>True. Having a true OS CD, vs. Compaq's disk image including all their crap is much nicer. I've never had a problem putting a 3rd party NIC in any Compaq that I've tried, anyways.
>

Absoutely. It's one thing if it's a box at my local site - I've got an MSDN Universal, so I have a current copy of the OS, and there's an OEM license that cam with the box IAC. It's another issue when that might be the only machine at someone else's business. Bad enough talking someone through a basic reinstall of the OS over the phone because they installed something squirrelly and need to put back the original OS - not an option if all you have is the image disk. I don't know of anyone who actually goes ahead and makes up the 6,792 floppy disks (OK, a slight exagerration) from the hard disk images.

>>
>>If you get the impression that I don't like Compaq, well, you're right. I'd rather write COBOL than use the low-end Compaqs. I'd rather debug uncommented APL than use the low-end Compaqs. I'd rather stick bare wires in an electric socket and play PD Voltage Tester than rely on Compaq...
>
>Come on now, tell us how you really feel, Ed. Don't hold back.... ;)
>

Compaq is Satan incarnate

I feel much better now...

>We had those problems when we used to get our Acer boards through TechData or Ingram, but since we switched to a more local supplier for them, no more problems. And usually, we don't need to order more of the same too much later, we buy a whole bunch all at the same time, and we get the same parts. Sometimes we do get a different rev BIOS if we order them in separate batches, but it's the same board.
>

In general, if I need a bunch of machines all alike, I'd rather buy something like the eMachine or HP box and make minor additions - I stopped imagining that there was money in building custom boxes a while ago, and if the box came pre-configured, I'm not putting my butt on the line for warranty and baseline tech support. YMMV, but I like it when the box has color coded connectors and a big,friendly picture that the average 4 year old can use to put the machine together. If pops can't figure it out for himself, just drag one of the youngsters in from home...