Re:You get what you pay for... (Score 2)

Hello... I personally think the price range Penguin proposes is quite fair for what you're getting... all high-quality top-notch Linux-compliant components that are rigorously tested... I believe Penguin was the first of the hardware-software-support "linux solutions providers" to offer a 72-hour burn-in process. And what the previous Slashdot poster said is right... Try putting together a box like Penguin's on your own. First of all, I doubt you can get parts as cheap as a VAR like Penguin... Secondly, you can simply compare Penguin's pricing with say, Dell, and you'll realize that Dell is the one forcing huge (seems like 50!% margins) for less-than-perfect hardware... Penguin prides itself on not only using purely high-performance top-of-the-line components, but it uses the creme de la creme, those kick-ass high-performance components that ritually survive its rigorous 72 hour burn-in process. I think if you objectively compare (1) pricing, and (2) components, between Penguin and other Linux hardware or complete solutions providers, you'll see that Penguin stands better than most when it comes to excellence in performance, reliability, service, and pricing. I'm a firm believer in the saying, "you get what you pay for". When I get my gaming system, I'm going to have Penguin build me a 3DFX Athlon system, one because I love Penguin hardware, Red Hat Linux, Penguin's customization of the Red Hat software, and the service you get when you have any questions about your system... I've known (personally) support staff happy to help Penguin customers, and even some non-customers who visit the Penguin support page, with all sorts of set-up, troubleshooting, upgrading, configuration problems... How do I know all this? I worked for Penguin full-time from early may 1999... now i'm at UC Santa Cruz full-time, and working on an IDG Book for Turbolinux, but I would be honored to be invited back by Penguin to work as a full-time employee after I graduate... I've never worked among a finer staff in all my life... Way to go Penguin!!! You're leading the way for Linux and you're making major strides for Linux desktop computing market share! Woo-hoo! Justin ([e-mail])