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Console-style, home theatre computer Gold Class, 3-yr Warranty, $0 Shipping, Starting $1480

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Console-style, home theatre computer Gold Class, 3-yr Warranty, $0 Shipping, Starting $1480
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AssociatedPCorwin Tse on 08/07/2011 - 18:45 gold-rabbit.com (367 clicks)
Last edited 08/07/2011 - 18:47

Hi everyone,

We want to apologise for letting you down in our first offer and would like to make up for it. We hope to do better this time.

The OzBargain community will receive an extra discount on top of our introductory prices for our launch products. The link is a special page.

If you search on the net "home theatre PC" and look at our local pre-built computer competitors' prices and specs sheets, we think this offer is competitive.

Gold Class is a Windows Media Center PC that lets you do 5 things:

  • Play PC games in console-style
  • Play Blu-ray 3D or DVDs
  • Record and watch TV channels
  • Browse your media collection on TV using a remote
  • Enjoy Windows 7 Ultimate with responsive performance

All purchases are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and 3-year warranty and support.

$1480 (from $1800) - Gold Class with DVD:
(Hardware model names are examples only)
- Base score: 6.3 (2nd fastest speed level for Windows 7)
- Processor subscore: 6.3 - AMD Athlon II X2 255
- Memory (RAM) subscore: 6.3 - 4GB DDR3 memory
- Graphics subscore: 7.3 - AMD Radeon HD 6770
- Gaming graphics subscore: 7.3 AMD Radeon HD 6770
- Primary hard disk subscore: 7.4 - Intel X25-M SSD + 1.8TB usable HDD
- 2 × hard disk drive slots for quick storage expansion
- 4 × Xbox 360 Wireless Controller input support for multiplayer games
- 2 × digital TV tuners
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, S/PDIF, HDMI 1.4a, Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio output
- DVD burner; plays and burns DVDs
- Includes Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, wireless keyboard, Windows Media Center remote (may differ from image)
- Windows 7 Ultimate, Internet Explorer 9

$1850 (from $2240) - Gold Class with Blu-ray:
(Hardware model names are examples only)
- All of the above plus:
- Base score: 7.3 (Fastest speed level for Windows 7)
- Processor subscore: 7.3 - AMD Phenom II X4 840
- Memory (RAM) subscore: 7.3 - 4GB DDR3 memory
- Graphics subscore: 7.8 - AMD Radeon HD 6870
- Gaming graphics subscore: 7.8 - AMD Radeon HD 6870
- Primary hard disk subscore: 7.4 - Intel X25-M SSD + 1.8TB usable HDD
- Blu-ray burner; plays Blu-ray 3D and DVDs and burns Blu-ray Discs and DVDs
- Mini DisplayPort

Offer ends soon on 11 July 2011. Please check our website for more specs and details.

As always, feel free to ask questions and we'll do our best to get back to you as soon as we can.

Thanks for your time and the feedback you've given us and we hope you'll enjoy our new products.

Computing Gold Rabbit PC Windows Media Center

Related Stores

gold-rabbit.com
gold-rabbit.com

closed Comments

  • linkii on 08/07/2011 - 18:48
    +2

    stop spamming u already posted this a few days ago, it wasn't a bargain then and still isn't now

    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/48432

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 18:50
      -6

      Hi ko0l,

      Please consider comparing our offer against other pre-built home theatre PCs offered in Australia. We deliver more.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2011 - 19:05

        "we think this offer is competitive."
        It's not OzCompetitive…

  • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2011 - 18:48
    +1

    You're still ~$300 more expensive than your competitors with the same warranty promise.

    This is not a bargain.

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 18:53
      -2

      Hi tantryl,

      May you please list out those pre-built home theatre computer competitors?

      • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2011 - 19:04
        +1

        Intel X25-M 80GB 2.5 MLC Solid State Hard Drive 3.5"Kit Outofstock $217.00
        Three Year On site warranty(for $0-$3000)Umart System Build Only $100.00
        2 x KWorld Single Digital Tuner PCI $70.00
        Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit OEM $194.00
        Samsung 22X DVDRW Black SATA $26.00
        Kingston 4GB(1X 4GB) DDR3-1333MHZ $34.00
        ASRock N68-S3 UCC AM3 GeForce 7025 + nForce M/B $46.00
        AMD Athlon II X2 Dual Core 255 CPU AM3 3.1GHz (65W) $61.00
        Gigabyte GK-KM7580 2.4Ghz Wireless Multimedia Keyboard & Mouse $31.00
        Hunkey Power Case 550W Power Supply $20.00
        4 x Microsoft JR9-00012 XBox360 Wireless Controller Win USB $220.00
        Hitachi 2TB SATA 6.0Gbs 32M CoolSpin $85.00
        Sapphire HD6770 1G GDRR5 PCIE HDMI DP $126.00
        Silverstone GD06B Black Micro ATX Desktop Case $145.00
        Total $1375 from Umart.com.au
        Shipping varies from $20-$100

        So you're right, it's not ~$300 more. But it's not better than a competitor. And this is OzBargain, not OzNotACompleteRipOffThisTimeRound.

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:06
          -1

          Hi tantryl,

          There's also Bluetooth, Windows Media Center remote that we offer.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2011 - 19:11

          Bluetooth is $9 at Umart. The MCE remote - is that bundled with a specific HD TV card? If you could tell us a model, we can be more accurate.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2011 - 19:17

          Also, are your wireless controllers the official Microsoft models? The ones in my quote are.

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:20

          Hi tantryl,

          Yes they are official Microsoft hardware products.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2011 - 19:22

          And the Windows Ultimate comes with a COA?

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:25

          Hi tantryl,

          Sure, you get a beautifully printed Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity and hologram disc.

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:34

          Hi tantryl,

          The image shows the AIM RC 126 remote, but we may package in something else.

        • Lacerta on 08/07/2011 - 21:28

          Actually while the Gold Class has the capacity for 4 xbox controllers, it only comes with 1.
          (The quote above includes 4 controllers)

        • ozhunter on 08/07/2011 - 21:37
          • 4 × Xbox 360 Wireless Controller input support for multiplayer games

          It's probably just this
          http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Controller-Wireless-Gaming-Receiv…

          the deal only includes one 360 controller, not 4.

          And you forgot to mention that internet explorer 9 is included lol.

      • [Deactivated] on 09/07/2011 - 03:22

        I'm Confused.

        Corwin - is it the capacity for four wireless controllers, or are all controllers provided?

        Ditto on the 2x HDTV tuners.

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 09/07/2011 - 12:30

          Hi tantryl,

          Sorry for the confusion. It can accept up to 4 controllers and 1 is supplied with the unit. There are two HDTV tuners as well.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/07/2011 - 14:20

          In that case the $220 I put for controllers should be $55, and the Umart total is $1210.

          I was briefly unsure whether the deal was bad or not, now it's pretty clear.

  • kisschasy001 on 08/07/2011 - 18:49

    spam. crrrrrrrrap

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 20:39

      Hi kisschasy001,

      We are sorry to hear that.

  • Mikinoz on 08/07/2011 - 18:50
    +1

    Well done for at least making an attempt by lowering the price

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 18:52
      -1

      Mikinoz, thanks, we think this is competitive for pre-built home theatre computers.

  • King Tightarse on 08/07/2011 - 18:51

    Yeah, no one cares at this price point/

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 18:55
      -1

      Hi King Tightarse,

      We'd really like to hear how our pre-built home theatre computer competitors match this offer.

  • spliniter on 08/07/2011 - 18:52

    a good google search will do when making a bargain price :D

  • westoz_oo on 08/07/2011 - 18:56

    stop spamming you alrady lost your cred here

  • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 18:56

    Corwin Tse, follow my steps if you want to be successful on ozbargain.

    go to http://www.umart.com.au/newindex2.phtml?bid=2

    Add all the parts in your gold class computer to the cart

    Post total in ozbargain showing that your price is lower

    Be sure to include umart's 3 year warranty, and the build fee to make things fair.

