Summary of sources
FLYMessi
summaryofsources.rtfDATE: June 17, 2010
TO: Mr. Hricik, Technical Communications Instructor
FROM: James Alcorn JA
SUBJECT: CONSUMER REPORT SUMMARY OF SOURCES
Here are the six sources that I have used for my consumer report. The majority of my sources are web sites, but I was also able to look at two of the computers in person at some retail stores. The websites, by far, were the most helpful by allowing me to compare the different computers side by side. However, being able to physically see and get a feel for the computer ultimately aided me in reaching my conclusion. My sources are as follows:
- HP.com. Found a desktop computer in my price range with specifications that met my standards. Read customer reviews on the HP Pavilion p6310 PC. (10, June 2010)
http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/AY018AA%2523ABA" http://www.hp.com
This website provided me with a starting point for my report. I knew that I wanted to look at a HP computer, because I have owned them in the past and have really enjoyed them. I estimated my budget for a desktop at around $800 or less, and the HP website made it easy for me to find a computer in my price range. I was able to look at the specifications for each computer, the included hardware and software, and customer reviews, allowing me to settle on the HP Pavilion p6310 PC as my choice for an HP candidate. This website was very helpful in my research.
- Acer.com. Found a comparable computer, Aspire M3300, with similar specifications. (10, June 2010)
This website allowed me to find a desktop computer similar to the HP model. I was able to view all of the specifications for the computer, but was unable to view a price or customer reviews. I was able to decide on using the Acer Aspire M3300 model going off of similar specifications to the HP model. This website was moderately useful in my research.
- Dell.com. Found a comparable computer, Inspiron 570 PC, with similar specifications. (10, June 2010)
This website not only allowed me to find a similar desktop to the HP and Acer models, but it also allowed me to customize the specifications to meet my desires. I was able to adjust RAM size, hard drive size, processor speed, included software, etc., making it very easy to find a comparable desktop in the Inspiron 570 model. I was also able to view prices and customer reviews for the product. This website was by far the most helpful of the three manufacturer’s sites.
- Tigerdirect.com. Electronics website that reviews and sells all electronics. (11, June 2010)
This website had information on both the Acer and HP model desktops that I was looking at. I was able to view both computers from the same website, look at more customer reviews, prices, and specifications. This site was moderately helpful in my research.
- Epinions.com. Read reviews, and compared prices and specifications on the HP Pavilion p6310, Acer Aspire M3300, and Dell Inspiron 570. (11, June 2010)
This website was the only website I used that had information on all three desktops, and allowed me to compare them side by side. I found this website very useful and convenient. I was able to look at customer reviews, product information, prices, and what stores these products were available at.
- Best Buy. Greensburg, PA. Personal Research. (12, June 2010)
I went to Best Buy with the intention of physically looking at all three desktop computer systems; I, however, was only able to locate the HP model and the Acer model. I am not a big fan of sales personnel trying to sell me the computer that they think I should buy, so I try my best to avoid them and their opinions. Since I had already narrowed my search down to three specific computers, I was simply in the store to get a feel for them. It is much easier to decide on a product if you can actually see it in person and not just a picture on the internet.
I was very impressed with the HP Pavilion desktop; it had the operating system I was looking for, the anti-virus I trust most, plenty of room for upgrades, and more than sufficient memory. The Acer Aspire had some features that the HP did not, such as coming with a speaker system, and more USB ports. The hands on research really helped me in my research to find a reliable desktop that has the room to expand and upgrade over the years.
I recently purchased the HP Pavilion p6310 desktop computer from Best Buy on 16, June 2010. The need for further research on my part would be unnecessary at this point. If you have any suggestions on these sources I have, please respond by Sunday 20, June 2010.
