Get IT Right the First Time!

We'd like to first start off by thanking everyone for taking the time to visit our home on the web. If it weren't for you, we would not exist. Note that these are company profiles only! They are not OUR preference systems or manufacturers! I have done the research so you don't have to. I will add more to the list as time permits. If you'd like "preference" systems or hardware, drop me a line - I will do some research and get back to you in a timely manner.

Microsoft vs Apple -

Microsoft - Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates in 1975. They employ over 60,000 people worldwide - 40,000 here in the USA (30,000 in Washington state). Net Revenue for 2005 was about $40 billion. Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services, and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Quick Facts:

Bill Gates' net worth tops $58 BILLION! He could lose $1 Billion a week for a year straight and still be considered a billionaire! Amazing!

Bill and Melinda Gates run the world's largest philanthropic association: http://www.gatesfoundation.org/MediaCenter/FactSheet/default.htm

Apple - Founded in 1976, Steve Jobs started his technological career at Atari, the world renown game console manufacturer. (Input needed by Mac users - please send me some info via e-mail and I will update this area).

Lets see what Apple brings to the table:

iPod: iPod is a popular brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple Inc. and launched on October 23, 2001. As of 2008, the product line-up includes the hard drive-based iPod Classic, the touchscreen iPod Touch, the video-capable iPod Nano, the screenless iPod Shuffle and the iPhone. Former products include the compact iPod MiniiPod Photo (since reintegrated into the main iPod Classic line). iPod Classic models store media on an internal hard drive, while all other models use flash memory to enable their smaller size (the discontinued Mini used a Microdrive miniature hard drive). As with many other digital music players, iPods, excluding the iPod Touch, can also serve as external data storage devices. Storage capacity varies by model. and the spin-off

iTunes: Whats not to like? Apple iTunes rules the iPod user's world. With it's simple user interface, and streamlined Playlist creator, what we have here is the world's #1 media player. Bundled with Quicktime, you have a very solid media foundation.

iPhone: The iPhone is an internet-connected multimedia smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. with a flush multi-touch screen and a minimal hardware interface. Lacking a physical keyboard, a virtual keyboard is rendered on the touch screen. The iPhone's functions include those of a camera phone and portable media player (equivalent to the iPod) in addition to text messaging and visual voicemail. It also offers Internet services including e-mail, web browsing, and local Wi-Fi connectivity. The first generation phone hardware was quad-band GSM with EDGE; the second generation also adds UMTS with HSDPA.^[11]

iPod Touch: The iPod Touch has the iPhone's multi-touch interface, with a physical home button off the touch screen. The home screen has a list of buttons for the available applications. All iPod Touch models have included the applications Music, Videos, and Photos (collectively duplicating the standard functions of the iPod classic), iTunesWi-Fi Music Store), Safari, YouTube, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Calculator, and Settings. Later models added Mail (accessing POP/IMAP/SMTP e-mail), Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather, which could also be added to the earlier models with the purchase of a software upgrade. Direct links to web sites can be added to the home screen by the user.

Intel vs AMD - The Battle!

Intel - With it's new Core Duo / Core 2 Duo/ Extreme processor, Intel is back in the game - hard!! The newest offering from Intel offers a speedy dual-core 3.4Ghz Extreme processor. Out of the box, this processor is blazing fast and stable too! Some of the hardcore IT pros are overclocking this chip to 3.93Ghz! That's crazy!! Keep your eye out on this chip. Right now they are pricey, somewhere around $975.00 (www.newegg.com) ... but for the true enthusiast, it may be worth it's weight in Intel gold!

AMD - You can't sleep on a CPU giant. For about two years straight, AMD has SPANKED Intel in the processor division many times over. The FX-57- FX-62 chips are very, very fast. Up until Intel came through with the Core Duo series CPUs, AMD had consistently delivered a fast, solid CPU. And the numbers show. Keep an eye on AMD's latest offering - the Athalon x2 processor. Allows both high-performance 32-bit and 64-bit computing, offering end users an easy, compelling and affordable means to take advantage of tomorrow's emerging applications.

AMD also dropped two new CPUs recently;

x3 8000: Triple-core processing. When paired with the AMD 780 series chipset, AMD Phenom X3 processors can deliver significant enhancements in gaming and high-definition experiences for mainstream PC customers. This AMD desktop solution can provide a full HD experience with support for the latest and most demanding formats, including VC-1, MPEG-2 and H.264 on a mainstream PC.

x4 9000: Quad-core processing. The initial Phenom 9500 and 9600 release did not go off without some difficulties, and although the new quad core AMD line provided an excellent mainstream value, there was no answer to the high-end Core 2 models. Even the higher-speed Phenom 9900 didn't clear up all the issues, and when you add in a highly publicized TLB errata and the lack of any dual or tri-core Phenom models, AMD had some questions to answer. One interesting response was to reward their loyal fans by introducing a new unlocked Phenom 9600 Black Edition.

Black Edition: Deliver more sophisticated solutions with the leading-edge technology of AMD Phenom 9000 Series processor. Built from the ground up for true quad-core performance, AMD Phenom 9000 Series processors incorporate a unified high-speed L3 cache and high-speed DDR2 memory. Speed through complex multitasking, critical business productivity, advanced visual design and modeling and visually stunning digital media and entertainment.

Dell vs HP

Dell - With an estimated earnings of $56 billion in 2005, Dell has become the hands down winner in over-all computer sales worldwide. Employing over 96,000 people, Dell has a strong hold on the market share for computers and peripherals, and is destined to stay on top with it's corporate culture and attitude. Dell's vision is a simple one: to sell computers and technology directly to the people who need them.

