install the same XP again half year later on a totally different PC, it thinks you are in a situation just as you described. However, immediate installation on different PCs using same the XP is not possibile.
Building computer is always cheaper (a lot cheaper) even than Dell's. Let's forget about the free upgrades at Dell's website from time to time. The price base configuration (aka. starting from $$$) from Dell is already higher than DIY with same components. Upgrading components is where Dell really milks you and I don't even want to mention the mass buying power vs. retail price. So a loaded Dell is a lot more expensive than building it yourself.
However, the difference is quality control and support. For me, I don't need hardware support (it's useless and they don't know what they are talking about) unless it's broken under warranty. Quality is something I can test and control. A loose fan assembly, misaligned COA, torn label and misaligned motherboard (PCI, AGP cards can not be aligned properly to the openings on case) are what I call Dell quality. Well, I bought a Dell with just base configuration, large rebate and free upgrade so the price is very close to DIY. Just to save some time.
Denny Denham
2 Intern
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18.8K Posts
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February 5th, 2004 03:00
You can't reuse the copy of XP that came on your Dell, you'll have to purchase a new copy.
jmwills
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12K Posts
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February 5th, 2004 11:00
wtl
48 Posts
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February 5th, 2004 13:00
Technically you can install XP (with the same production key) on a different machine even with the restriction posed by software activation. The activation is flexible enough so if you try to install the same XP again half year later on a totally different PC, it thinks you are in a situation just as you described. However, immediate installation on different PCs using same the XP is not possibile.
Building computer is always cheaper (a lot cheaper) even than Dell's. Let's forget about the free upgrades at Dell's website from time to time. The price base configuration (aka. starting from $$$) from Dell is already higher than DIY with same components. Upgrading components is where Dell really milks you and I don't even want to mention the mass buying power vs. retail price. So a loaded Dell is a lot more expensive than building it yourself.
However, the difference is quality control and support. For me, I don't need hardware support (it's useless and they don't know what they are talking about) unless it's broken under warranty. Quality is something I can test and control. A loose fan assembly, misaligned COA, torn label and misaligned motherboard (PCI, AGP cards can not be aligned properly to the openings on case) are what I call Dell quality. Well, I bought a Dell with just base configuration, large rebate and free upgrade so the price is very close to DIY. Just to save some time.