    The price is a lot better this time, but you need to prove it!

    If you want me to do this for you

    please list EVERY SINGLE SPECIFICATION of your computers

    every brand of everything, model, type of motherboard etc.

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 18:59

      Hi samfisher5986,

      Thanks for your comment. Please consider there's a cost in time and know-how on designing and valiation pre-built computer specs that is not factored in when you go DIY.

      • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 19:00

        I do not understand.

        If you build the same thing at Umart, and they ship it to you, what is the difference?

        The customer has the exact same computer, regardless if they get it from you or Umart.

        Post your computer specs and I will let you know

        Answer me this
        Do you think its ok to sell a car but not tell the customer what is inside?
        Then why do you sell a computer and not tell the customer what is inside?

        You need to list everything. Me, the potential customer is asking for it.

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:10
          -4

          Hi samfisher5986,

          The difference is that we deliver a total experience, not just a PC.

        • Slide To Unlock on 08/07/2011 - 19:11

          it would be funny if he told u all the parts and bought them all then sold it for $800-$1000 instead of $1480 and become super successfull and get more green than red at ozbargain

        • Slide To Unlock on 08/07/2011 - 19:15

          so do umart make the computers for u?Coz that would be epic

        • PainToad on 08/07/2011 - 19:19

          Samfisher

          You can build a computer, we get it. You aren't the target market, grasp that fact!

          If I could build a car cheaper than what Ford charge, I could save money on that too. But I can't, so I pay extra. Just like some people don't know what parts are needed in a computer and have to pay extra fr the service.

          Stop harassing this guy. You've made your point, move on.

          mod - removed attack and kept point

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:57

          Hi Slide To Unlock,

          "so do umart make the computers for u?Coz that would be epic"

          We take pride in building our own computers.

        • AntMan76 on 10/07/2011 - 21:42

          Whew! Now I know what the price of a total experience is.

  • Slide To Unlock on 08/07/2011 - 18:59
    +1

    This is a pretty good price i would of bought it only if it was sold at a retail store where i could complain if it broke or something if u made it like $1300 or just $1400 it looked better than $1480

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:01

      Hi Slide To Unlock,

      We have delivery to pick up your computer for all warranty repairs.

  • King Tightarse on 08/07/2011 - 19:09
    +1

    I'll rephrase.

    Corwin, this product seems a little "nichey" and not perhaps best suited to the expert penny-pinchers and relentless tightwads here on Ozbargain. I mean we are talking about people who will happily walk across town to save a dollar on a burger….
    Maybe an actual retail store is more the go?

    Anyway you seem to have excellent manners!
    Cudos. :)

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:15
      +1

      Hi King Tightarse,

      Thank you for the advice, we have a lot to learn about the market. = )

      • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 19:16

        Do yous have an eBay shop? That might be a good place to gain some additional sales

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:17

          Hi xDEFiNE,

          We'll explore that avenue. Thanks very much for the suggestion. = )

  • PainToad on 08/07/2011 - 19:21
    +3

    Corwin you have a good idea, don't give up.

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:23
      +1

      Hi PainToad,

      You give me hope. Thank you for that. = )

  • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2011 - 19:24

    price is average for an average pc, you can save more if you source the parts yourself and build it yourself, if you are not tech savvy and have the cash to spare then why not, but i dont think this is a deal, no offence

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 20:03

      Hi deptraisteve,

      We think there's more to computers than just parts and specs. It's the totality of selected parts that brings a special kind of Windows experience. For example, with our selection of accessories and processors, we brought high-def console gaming to the home theatre.