HP - HP has been an extremely powerful force in the server/computer/printer area. Founded in 1939, HP has always strived for performance and stability worldwide. One of HP's first customers was Walt Disney Studios. They now employ over 141,000 people worldwide with revenue of over $56 billion in 2005. As of June 24, 2007 HP is now #1 in the consumer desktop & laptop division worldwide.

nVidia vs ATI -

nVidia - NVIDIA was founded in 1993, and has over 4,000 employees worldwide! NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA) is the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies.

The Company creates innovative, industry-changing products for computing, consumer electronics, and mobile devices. The NVIDIA® graphics processing unit (GPU) and media and communications processor (MCP) brands include NVIDIA GeForce®, NVIDIA GoForce®, NVIDIA Quadro®, and NVIDIA nForce®. These product families are transforming visually-rich applications such as video games, film production, broadcasting, industrial design, space exploration, and medical imaging.

ATI - (Owned and operated by AMD) Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD designs and produces innovative microprocessor and graphics and media solutions for the computer, communications, and consumer electronics industries. Beginning in 1985, ATI began developement and manufacturing of it's first graphics controller and graphics board. Partnered up with IBM and Commodore, AMD/ATI was shipping 7000 graphics cards / chips per week!

Memory -

Crucial - The Crucial story starts with Micron Technology, Inc., one of the largest dynamic random access memory (DRAM) manufacturers in the world and the only one based in the U.S. Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Micron manufactures DRAM chips and assembles them into high-quality memory modules for sale to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") worldwide.

For nearly three decades, Micron has learned that when you make some of the very best memory in the world, lots of companies want it, from computer makers to wireless device manufacturers to printer producers. (And we're really glad that they do!)

But then Micron asked, well, what about the end user? What about the everyday folks who want to upgrade their existing systems with OEM-quality memory — the home desktop user, the IT network guy, the student notebook user? Why don't we offer our memory to the public, at factory-direct pricing?

So in 1996, Micron responded to a growing demand for high-quality memory upgrades among end users who wanted the best possible performance from their systems. Micron launched Crucial Technology in September of that year, and for the first time, end users had the opportunity to buy directly from the manufacturer the same memory modules bought by the world's major OEMs for original installation in their systems.

Edge - EDGE Tech Corp, an ISO 9001:2000 certified company founded in 1986, is a leading supplier of DRAM and Flash memory upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices, and other experience-enhancing technology solutions.

At the age of 14, EDGE's president and CEO Jeff Thompson began the company with $2500 he had saved from a newspaper route. Today EDGE is one of the largest and most respected companies in its industry.

EDGE is a channel-focused manufacturer, building long-term partnerships with distributors and resellers who demand the highest level of service and support from their vendor-partners.

EDGE's DRAM-based memory product line offers upgrade solutions for desktops, notebooks, servers, printers, hubs and routers.

PNY - Established in 1985, PNY Technologies, Inc. delivers a full spectrum of high-quality products for everything in and around the computer. PNY is a leading manufacturer and supplier of computer graphics accelerator cards for consumers and professional graphics boards for professionals, memory upgrade modules, Flash Media and Flash peripherals. PNY products are used by a number of Fortune 500 OEM customers for applications that range from high-end computing and Internet/telecommunications infrastructure equipment to desktop, notebook and network servers. The company's retail product line includes products used in a growing number of consumer electronics devices, such as personal computers, digital cameras and PDA devices. PNY products are now available at major retail outlets, mail order outlets, online retailers, value-added resellers and distribution channels throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Throughout its history, PNY has helped to redefine itself by delivering segmented product lines targeted to specific groups of computer enthusiasts, including the youth market, computer programmers, systems designers, digital animators, engineers, presentation professionals and graphic artists. In tailoring its product lines to these specific consumer groups, PNY has built substantial brand equity, and established meaningful relationships with retailers and consumers alike. The company further supports its dealers and customers with toll-free technical support, a lifetime warranty and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. As a result, PNY has earned its position among the most respected companies in the industry.

Kingston - Kingston Technology Company, Inc. is the world’s independent memory leader.

Founded in 1987 with a single product offering, Kingston® now offers more than 2,000 memory products that support nearly every device that uses memory, from computers, servers and printers to MP3 players, digital cameras and cell phones. In 2006, the company's sales exceeded $3.7 billion.

With global headquarters in Fountain Valley, California, Kingston employs more than 3,300 people worldwide. Regarded as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in America” by Fortune magazine, Kingston’s tenets of respect, loyalty, flexibility and integrity create an exemplary corporate culture. Kingston believes that investing in its people is essential, and each employee is a vital part of Kingston’s success. Kingston serves an international network of distributors, resellers, retailers and OEM customers on six continents. The company also provides contract manufacturing and supply chain management services for semiconductor manufacturers and system OEMs.

Budget Systems -

Acer - One of my personal favorites, Acer has been around for quite awhile, and by their sales numbers, they aren't going anywhere soon. Among the top 5 manufacturers in the world, Acer has come through for me many times with solid budget systems that are reliable and stable too. Highly recommended.

E-Machines - (owned by Acer) E-Machines came about in 1998. Since inception, they have sold over 50 million computers worldwide. Acquired by Gateway, Inc. in 2004, E-Machines remains a stand-alone brand that is sold through major retailers throughout the United States.