How to choose a computer store

I’ve never purchased a computer or components from a big box store like Best Buy. And I’ve never had one repaired there either. Big box stores can be OK sources for household appliances and mobile phones. But they’re not really a good place to purchase a computer or to have one maintained.

Why NOT big box stores?

Big box stores are everywhere and most sell computers. Most have a few people on staff with some basic computer knowledge. Most of that staff cannot define the term CPU or differentiate a CPU from a core or a processor. Sometimes you get lucky and find someone on staff that really knows hardware and has heard of Linux.

The staff at big box stores are trained to sell you whatever they have in stock at that moment and not necessarily what best meets your needs. Sometimes you actually get what you really need if you manage to find the knowledgeable person.

The real problem with the big box stores is that you can only purchase what they have received from the manufacturer and that has been assembled into a few basic “one-size-fits-all” configurations that just might be appropriate for you or your business. They’re always happy to sell you more RAM or storage space that you’ll probably never need.

You will also be required to pay for a Windows license for a preinstalled copy of that OS which you do not need. That Microsoft tax runs from $99 to about $149 depending on whether it is a “home,” “pro,” or “server” license. It is the same basic operating system just a few different bits and a different price depending on how Microsoft expects you will use it.

But there’s a better place to purchase computers.

Choosing a computer store

We are fortunate here in central North Carolina to have, in addition to those big-box stores, a small, local chain called Intrex. They require applicants to take a technical test to ensure their level of knowledge. The staff also has at least some familiarity with Linux and can help you design the computer that works best for your needs.

A custom-built computer will give you the most hardware for any given price because it will be what you need and not what a manufacturer has decided that “most people” will accept. The best part is that you can purchase only the hardware and do not need to pay the Microsoft tax. I have never asked them but I suspect a couple of the Intrex staff use Linux and could probably install Linux.

The people at Intrex are also very good at repairs and reasonably priced, too. They are well-versed in cleaning malware and nagware from Windows computers.

I purchase as much of my hardware from this chain as possible. I especially like they can discuss my needs with them and provide recommendations for hardware. They can then build it and provide a warranty. They also have pre-designed and pre-built systems that can be purchased at good prices. Most times I already know what I want and give them a list of the parts needed. I then take the parts home and build the new computer myself. I like doing that but there is absolutely nothing that says you need to do that, too.

This type of computer store – if you can find one – is the best. They can help you determine what you need. In most cases, if they don’t already have it in stock, they can special order the required parts and build the computer when the parts arrive.

Search for “custom built computer store near me” to locate stores that provide this type of service. I was surprised at how many I did find.

On-line computer stores

In general, stay away from on-line computer stores. In many instances the on-line stores have only unused older equipment even equipment that has been refurbished. They usually mention that but it is not always easy to find that information.

There are some exceptions. I have purchased laptops from two different on-line stores that specialize in Linux.

System76

System76 is an excellent option for most desktop computers and especially laptops, a relatively new company located in Colorado that designs and builds their own line of desktops. They design the laptops but those are still being built in other countries. They are working to change that.

System76 installs their own version of Ubuntu, “PopOS!” Linux on every computer. They do not do Windows in any form. Their support staff is smart, knowledgeable, and very helpful. The parts they use are high quality and their laptop keyboards are excellent, they are backlit, and have a nice tactile feedback.

Because their computers are well designed and extremely well-built, System76 computers tend to be expensive but they are worth it. System76 where I have purchased all of my more recent laptops, provides lifetime support (but not warranty) and allows owners to repair their own laptops and desktops. I have done that a couple times.

I’ve had a System76 Oryx Pro 4 laptop (Core i7-8750H with 6 cores with HT, 32GB of RAM, two 500GB SSD storage devices) for about 7 years and am still very happy with it. It has had no problems of any kind so far. He did install Fedora, his preferred distribution, on it after using PopOS! for a few weeks. This is not a casual use laptop. It is intended as a substitute workstation when he is traveling. He has used it for audio/video recording and editing, and running multiple virtual machines (VM) during demonstrations and Linux training.

The System76 web site is https://system76.com/.

Emperor Linux

Emperor Linux, based in Atlanta, GA, deals exclusively in laptops. They obtain laptops from quality vendors and install Linux on them. This company will install any version of Linux that you want.

One of my previous laptops, a ThinkPad from the time when it was still an IBM product, was purchased from Emperor and it served me well for more than ten years. That laptop was also used as a workstation on-the-go. I used it for teaching Linux classes and it was also capable of running multiple VMs in that role.

The Emperor Linux web site is http://www.emperorlinux.com/.

Framework

Of course, if you’ve been reading my books and articles, you know that I build my own computers and repair them as well. Laptops are a bit different as — until recently with the company, FrameWork — it wasn’t possible to build one yourself. They also have desktop computers that can be built from Lego-like components that, like their laptops, enable both visual and functional customization.

I’ve not had the opportunity to purchase a computer of any kind from Framework, but I think my next one will be from them.

Linux User Groups for help

Your local Linux User Group (LUG) can help you find the best place to purchase a custom-built computer. Some of the members may offer to help you. If they do, take advantage of that because LUG members are always very smart and knowledgeable.

My local group is the Triangle Linux Users Group (TriLUG) and it has members across the U.S. in part because members move away but still like being part of this active group. Although in-person meetings were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, TriLUG maintained communications via its mailing lists and on-line video meet-ups. Like many groups it has monthly meetings with technical presentations, food now that regular meetings are in person again, and camaraderie.

The Fedora Project web site has a list of Linux User Groups that covers much of the world. If there is not a Linux user group near you, find one on the list and get involved from wherever you are.

LUG mailing lists and meetings are excellent places to ask questions and find assistance.

An Exception

There are always exceptions to every rule and MicroCenter is the one big box store you can trust because it’s all about computers and has a huge inventory in all locations. The link is for the store in Columbus, Ohio, their original location. The bottom of the page lists their other locations around the country.

A few years ago, I helped on of my grandsons purchase parts for his gaming computer. This was a great experience for both of us and the MicroCenter store in Tustin, CA (near Santa Anna) was packed with a wide range of products and lots of choices for everything. He had done his research so didn’t need much help, but not many grandparents can claim to help their grandkids with computers; it’s usually the other way around.

Final words

There are lots of good places to purchase computers, but they’re not always the most obvious. A little research into the stores available close to you can yield some gems that have the products and expertise to help you.

I do recommend checking with your local LUG as the best starting point as the members know the best places. If you can’t find a group on the Fedora Project web site, look for one in local technical colleges and universities.