"As you can see from my first write-up, I purchased a PC from ABS with very satisfactory results back in January of this year. THIS time I'm covering an additional purchase I just made from ABS of an add-on LeadTek 2000XP TV/FM PCI card.
To keep it quick and simple: I ordered on April 22nd, I received exactly what I ordered on the 25th.
Again, it has been a great experience ordering from this company. I have nothing but positive praise to pass on to those of you checking out these ratings here on ResellerRatings.com.
Thanks ABS. You're doing a great job!

------------------------------------

FIRST, A LITTLE HISTORY:

I first heard of ABS Computers when reading the “Best Products of 2002” article in the January, 2003 issue of PC Magazine. I wasn’t seriously thinking about purchasing a new PC prior to reading about the ABS Bravado 2230 machine. But when I saw the price, and what was built into it, I got interested quickly.

I went online to the ABS site and checked out not only the Bravado 2230, but other systems as well. I was very impressed to see information about every part of each computer online. Not only multiple photos, but detailed specs as well!

I decided that I was going to see what I could get in the $1000 - $1100 range. I reconfigured the Bravado 2230 to my liking and was surprised to see that it still fit well within my budget.

Before ordering, I took my configuration and checked to see what Dell, Gateway, or even my local Best Buy could offer me for the same money. IT WASN’T EVEN CLOSE. To get about the same configuration elsewhere would have cost me hundreds of dollars more! Systems from those sites that were in the same price range came configured with low-end integrated graphics cards and far fewer “add-ons”.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS:

In the past, I had always purchased my PCs from Gateway. But here I was, looking at a system that Gateway couldn’t come close to for the price, from a company I knew nothing about…ABS. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I had many second thoughts about ordering. Not one of my friends had ever heard of ABS. Old quotes like “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” were flying around in my head, not only during the day, but while tossing and turning in my sleep as well. Buy? Or not buy?

I then noticed good ratings on ABS systems in PC World Magazine. I read good things about ABS at Resellerratings.com. I researched the parts used in the PC at various online part sites; and every part was rated high by those that had purchased them before.

That was it. I decided to take a chance. I placed my order on January 3rd and waited so see what I would wind up with.

THE NEW PC ARRIVES!

On Wednesday, January 15th, the FedEx driver wheeled up in front of my home to deliver my new PC.

The first thing I noticed when opening the box was a HUGE bright yellow 3-ring binder. Inside the front cover was a sticker showing my customer number and the toll-free phone number for tech support. The binder was filled with clear plastic zip-locked pages. Each page contained whatever manuals and disks were included with each respective part of the PC. For example, my video card zip-lock page included it’s manual, and game disks that were included with the retail version of the card! VERY impressive and well organized!

I set up the new system and hit the start button. It started right up! And it was as fast as everyone that put a review online says it was. I checked the hardware configuration and every part I had ordered was included AS ordered. No “bait-and-switch” tactics here.

Needless to say, by now I’d long since forgotten that I had doubts about ordering this machine.


ONE MINOR PROBLEM:

There was only one minor problem I found. The system date was set to 2002 instead of 2003. But since it was a new year, and all of us have made that mistake at one time or another when the year changes, I could understand it happening. Unfortunately, when I changed the system date to 2003 and rebooted the system (less than 10 minutes after starting the system for the first time), Windows XP refused to start up. Why? Because without “activation”, Microsoft allows you only 30 days to use the software. Changing the date to 2003 made Windows think that I had it on my system for more than a year! Again, I don’t blame ABS for this honest mistake, and I had it straightened out about 10 minutes later after I called Microsoft to get the 60 digit activation code for this copy of Windows XP.

AND IN CONCLUSION:

I’ve been using this ABS BRAVADO 2230 PC now for a little over a week, all with no problems whatsoever.

It’s fast!

It’s loaded!

It’s exactly as ordered!

Would I buy from ABS again? WITHOUT HESITATION! I’ve spread the word about the system and the company to my friends, and several of them are already online configuring what may be their next machine. I would recommend ABS to everyone!

I’ve found a new place to purchase a computer!

"

"This company is outstanding!

1) Their prices are low, extremely, unbelieveably low.

2) Good hardware selection

3) Just got my order (a computer system) today, and the computer works perfectly. It has a binder full of CDs and manuals, a system restore disc, clear, colorful setup guides and manuals, and superb packaging and padding for the rough Fedex ride.

