PC Vendors

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I've had some experience buying PCs and peripherals over the years, including Dell, Compaq (now HP), Toshiba, Sony and OEM built computers and a range of other providers. Unless you can find significant savings I would recommend buying a name brand. Importantly you can get a range of support options from the larger vendors including easy access to their knowledgebase, technicians and problem resolution teams and access to useful things like updated driver and software downloads.
 

Of the name brands I give all high marks - I've had and used quality PCs from them all. I don't rate any Vendor higher than any other (all have their proponents and detractors - from good and bad experiences, usually relating to service), so its really down to the best deal on the day. Getting down to the bang for the buck I generally default to Dell as my first port of call when looking at new PCs, then look to HP, Toshiba and Sony to see if they can match price and specs. Amazon has some interesting deals on HP and other PCs vendors and is definitely worth a look and Fnac and Darty websites to round out cost comparisons but these non-vendor retailers lack build customisation options which is a drawback.
 

I have built PC myself from components up but pricing in France for PC components is nowhere near as cheap as it is in the US (the same goes for most hardware and software actually) and having them sent from the US isn't a viable option in a lot of cases. The net result is that unless it is a very highly speced machine where the vendors add high margin its unlikely I'd be able tot buy all the components locally for the cost of a name brand machine with similar specifications, already built.

One advantage that Dell seems to have (though I've not yet proven it or checked any other vendor compares) from when I last checked in with www.dell.fr is that they have a phone number to call where you can order your PC with English version of Windows and a QWERTY keyboard at no added cost, which will be useful when the time comes for English Speaking expatriates. The number I was told for this service was 0825 387 134. You customize the PC via their website (if you need to), call the number to order it with the UK version Windows and QWERTY keyboard and they deliver it to your door for 30 euros.