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In This Section:

Hidden PC Prices

Gateway Essential PC VS
PCSS Internet Advantage System

(a January 2001 price comparison shows
hidden or inflated costs in $699 special)

(Updated editorial note: We looked this over again in 2004. Although the equipment is faster and more full featured, the ups, extras, etc. haven't changed.)

Buying a PC today is exactly like buying a new car. Underpowered or feature poor “deals” quickly dissolve as inflated prices for upgrades, freight, warranties, and services are tacked on. Auto dealers and PC Companies both use teaser tactics hoping that once you’re in the door, they’ll “close” you no matter what the final price becomes. At the PC Support Source, we survive on our continuing relationships, so it makes sense for us to offer the right PC and services upfront. This assures us that your experience with us will be satisfying and fair from the first PC and everything that follows.

	Gateway Essential PC w/real world options		PCSS Internet Advantage System
Processor	Intel 700Mhz Celeron		Intel 700Mhz Celeron
Memory	128MB SDRAM (64MB std.)	added: $60	128MB SDRAM	standard
Hard Drive	40GB 7200RPM Ultra ATA Hard Drive (10GB 5400 RPM std.)	added: $100	40GB 7200RPM Ultra ATA Hard Drive	standard
Monitor	17" Color Monitor (15" std.)	added: $120	17" Color Monitor	standard
Floppy Drive	3.5" 1.44MB diskette drive		3.5" 1.44MB diskette drive
CD-ROM/DVD	48X max. CD-ROM Drive		52X max. CD-ROM Drive	Faster!
Video	Integrated Intel® 3D Graphics		ATI RAGE4MB AGP 3D Graphics	Faster!
Sound Cards	Integrated Enhanced Audio		Integrated Enhanced Audio
Speakers	Boston Acoustics® BA265 Speakers		3D Enhanced Speakers
Modem	Integrated V.90 56K Modem		Integrated V.90 56K Modem
Case	Gateway Flex Case		Tool free case
Keyboard	Multi-function USB Keyboard		PS/2 Keyboard
Expansion slots	2 Low Profile PCI		4 full size PCI	More slots!
Mouse	USB Mouse		2 Button PS/2 mouse
Printers	Canon BJC-2110 Color InkJet	added: $59	Lexmark Z22 Inkjet Printer ($50.00 rebate)	$30.00
OP. System	Microsoft® Windows® ME		Microsoft® Windows® ME
Application Software	Microsoft® Works Suite 2001 - Including Microsoft® Word and Encarta		Microsoft® Works Suite 2001 - Including Microsoft® Word and Encarta
Bundled Software	Quicken® 2001 New User Edition and Norton Anti-Virus		Quicken® 2001 New User Edition and Norton Anti-Virus
Warranty	3 Yr Ltd Warranty, 1 Yr Onsite Service, Hardware & Software Ltd Tech Support (1 yr. On-site std.)	added: $119	3 Yr Ltd Warranty, 1 Yr Onsite Service, Hardware & Software Ltd Tech Support	Standard
ISP	One Year America Online		One Year America Online
	Base Price:	$ 699.00	Base Price:	$1,115.00
	Configured Price:	$ 1,157.00	Configured Price w/Rebate:	$1,085.00
	Freight and Handling Computer:	$ 109.00	Freight and Handling Computer:	$ -
	Freight and Handling Printer:	$ 30.00	Freight and Handling Printer:	$ -
	Total Freight and Handling:	$ 139.00	Total Freight and Handling:	$ -
	Grand Total:	$ 1,296.00	Grand Total:	$1,085.00
	Onsite Setup:	$ 129.00	Onsite Setup:	$ 65.00
	Onsite Setup w/Orientation:	$ 159.00	Onsite Setup w/Orientation:	$ 100.00
	Grand Total w/On-Site Setup:	$ 1,425.00	Grand Total w/On-Site Setup:	$1,150.00
	Grand Total w/On-Site Setup and Orientation:	$ 1,455.00	Grand Total w/On-Site Setup and Orientation:	$1,185.00