4) When I cracked open the case to look inside, I saw some very impressive things that I liked. First, they paid extreme attention to wiring. Everything is neat and tidy beyond the call of duty. Not like what Voodoo's origami master can do, but very excellent. Second, the graphics card was secured with a twist-tie thingy! Overall, the system's internal installation was more than I ever expected.

5) The system has excellent performance and cooling. It has an Athlon XP 2400+, and a Radeon 9500 Pro, and got 12,000 3DMarks. And in Game 3, it got 67 frames per second. In Maximum PC, another sytem using a 2700+ and a Radeon 9700 Pro for double the cost got only 5 more frames per second more. Very impressive performance. And as for cooling, under duress, my Athlon reaches only 93 Fahrenheit, and the motherboard only 64 Fahrenheit. That is downright chilly, but the system is no louder than any other I have used.

Overall, this system is excellent. I have only three complaints:

1) Their online configurators are a little difficult. It is hard to find a specific model that has everything you want available. I had specific wants for a case (Enermax FS-710), hard drive (IBM or Western Digital, not Maxtor), and videocard (Radeon 9500 Pro). I could not find a model that let me choose all three of them, so finally I chose one with the case and videocard I wanted, and changed the hard drive over the phone. This is why I gave "Very good" and not "Excellent" for all ratings concerning ease of use of web site.

2) I ordered the system with a Maxtor hard drive, but over the phone changed it to a Western Digital. However, the system arrived with the Maxtor. I will talk to ABS about this. Updates on their customer service coming soon.

3) They installed the whole suite of Creative software. Some may like this suite, but most don't. Suggestion: when ordering, put in the "Comments" box that you want your software suites to be all nice and tidy and bare-bones. Tell them to install just the minimum and let you install anything else.

But overall, this system is awesome! I plugged it in and it worked without a hitch!

******************************
Update later that night
******************************
I just posted a similar review on ABS's website (on each model configurator they let owners of that system rate the system, good or bad). Anyway, I basically said the same things this review does, including the hard drive error. Well, later that night, an ABS representative contacted me about my review. They said thank you for such a good review, and that tomorrow customer service would contact me about the hard drive error. Well, that is the most wonderful customer service I have ever received! ABS personally reads every review you leave on their website. That must mean they are trying to get even better, and honestly care about each and every customer. Thank you!
**********************************
**********************************
Update a week later:

ABS called about the hard drive, but I wasn't in, so they left a message. I have been busy taking school final exams, and didn't have time to call back. Well, out of the blue, a week later, I get an email from ABS. They tell me the correct hard drive is already in the mail, and asked me to ship the wrong one to them once I get the right one in the mail. Well, they solved my problem exactly as I hoped, without me ever having to say a word! Spectacular!"

"Ordered a system on Monday, it was shipped Thursday. So far, I am happy with this company. Their prices are good, and it seems that the warranty on their systems is good as well ( I hope I never have to use it ).

I researched this company for over a month, reading every post here, and even confronting Rosemary from customer service with the "bad" reviews posted here. She was helpful, and kind of sold the company to me.

One thing, they keep changing some hardware from their pc's on the website relatively often. I qouted a system and a week later and they had changed the motherboard. This delayed my purchase until they changed the motherboard for a different one. And I couldn't convince the salesperson to give me the motherboard the had listed previously. That is the only complain I have about them.

I hope to get my system soon, and I expect a great machine at a good price. "

"I was very impressed with the excellent price, fast and no-cost shipping, and followup appreciation gift. I found them on www.pricewatch.com and my transaction went very smoothly. I would definitely recommend ordering your computer parts from them!"

"This is the fourth mail order firm I have purchased a PC from. My experience with ABS was by far, better than the previous PC vendors. The PC arrived at my doorstep nine days after I had placed the order. It was securely packaged and I had been kept appraised of it's progress from the time the order was placed until it arrived. Every component part was exactly as ordered with no substitution being made. I would recommend ABS to anyone wanting a quality PC at a reasonable price. C.S.C.,Fl."

"Hmm... It's the fifth day and I am still on step 5 of 8 (burning in the software). Christmas and weekend have been excluded from my count. I am worried as this is the second day they are burning in software. How long can this take? I didn't order any games. If this system gives me any problems, it will be returned promptly. More to follow."

