Wal-Mart can sell items so cheaply because, first they buy it at
discount prices in bulk. And, what they buy are often outdated and no
longer supported by the manufactorer. So the oem just wants to get rid
of those old version of computers getting dusky at the back of the
warehouse. My Dell Inspiron 1150 was $850 CAD because it was going out
of date.

You probably won't have a manufactorer's warranty on the computer you
buy, Wal-mart warranty won't replace that motherboard that you
'overheated' by leaving it in the sun.

But, if you plan to use it for email and internet only, I guess
Wal-mart is okay for that. (Otherwise, I would get a Dell)


Dave Boland wrote:
> We plan to purchase a computer form my parents, and they
> shop at Walmart and like it (no comments, please!). I know
> Walmart sells computers, but I have no experience with these
> brands or Walmart service and support. So I would like your
> help to see if this is wise, or get one from another company.
>
> I know that the family doesn't want a Mac (I disagree, but
> there reasoning is that they have Windows and could offer
> more assistance).
>
> What I'm looking for in a computer is:
>
> 1. Easy setup
> 2. Good performance for a given CPU and amount of memory
> 3. Low noise
> 4. High reliability and longevity
> 5. Good support. I can accept someone in India, but only if
> they are very knowlegible and there English is very good.
>
> The brands carried are:
> Acer
> Compaq
> eMachines
> Everex
> HP
> IC Power
> Microtel
> NASCAR // Parents not NASCAR fans, so...
> Salton
> SHUTTLE COMPUTERS
>
> Some of these brands may be better than others, so any
> advice would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Dave