    • furythree on 08/07/2011 - 21:28
      +2

      i swear if one more idiot compares a prebuilt with buying parts…
      you must all think ur so smart, but cant figure out this one key distinguisher

  • Ughhh on 08/07/2011 - 19:26
    +2

    Not sure whether this is a good deal or not, but at least the Rep is responding to peoples enquiries here and trying to make a good deal, rather than a 'post and run'.

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:28
      +1

      Hi JLove,

      Thanks for your comment. We try our best.

  • sunnyii on 08/07/2011 - 19:33

    Why don't you try and post it on ebay to sell?

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:36

      Hi sunnyii,

      We're still testing the waters, but we'll think about that. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • scrimshaw on 08/07/2011 - 19:33

    http://i.imgur.com/YjWJm.jpg

    Here is my $1120 build (not including shipping or building fees). Does not include keyboard but I'm sure a basic logitech Wireless KB will only set you back $40.

    So for $1480 prebuilt and with warranty service backing it, this could potentially be a good deal but until you reveal what the actual specifications (components) being used are, this doesn't get my + vote.

    If you're selling a $1400+ computer I would expect quality components and not some yum-cha power supply, cheap motherboard or hard drive.

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:50

      Hi scrimshaw,

      Here's what you may get for the DVD model but we only guarantee Windows Experience Index scores:

      Case: Silverstone GD06
      Motherboard: M4A88TD-M
      CPU: Athlon II X2 255
      GPU: Radeon HD 6770
      Memory: 4GB DDR3 1333
      OS: Windows 7 Ultimate
      HDD: Intel X25-M + 1.8TB HDD
      Tuner: Avermedia Dual Tuner
      ODD: DVD
      Microsoft Arc Keyboard, Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, AIM RC126, Bluetooth

      I'll post more in a bit.

      • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 19:52

        what 2TB hard drive is that
        I'm assuming the Windows 7 ultimate is 64bit?
        And what DVD burner is it.

        • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 19:58

          Best guess is a Samsung, maybe the eco model? Or the western digital caviar green. All the components he's using seem to be pretty good quality

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 20:09

          Hi xDEFiNE,

          We use Samsung for optical drives. We also use WD or Seagate 5400RPM drives. But again, we only spec our PCs against the Windows Experience Index and the hard drive and memory capacities.

      • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 19:56

        Good choice of motherboard! And best of luck with your business, you seem very kind and helpful

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:59

          Hi xDEFiNE,

          Thank you for your comments. = )

  • dan199 on 08/07/2011 - 19:36
    +6

    Ok, I think I'm starting to get Corwin's point.

    People like me who are both tech savvy and tight arses will spend days or weeks trawling the internet reading reviews/forums trying to pick the best pieces to make an epic PC. Corwin is saying, don't worry about that, I've already done all that hard work for you. So the reason he's not posting exact specs, is because in doing so he'd be giving away that hard work for free.

    In some ways that's fair enough, but to be perfectly honest because I am tech savvy I would never buy a complete PC unless A) I knew exactly every part in it, and B) I couldn't source the sum of those individual parts cheaper.

    I can see that there might be other people out there that couldn't be bothered and just want to buy something complete. But there are already places that mostly do this, umart as listed earlier for example. For you to succeed in this you're going to have to establish a point of difference between you and places like umart. Why should people buy from you instead of umart?

    You've got your work cut out for you Corwin but good on you for having a go, and persisting in the face of some misunderstanding critics. I think you will have a difficult time making this work, but I wish you best of luck.

    • scrimshaw on 08/07/2011 - 19:44
      +1

      I think his method of differentiation is service. Free shipping + 3 years RTB warranty is the main thing he's trying to promote, but unfortunately, when people think of HTPC's they tend to be low power, budget systems which are only used for watching media/recording but not for gaming.

      After all a PS3 is only $300~399 and it already functions as a home theatre system. Those inclined to run Windows would purchase a sub $500 Atom/ION2 or AMD E350 based system to do their computing in the living room or to record TV shows.

