So I stumbled into a "free arcade" while Christmas shopping

[Specineff]

Thanks for the explanation. I would scream "ripoff" if such a machine was being aimed at the average joe, but not when it's done at a pro level.

I have a couple points of contention, though: Free labor and replacement for a "hackintosh", however, can be obtained through an extended warranty. Perhaps not in the same level, but it *is* possible. (I've had positive experiences through that so far, because I've done my homework before getting one or putting a claim.)

Form factor would be irrelevant to me. (It's not like it's going to take the same space as a Hercules or Univac, or that I live in a broom closet.)

Reliability: Well... for three years, my humble Centrino laptop hasn't had any problems that can't be fixed with a reboot, thank God. So the "Expensive=Reliable" argument kind of gets deflated for me.

Finally, if a custom-built rig has the exact same components as the "built to specification" system, running the exact same OS, same processor, same speed, and matched as closely as possible to the brand product (I am sure it is feasible to obtain the same type of components down to the T.), how can it be "inferior"? (I fail to see how a HDD in an aluminum case is going to perform any differently than a decent WD with a small cooling fan, but that's another story. For the record, I have a 12-year old 6GB WD HDD. Slow as all hell, but damn if it's not reliable. It has survived two power surges that *burned* the board and power supply, and is currently being used for data transfer purposes.)

Please don't think that I'm trying to argue with you. It's just that I myself can't buy Apple's claims that their systems are so expensive because they are so well-built. I've put many a system together (All Windows, to be honest) that except for user-caused situations, have been running solid for at least four years. All with quality parts. I know it's not the exact same situation (consumer VS Pro), but quality shouldn't equal bank-breaking in my book.

EDIT: I noticed you quoted your prices in Pounds. We are in different markets, and maybe that's why my view is so different.

[noiseredux]

ok, y'know what? How about starting a thread called "Mac Vs PC" already?

[Specineff]

Uh, no. A difference in points of view doesn't mean it has to evolve into a pissing contest.

He's posting his views, I'm posting mine, and lo, the world is still spinning.

[Jbroderway]

This thread is called free arcade. Local malls in atl have them and the motive here is to sell games secondhand.

As far as Mac vs pc goes, who gives a damn. Both operating systems will allow you to stream porn at the same speeds. Let it go. Buy what you want, and leave others alone about what they want to stream porn on.

[the7k]

Yeah, I agree. No one gives a shit about the whole Mac vs PC debate. Leave it to that douchy Mac guy and dorky PC guy from the commercials.

Wish we had some free arcades around here. We had a 'pay arcade' that sounds similar to the free arcade you described - except, ya know, you had to pay an exorbitant hourly rate to play the same games you could just buy with the same amount of money it took you to spend about 4-5 hours playing. It closed fairly quickly.

[CRTGAMER]

A kind of get back on Topic. Not Free Arcades but a different aspect.

Dave and Busters
Gaaaah! What a ripoff and snobby place. Before even walking in I get a warning to be sure my kid doesn't run around the Arcade. Then the stupid "ATM" credit system. Games were pricey and then the remaining can't be refunded. A strategy to ensure another visit later. Not sure if they changed their policy, haven't been there in years.

Game Truck
Mentioned this one somewhere before. I saw one of these trucks on the Freeway, WTF! Anyone been inside one of these? I think a LAN arrangement with a bunch of current gen consoles. Hey, keeps the brats from messing up the home consoles.

[the7k]

Dave and Busters
Gaaaah! What a ripoff and snobby place. Before even walking in I get a warning to be sure my kid doesn't run around the Arcade. Then the stupid "ATM" credit system. Games were pricey and then the remaining can't be refunded. A strategy to ensure another visit later. Not sure if they changed their policy, haven't been there in years.

My friends love D&B, so I go just to not be the jackass of the group.

I've never gone to a D&B and been satisfied. The only game worth a crap they ever have there is House of the Dead 4, and a credit is approximated $1.25 when translated from the funny-money point cards.

Last time I went, however, there was an FYE Arcade directly across from it. They had almost every arcade machine I could ever dream of wanting in it - it was truly a sight to behold. Too bad I blew most of my cash beforehand at the aforementioned HotD4 machine.

[noiseredux]

thanks for getting back on track!

I used to love D&B when I was like 21, 22. But yeah it sort of lost it's luster once I realized just how expensive it is. And as mentioned, the game selection mostly sucks.

[CRTGAMER]

So has anyone tried that Gamer Truck? Could be a riot for the overgrown kids too. A marathon session with some Malibu Rum and all kinds of burned meat.

[lisalover1]

As far as Mac vs pc goes, who gives a damn. Both operating systems will allow you to stream porn at the same speeds. Let it go. Buy what you want, and leave others alone about what they want to stream porn on.

You see this, people? THIS is a man who has his priorities in order. I salute you, dude.