"Together, the nub and coprocessor are designed to encrypt data in such a way that no other combination of nub and coprocessor would be able to decrypt it. Change a single bit of code or move the data to another computer, and it is unreadable."
Apparently they're not considering the idea that a computer might (gasp!) fail, or that someone might actually (horrors!( want to migrate their data to another computer!
Besides the already discussed issues, I have to wonder about any system that locks your information into one, and only one system.
Not too long ago, you would have saved considerably by buying from your local "white box" maker, or building your own. Now, if price is your only concern, you're probably better off buying from one of the "bigs". Some of them, at least judging by their advertising and SEC reports, are selling computers for less than it cost them to make it. This makes it difficult for the small computer shops, or the individual building their own, to match prices. Having said that, you will come close or match the prices on the higher end systems.
One problem with many of the store-boughts is that they have limited upgrade capacity. The power supply and case generally are not set up to add much to them. If you decide later on that you'd like to add in a CD burner, or a DVD, you may be out of luck, or have to fork over additional $$$ for an external.
Another problem is that they come with a LOT of promotional junk, trialware, and "features" which you will spend a lot of time weeding out. I tallied over 10 Gb of HD space taken up by this on one of them.
If you're just looking for a computer that will browse the Internet, check your e-mail, enable you to type some letters, or do some graphics, and don't plan on changing anything, you're probably better off with a store-bought.
If you're looking for flexibility, want your computer to have only what you want on it, and like having local techs to support it/visit with, then go with the white box or build your own.
Slashdot Mirror
"Together, the nub and coprocessor are designed to encrypt data in such a way that no other combination of nub and coprocessor would be able to decrypt it. Change a single bit of code or move the data to another computer, and it is unreadable."
Apparently they're not considering the idea that a computer might (gasp!) fail, or that someone might actually (horrors!( want to migrate their data to another computer!
Besides the already discussed issues, I have to wonder about any system that locks your information into one, and only one system.
Not too long ago, you would have saved considerably by buying from your local "white box" maker, or building your own. Now, if price is your only concern, you're probably better off buying from one of the "bigs". Some of them, at least judging by their advertising and SEC reports, are selling computers for less than it cost them to make it. This makes it difficult for the small computer shops, or the individual building their own, to match prices. Having said that, you will come close or match the prices on the higher end systems.
One problem with many of the store-boughts is that they have limited upgrade capacity. The power supply and case generally are not set up to add much to them. If you decide later on that you'd like to add in a CD burner, or a DVD, you may be out of luck, or have to fork over additional $$$ for an external.
Another problem is that they come with a LOT of promotional junk, trialware, and "features" which you will spend a lot of time weeding out. I tallied over 10 Gb of HD space taken up by this on one of them.
If you're just looking for a computer that will browse the Internet, check your e-mail, enable you to type some letters, or do some graphics, and don't plan on changing anything, you're probably better off with a store-bought.
If you're looking for flexibility, want your computer to have only what you want on it, and like having local techs to support it/visit with, then go with the white box or build your own.