      He's trying to sell a niche product (high end HTPC) to a primarily tech savvy audience (Ozbargain), of course he's going to get negged.

      • Mikinoz on 08/07/2011 - 19:48
        +1

        You make a good point if its the service and warranty thats costing the extra money, especially for a company with no reputation to be able to check.

        Its a hard sell from the reputation without evidence of any.

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 20:16

      Hi dan199,

      Thanks very much for the advice. Our main goal was to remove the somewhat cryptic component model numbers with something understandable to consumers. Everything else was secondary.

      Thanks once again for the comments. = )

  • chickentaste on 08/07/2011 - 19:46
    +1

    Hi Corwin, sorry, this is not what I'd consider a bargain, but good luck to you. I don't think Ozbargain is really the best place for you to sell bespoke $1500 home theatre PCs but props to you for some good-quality repping.

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 19:53

      Hi chickentaste,

      We give it our best here. Thanks for the comment. = )

  • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 19:49
    -8

    aldedesign, Hmmm, cjmac, Slide To Unlock, and anyone else who needs everything to be explained, again….

    Umart Online (as well as other computer shops I can recommend you) will build this exact same computer for less, they will put it together, give you 3 years warranty and deliver it to your door.

    My 80 year old grandma, who has never used a computer in her life can purchase this, so you can too.

    Umart have been around for a long time and are trusted among business's as well.

    Corwin Tse is REFUSING to post the complete specifications for his computer. (he just posted some more specs a minute ago, waiting for the last few parts now)

    We don't know what brands he is using, we don't know what motherboard it is, and the limited information he did tell us, he doesn't show on his website.

    tantryl's post is simply an estimate until we know the real specs of the computer.

    It could turn out that Corwin Tse's computer build is cheaper, but how can we know that until we know what is inside it? we have very limited information.

    I am really disappointed at some people who think that not knowing what is inside a computer means that its perfect for people who are not computer savvy. I am really disappointed that people do not realise that a decent computer shop will do the same thing, cheaper and with a warranty you can rely on.

    • PainToad on 08/07/2011 - 19:58
      +4

      Your 80 year old grandmother knows what motherboard and CPU match?

      mod - personal attack removed

      • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:00

        I never said she needs to pick the parts, umart have prebuilt systems with the same value.

        Making ozbargainers pay a premium for no reason is wrong.

        • PainToad on 08/07/2011 - 20:02

          Show me their HTPC prebuilt system.

        • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:08

          http://www.umart.com.au/pro/products_listnew.phtml?id=10&id2…

          More appropriate for a HTPC as well

          (obviously case is always up to opinion)

          Reguardless, ANYTHING you buy from umart will have the same good value parts.

          In addition, my grandma can call or go into the umart store (yes they have a physical store!, yes! you have someone to yell at if something goes wrong!)

          She can say she wants a HTPC, gaming whatever whatever and they will personally pick the best parts for her.

          Simple as that.

          If something goes wrong, and you don't know what is wrong, you need to ship the computer back to "gold rabbit" you lose your computer for quite a long time.

          if something goes wrong at UMART, you take it to their Service Centre and they will sort it out SAME DAY

        • PainToad on 08/07/2011 - 20:16

          No TV Card.

        • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:18

          Then add one.. Avermedia TwinStar USB 3D DVB-T tunner embedded HDTV $72.00

          A customer should tell UMART they want to watch TV on it.

          My point is that BLINDLY buying something on the internet is silly.

          You should go into a computer shop and tell them exactly what you want.

    • furythree on 08/07/2011 - 21:32
      -1

      does dell and apple tell you the exact brand and specs of parts they use?
      obvious troll is obvious

      • hfhf on 11/07/2011 - 15:26

        A large portion of the money you spend on an Apple computer goes into the after-purchase service provided. The issue here is, the extra cost in this "bargain" goes into a honor-bound but not insured warranty offered by Gold Rabbit. Would it be of an issue if Apple collapse tomorrow? No. Would it be of an issue if Gold Rabbit takes off tomorrow? Yes.

