What are your computer/hardware/software/electronic prejudices?

[fitbrit]

Some people can't get over the Hitachi "Deathstar" hard drives of years ago.
Some see anything to do with iPod and dub it iPoo.
Others bash Apple at any/all costs.
A few "experts" won't touch anything RCA.
We all know nobody in their right mind would go near anything by MDG, whether they made it or are just selling it.

What are your prejudices? And how up-to-date are they?

I'll go first:
I don't take a second glance at Fuji or Kodak digital cameras. I read a few bad reviews 3 years ago, and I still don't take them seriously.

Bose: I read a webpage dismissing Bose as a huge marketing gimmick. Since then, I don't pay any attention to their new products.

ECS: Used to have a bad reputation, and despite recent better reviews, I am reluctant to purchase their mobos.

E-machines/Gateway: Just like the ECS story.

Most American cars.

Dell computers... but some of them are good deals for those not needing to tinker.

[willy]

I agree most of your points except #1 ... My Fujifilm F20 is serving me really well

Dell ... Well, I don't see myself getting a Dell. However, I did (and will) recommend to *certain* group of users and they are happy so far.

[Byrns]

1. Maxtor hard drives because I had several fail in the past. Same goes for Seagate. (although my options are disappearing)
2. I only buy ASUS motherboards. Seems like every time I tried out someone new (ie MSI) I get junk
3. Sony products. I hate 'em.

[fitbrit]

I agree most of your points except #1 ... My Fujifilm F20 is serving me really well

Dell ... Well, I don't see myself getting a Dell. However, I did (and will) recommend to *certain* group of users and they are happy so far.

You're NOT supposed to agree with me, willy! It's a prejudice and I'm admitting that it's unfounded. I'm hoping this thread will cure me of some of these... or confirm my 'feelings'.

[fitbrit]

Here are some of my experiences with brands that others often see negatively:

TigerDirect rebates- never had a problem with these, ever, except one by Soyo 5 years ago. I don't shop there much any more because they started charging both taxes, shipping is a lot, and they don't have such good deals so frequently.

Maxtor drives: Always been good to me, just like WD and Seagate.

Apple products: I was a Mac user for 13 years before turning to Windows in 2002. I did so because I enjoyed upgrading my Mac and it was getting expensive compared to the options in the PC world. All my Apple products have worked very well indeed and are often less of a headache than their competitors.

eMachines: I had one fo their laptops and it was fantastic! Very sturdy machine indeed.

BenQ: 1620 DVD burner. Wish I hadn't sold it.

More as I think of them.

[Impossibles]

I stay away from HP/Compaq because all the bloatware they pre-install.

[JAC]

MDG: Do you even have to ask?

Bose: Over-marketed, over-priced, crap.

Monster: Over-priced, over-litigated.

Sony: Love my DVD player, but their rootkit fiascoes pissed me off.

Tiger Direct: Never buy anything with a rebate.

Frigidaire: Sucks, sucks, sucks.

ECS/PcChips: Not with a 10-foot pole.

OCZ: Over-priced rebrands.

Acer: Disposable computing at it's finest.

Mac: Laughably expensive. Not as infallible as some would have you believe.

Asus: Love 'em. Wouldn't use another brand.

Seagate: Love the drives, hate the lack of advance RMA in Canada.

[chiumanji]

Keep buying Seagate drives even though I've had two fail on me. No clue why I still buy them.

Used to like apple before their iPod success. never owned an Apple though, just always thought they looked nice.

Usually dislike Dell, but they have such good deals its hard to pass up. Money talks for me. Their 2005WFP changed my perspective on Dell a bit.

Always prefer Asus or Abit

Will always be a loyal Nintendo customer.

[Kaitlyn]

I'm definitely against Apple. I think they make a decent product and granted are innovative in their design, but their business revolves around advertising.

The iPod, for example... you don't get that much when you pay for it. There are other quality MP3 players that do a lot more and most are cheaper too. Cowon and iRiver to name a few

[Negotiator]

Don't EVER buy ANYTHING with tons of features. The more features - the more chance the thing will fail. Be it computer parts, electronics, cars - anything at all.

Was going to say "stay away from Dell and MDG computers" but now that I think about it, I try to stay away from ANY pre-configured computer. When I don't know what kind of parts is inside, every upgrade is a jeopardy. Beside - all computers always come with a lot of free pre-installed garbage software, and the first thing I do when have to deal with such computers of my friends - delete EVERY SINGLE ONE of those trial versions.

NEVER buy anything recently released. Until all the glitches are worked out and until prices drop dramatically.

I no longer like anything cheap. 'You get what you pay for' is now a standard of living - if something cheap costs $20, and good quality stuff $40 - that means that whatever you buy, is gonna cost you $20 - anything over that is for quality.

I got a thing agains Insignia even though I never owned any of their products. No idea where it started but somehow their cheap prices are scaring me.

[Aske001]

Sony - quality is job #103445678.

I swore off Sony 10 years ago after I had problems with about 5 expensive bits of Sony gear in a row, a rate far higher than any other brand-name electronics I've ever owned. I've never had cause to reconsider.

[contoursvt]

I agree with almost everything you have said Word for word.

The one thing that I did recently that goes against my normal behaviour is to try one of those scary TV sets. Even scarier than Insignia! Try "Dynex" from bestbuy. LOL. Picked up the 32" and you know what, it wasnt bad at all. Blacks could be darker but overall, great clarity and colour rendition. I'm usually very picky but I'm keeping it. Found the manufacturer to be AOC.

Oh one thing I will add. I hate Apple more than any other pre-built computer. I dont even know how to express the loathing and hatered for the stuff. Its the very proprietary nature that bothers me most as well as the horrible design of the mini and imacs when it comes to heat and upgradability. Yes its not their main concern but still its rubbing me the wrong way. Any computer with a logo of fruit needs to burn down. LOL

Don't EVER buy ANYTHING with tons of features. The more features - the more chance the thing will fail. Be it computer parts, electronics, cars - anything at all.

Was going to say "stay away from Dell and MDG computers" but now that I think about it, I try to stay away from ANY pre-configured computer. When I don't know what kind of parts is inside, every upgrade is a jeopardy. Beside - all computers always come with a lot of free pre-installed garbage software, and the first thing I do when have to deal with such computers of my friends - delete EVERY SINGLE ONE of those trial versions.

NEVER buy anything recently released. Until all the glitches are worked out and until prices drop dramatically.

I no longer like anything cheap. 'You get what you pay for' is now a standard of living - if something cheap costs $20, and good quality stuff $40 - that means that whatever you buy, is gonna cost you $20 - anything over that is for quality.

I got a thing agains Insignia even though I never owned any of their products. No idea where it started but somehow their cheap prices are scaring me.

[Trooper8111]

Used to hate anything coming out of Korea (Samsung, LG). Not anymore.

Sony is overpriced crap made of loads of plastic.

I'm very prejudiced against those extended warranties. Why is it that the more expensive the item is, they make it sound like it's the most fragile item on the planet?

[Fx45]

How about Monster?

How they justify their prices in their conscience is beyond me. I would never pay $150 for cables that I can get at monoprice for $6.95.

[fitbrit]

How about Monster?

How they justify their prices in their conscience is beyond me. I would never pay $150 for cables that I can get at monoprice for $6.95.

Agreed about Monster, but I have considered their stuff when it's the same price as cheapo equivalent items.