Looking For Someone Local To Build Poker Table-Central Massachusetts

[grandgnu]

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Well, I sent out an email to my list of contacts for my home game. One of the newer guys got back to me and is willing to trade labor (i.e. I build him a computer system and he builds me a poker table. We both pay for our own materials/components and don't charge the other labor) woo-hoo!

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I've built both - you're getting a bargain! [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

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It does look like a significant amount of work to create a poker table, with all the measurements, etc. While I can build a complete computer within a few hours (also includes obtaining the latest software updates and patches) I also will be applying my knowledge of systems and components to ensure he has a powerful and stable system.

So while he'll likely put in more labor hours, he also has industry-standard materials and less choices to make, while there are a boatload of computer components out there and I need to make sure they're all researched for any possible problems before I build the system.

I think it evens out pretty nicely. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Slow Play Ray]

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It does look like a significant amount of work to create a poker table, with all the measurements, etc. While I can build a complete computer within a few hours (also includes obtaining the latest software updates and patches) I also will be applying my knowledge of systems and components to ensure he has a powerful and stable system.

So while he'll likely put in more labor hours, he also has industry-standard materials and less choices to make, while there are a boatload of computer components out there and I need to make sure they're all researched for any possible problems before I build the system.

I think it evens out pretty nicely. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

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I understand all of this, yet I stand firmly by my statement. But hey - I'm not saying it's bad at all; I think it's awesome for you - nice work!! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Hope the table comes out good - be sure to post some pictures when it's done.

[AgentJack]

I also agree that building a poker table is A LOT more work. Normally someone who is not computer savy would do such a trade so I hope you help him out down the road when his computer gets infected with all kinds of spyware and stuff.

I think it is great if you can find someone willing to do a trade.

[grandgnu]

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I also agree that building a poker table is A LOT more work. Normally someone who is not computer savy would do such a trade so I hope you help him out down the road when his computer gets infected with all kinds of spyware and stuff.

I think it is great if you can find someone willing to do a trade.

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Yeah, I provide technical support for the systems. But I try to select components from proven reliable manufacturers. Plus, I install AVG Anti-Virus, Spybot Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware, Zone Alarm Firewall, etc. and make sure EVERYTHING has the latest updates (plus provide info on how to keep them updated and run scans)

[unloaded]

I've built both myself. As long as both agree it is a fair trade. I quit building systems for others though. Mainly because they all assume it comes with free 24/7 tech support. Another reason, its hard to actually build a system cheaper than Dell offers. Most people that approach me now, I suggest Dell's to them unless they want something like a gaming system.

peace.
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[Slow Play Ray]

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I've built both myself. As long as both agree it is a fair trade. I quit building systems for others though. Mainly because they all assume it comes with free 24/7 tech support. Another reason, its hard to actually build a system cheaper than Dell offers. Most people that approach me now, I suggest Dell's to them unless they want something like a gaming system.

peace.
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Ditto on the Dell thing; they do have really good deals. I actually bought one myself for my newest computer - guess I'm getting lazy in my old age. People still think I'm 24/7 tech support though, whether I built their system or not.

[grandgnu]

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I've built both myself. As long as both agree it is a fair trade. I quit building systems for others though. Mainly because they all assume it comes with free 24/7 tech support. Another reason, its hard to actually build a system cheaper than Dell offers. Most people that approach me now, I suggest Dell's to them unless they want something like a gaming system.

peace.
unloaded

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Ditto on the Dell thing; they do have really good deals. I actually bought one myself for my newest computer - guess I'm getting lazy in my old age. People still think I'm 24/7 tech support though, whether I built their system or not.

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Yeah, I hear ya guys. Dell really undercuts ya cause they can buy everything in such bulk. But they also use proprietary components so that even the case isn't standard. It's difficult, nigh impossible to upgrade their systems because of the motherboards and cases they use.

And Dell used to sell people Windows XP systems with frigging 128MB of Ram. So people see the price and think they're getting a great deal, but then Dell wanted another 90 bucks or whatever to get you to 256MB, which is still too weak in my opinion.

And I believe they use Lite-On optical drives, which I find to be loud and less reliable than say Samsung or my favorite Plextor.

But yeah, when I started working IT people would always hit me up with questions (they'd usually start the conversation with "hey, you would know......") So now I charge 30 bucks an hour (a real bargain, the local OEM shop charges 80 bucks an hour!) for my time.

Most of the work I do for people is just cleaning out their systems of spyware, adware and viruses. I'd say about 99% of the population has zero clue about what they're doing and what risks they face with all the crap out there.

But then again, the systems I build you'll actually get someone who speaks English when you call me for tech support. With Dell it's like you're calling Habib at the local 7-11, and they're usually reading from a manual that pretty much says:

"restart your system, ok, get your Dell restore CD's and lose all of your files and data when you reformat and reinstall your system to its original state"

I usually give people a partitioned drive so they can store documents and pictures, etc. and if I have to wipe and reinstall they still retain their old files.