  • striker5950 on 08/07/2011 - 19:55

    meh

  • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:06
    -1

    here you go

    Two things to point out
    1. UMART 3 year warranty is backed up by an insurance company that pays UMART. Rep has not mentioned what he is doing, I hope he isn't planning to compensate out of his own pocket
    2. You can still spend $1480 and he could disappear tomorrow.

    Umart: $1368 Delivered, 3 year warranty
    Gold Rabbit: $1480 Delivered, 3 year warranty (Rep has yet to say how this warranty is backed up.

    Three Year On site warranty(for $0-$3000)Umart System Build Only $100.00
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit OEM $194.00
    Samsung 22X DVDRW Black SATA $26.00
    Avermedia TwinStar USB 3D DVB-T tunner embedded HDTV $72.00
    OCZ 120G Vertex II E Series SSD $209.00
    Microsoft ARC keyboard Black $49.00
    AMD Athlon II X2 Dual Core 255 CPU AM3 3.1GHz (65W) $61.00
    Kingmax 4G PC-10600 1333MHZ DDR3 Single Stick $33.00
    Asus M4A88TD-M AM3 880G 4DDR3 PCIE RAID VGA GLAN HDMI SATA3 mATX $91.00
    Microsoft JR9-00012 XBox360 Wireless Controller Win USB $55.00
    Hitachi 2TB SATA 6.0Gbs 32M CoolSpin $85.00
    Sapphire HD6770 1G GDRR5 PCIE HDMI DP $126.00
    Silverstone GD06B Black Micro ATX Desktop Case $145.00
    AIM RC126 $22.00
    Build Fee: $100.00

    Total $1,368.00

    • PainToad on 08/07/2011 - 20:09

      This isn't prebuilt, so the person would need to know what parts are compatible.

      Once again, show me a prebuilt HTPC from umart for cheaper.

      • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:12
        -1

        As mentioned

        You can call UMART or walk in and ask for whatever you want and they will do everything for you.

        I already posted a cheaper HTPC.

        If something goes wrong, and you don't know what is wrong, you need to ship the computer back to "gold rabbit" you lose your computer for quite a long time.

        if something goes wrong at UMART, you take it to their Service Centre and they will sort it out SAME DAY

        And guess what!

        You can print out the GOLD RABBIT page, bring it into UMART and they will do everything for you.

        • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 20:18

          Stop being immature. We GET IT.

          EDIT: Damn I wish there wasn't a limit of 5 negatives a day

        • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:19

          xDEFINE, you might get it, but some other people do not.

          Otherwise we wouldn't be debating weather this is a bargain.

    • Lacerta on 08/07/2011 - 21:39
      1. UMART 3 year warranty is backed up by an insurance company that pays UMART. Rep has not mentioned what he is doing, I hope he isn't planning to compensate out of his own pocket

      That is my concern too. In the comments of the last deal the rep indicated that they were honour-bound (but not insured) to supply the 3-year warranty.

  • CarbonTwelve on 08/07/2011 - 20:22

    To me, the biggest issue here is not so much the price, but the decisions made for selling a HTPC. Specifically:

    1. Why in the world does a HTPC need Win 7 Ultimate? Home Premium is more than enough for 99% of peoples' needs, and if they do need Ultimate you can pretty much guarantee they're not going to be buying prebuilt from you.

    2. DVD only in a $1500 HTPC. People can build a perfectly capable HTPC for ~$600-700 that includes BluRay. A BluRay reader drive only costs ~$80, so it's pretty silly not to include one in a $1500 HTPC.

    3. Xbox controller - I know you're trying to make it a console equivalent HTPC, but that's a very niche market and given how few PC games are well designed for a controller that aren't available cheaper with a console I really don't think it's a good idea to include one as standard.

    • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:24

      Besides the fact that your computer can become a brick in 1 week and there is no evidence that this business will be around. And no evidence that his 3 year warranty is real.

      • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 20:29

        I guess you could say so. The seller looks decent. And anyway the chance of you're computer being "bricked" in a week is very unlikely, even to become faulty at all with the parts he's using. Most of the time its the users fault lol, messing around in the bios, trying to reinstall windows, getting viruses

        • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:40

          Actually if your computer is going to fail, it often happens within the first 7 days, and if not it is most likely to happen after a year.

          Its a combination of user and hardware fault, hardware fails all the time unfortunately.

    • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 20:29

      Hi CarbonTwelve,

      We'll share some reasoning.

      1. We want to serve that 1% of users. It's about the best Windows experience you can get.
      2. For Blu-ray playback, Windows 7 also requires a separate decoder which also costs.
      3. We think including one makes people aware that PC gaming can be played differently.
      • CarbonTwelve on 08/07/2011 - 20:48

        1. Please tell me exactly which Win 7 Ultimate feature you believe will provide a better experience on a HTPC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions

        2. To play in Windows Media Player, yes, you need a separate codec, however many BluRay players will come with software that provides it, or otherwise just install one yourself - again, a $1500 HTPC that doesn't play BluRays is stupid IMO.

        3. Except that making them aware of that adds to the costs for something which most people who buy it either already have one or don't need one, making your system just that much more unlikely to be bought than some competitor's one.

  • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 20:25

    Yes, I know. I'm sitting here right now on my pre-built $800 gaming pc from umart. Their a good service. But this guy isn't offering a bad service either. For some people (like me and you) it's easy for us to say that we can go into umart and get the parts and build it ourselfs,but for 95% of the population it would just be better buying a decent pre-built HTPC. The rep's being honest, he's not offering a bad price, you've mentioned more than twice about umart….

    • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:27

      What happens for 95% of the population when the computer stops working?

      If the business is still around how long will you be without your computer?

      Can you afford to lose $1480 if the business closes down?

      Remember to think of it from a regular persons point of view, they don't know what is wrong with the computer, and they might need it for work etc…

      Its just a bad idea….

      Also I'm not saying the Rep shouldn't sell computers, I'm saying its not suitable as a bargain, something he is trying to pass it off as.

      He seems like a nice guy, but that doesn't mean we should all give him thousands of dollars!

      • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 20:31

        Maybe. IF the business is down. And IF the computer fails. The chance is pretty low, a good 80 - 90% of the time the fault is caused by the user. And IF the computer does fail and IF the business is closed, you can pay a computer technician $80 to fix it?

        Most people would have a friend, or have a friend who knows a friend that could fix it for free, anyway.

        • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:33
          1. a decent percentage of business's fail within the first year, can't remember the exact facts
          2. he is offering an extra 2 years on top of the standard warranty, he either needs to pay out of his own pocket or use an insurance company.
          3. As mentioned, you will lose your computer for quite a while if something goes wrong.

          Also the computer technician you pay will cost $80 for the labour most likely if you are very lucky.

          If the SSD fails and you can't return it, that will cost you $200, and so on…

          Source: I work in IT, I do outcalls as a computer tech as a side business, and I used to sell computers to customers. These days I provide free quotes to anyone that asks instead so they get the best deal.

          Probably most important of all

          He said $1800 was a bargain

          now its $1480.

          If he was an honest person it would have been $1480 to begin with, that's a huge margin.

        • AssociatedCorwin Tse @ gold-rabbit.com on 08/07/2011 - 20:45

          Hi samfisher5986,

          We think $1800 is competitive for the innovation we bring to the pre-built home theatre PC market. However, we were a little lost when we were compared against DIY here. We listened to feedback for a special discount for this community hence we offered this extra offer.

        • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:46

          Corwin Tse

          I give out computer quotes for free , even to strangers that ask.

          Should I be asking for $400 because I am bringing innovation to their quote?

          Each quote IS unique, that doesn't make it innovation….

  • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 20:40

    I doubt it. Don't forget about manufactures warranty - Most of the parts in that computer would have 3 - 5 years manufacture warranty (excluding the accessories)

    As long as you can get the serial number - the part is traceable.

    And yes, he can pay out of his own pocket!? Assuming something did go wrong, it might only be a loose cable on the motherboard, a fauly hard drive or motherboard etc. And once he'd ruled out what was causing the problem, he would have contacted the manufacture and requested an RA (return authorisation) number!

    There we go again! Manufactures warranty! :P

    It's not like as soon as a customer returns the computer to him he is going to have to pay $1000 for a new one…

    • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:42

      That isn't correct unfortunately.

      The Intel SSD, and Intel CPU has a 3 year+ warranty.

      From memory nothing else has a 3 year warranty, if I'm unlucky I've perhaps missed one part that might also have a 3 year warranty.

      Still a very small portion of the computer is covered, and the Rep will have to pay out of his pocket if he is not insured.

      Example: If the video card fails within 3 years, he's probably already lost the profit he made from this sale

      How can he not go out of business? History has told us that owners will leave the country or declare bankruptcy and then they don't have to worry about warranty and losing thousands of dollars in repairs.

      • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 20:48

        I think from memory the Asus motherboard has 5 years manufacture warranty (correct me if I'm wrong), the RAM, depending on the brand will have a 3 - 5 year manufacture warranty. Hmm… not sure about the case.

        Yes, you are correct. THe solid state drive and processor has 3y + manufacture warranty. Isn't he offering a 3 year warranty? :P

        (Not that processors have a high failure rate, anyway)

        Most of the parts that typically go wrong in a computer ( The motherboard, PSU, RAM, Graphics card) Are most likely covered under 3 years manufacture warranty.

        Right? You'd know all this.

        EDIT: "However, we were a little lost when we were compared against DIY here. We listened to feedback for a special discount for this community hence we offered this extra offer."

        Wasn't that basically what I just said a moment ago?

        • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:53

          Actually I just saw that Asus motherboard do have a 3 year warranty.

          But I did check and the Video card, remote, keyboard, tv tuner, dvd burner and case (important for failing fans etc) do not have a 3 year warranty.

          Not sure about the xbox controllers…

          There is a reason why computer shops use insurance companies when providing extended warranties.

      • CarbonTwelve on 08/07/2011 - 20:50
        +1

        RAM usually has lifetime warranty, and many motherboards have 3 year warranties too. Quite often a vid card will, but less likely than others.

        Still, you don't know that he isn't using an insurance company to provide the warranty. Bit of an unfair assumption to suggest it'll all go bust.

        • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:54

          I have asked quite a few times, even in the previous topic and received no response.

          For a rep to not answer questions, I can only assume the worst can't I?

          $1480 is not something you gamble on, I would not be so vocal if this was a $100 purchase.

  • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 20:43

    That's a $300 margin. Us OzBargainers were disappointed, so he reduced the price. He may have though that was a good price. And it happens all the time here, you see reps post a deal that.. well sucks. It gets negged, and a few weeks later they come back with a good deal.

    • samfisher5986 on 08/07/2011 - 20:45

      I can see why it might seem that way.

      But it was mentioned a million times that it was too expensive, and he kept saying it wasn't.

      He really hasn't shown that he is truly trying to give us a bargain.

      There are plenty of reps on ozbargain that truly try to give us the lowest price possible.

  • ozb-442 on 08/07/2011 - 21:02

    Yes, true. But all those parts you mentioned are just accessories, small things, if they fail it won't affect the whole computer.

    Saphire don't offer a 3 year manufacture warranty?

    Silverstone is a reliable brand, yes the case could fail ( how does a case exactly fail)? But if it did all he would have to do is buy a new 120mm fan for $15. Am I not right?

    I think the fans that are included with the Silverstone has a 50 000hr guarantee depending on the ball bearings their using.

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