"I purchased from them and got a good
machine at a good price. When they
first shipped it to me they sent
the wrong opererating system. When
I reported it, they sent me the correct
one. The wait on the phone for technical
support was overly long, but one I
got someone they were very helpful.
I would buy from them again."

"Purching the computer was easy. The only problem was when I turned the computer on. It worked for about a week or two, but then the computer would reset in the middle of what ever I was doing. I was told by ABS customer support it was Windows XP causing the reboot. So I spent the $300 for Win 2000, now customer supports say it some card in my computer (most computer have cards in them right?). I guess if you have no problems when you get your system you could be happy with this company. For $1800 dollars I got a computer that only works part time and customer service department that works full time giving me the run around.

UPDATE:
After reading some reviews on ResellerRatings about ABS, I read a review about a computer system having the same problem that my computer has. The review reported a ram problem that was resolved by downloading test software and having ABS send new ram. I downloaded the same ram test and the software reported an error. I called ABS and they sent out new ram. The new ram did not work. I called them again and this time they said the ram must be used in pairs. ABS is sending out new ram (pair), in 3 to 5 days. Please note I am having to pay for this ram, but I am to get a refund when I send the bad ram back.
If your going to buy from ABS, pray you have no hardware problems, because ABS is no help with these type of problems. I am fortunate I saw this other review about ram problems, because ABS Tech support would have never suggested this testing.
http://www.simmtester.com/

UPDATE: (3) weeks later still no ram. They said they sent the ram to the wrong zip code. I am the phone now with them or I should say I am on hold with them now.

UPDATE: (4) Received my ram and refund and my computer does seem to work now. I do find myself telling people good things about ABS even though my exchange was not the best.
"

"Before buying from ABS, I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews. I also have iBuyPower and Dell as options. After side-by-side comparison, it is quite clear ABS has the best selection of brand name components and the most flexible way to customize your own PC. I’m not a gamer but had a lot of experience with computer hardware. Therefore good selection of quality components is more important than technical support.

I use the customer configuration tools to put together a PC box. I am very impressed with the configuration tools ABS provided. For each component, you can drill down to different brand and different level of products. Bets of all, many of them have pictures and links to manufacture’s web site. Those product numbers are also very clear.

My selections are:

ChiefTech AX-01BD SPX2 U2F BLK 450W Case
AMD 2400+ ATHLON XP Retail
2 pieses of DDRAM 256MB 32MX8 PC-3200C2 Corsair XMS
MAXTOR 7200 RPM ATA133 80GB
CPU FAN DYNATRO DC1206BM-L610PCu RT (for AMD 2400 XP)
MB LEADTEK K7NCR18D-PRO AMD Retail (nForce2)
LeadTekGF4 TI4400 128M TV/DVI/Retail
NO TECH SUPPORT FOR ALL ABOVE ITEMS ($25 to let ABS put all together)

Because many of the items are free shipped with FedEx, I only paid $10 shipping for the total box. No tax as I am in FL.

After I placed the order, ABS charged my CC really quick. J You can check your order status step by step from abspc.com. (in my case, there are 8 steps) Because customized PC does not have technical support, my order was prepared pretty quick. 8 hours after I placed my order, it is already shipped. (again, no burn-in steps because of it’s a customized PC)

Because I did not received an email of tracking number after I saw my order status was changed to “shipped”, I emailed ABS customer service email to request one. About 2 hours later, Maria sent the tracking number to me. I placed the order on 12/06 (Friday) and get the box on 12/10 (Tuesday)

The package is very well packaged and padded, at least as good as Dell. Everything is exactly as ordered and worked fine out of box. All unused wires and cables are tightened neatly. The side windows (Acrylic?) still has the covering film on it. Because I just started my own burn-in process, I do not have too much to say about the performance of this box. My first impression is …wow, it’s really fast!

Overall, my first time buying experience with ABS is a very good one. I just recommended ABS to a coworker looking for a new PC. If you are more of a self service type PC user, I would say ABS is a better choice than Dell.


"

"Just what I wanted - a "ho-hum" purchasing experience. Purchased an Awesome 3250. Two days to build & ship & Fedex delivered on time. All components as ordered and system works perfectly right out of the box. System is stable as can be running the latest games. Wiring neatly bundled. Nice job ABS!"

"I bought an LCD 18" monitor by NEC.
It came within 3 days and ABS Computer Technologies kept me informed every step of the way.
The monitor arrived in good condition and I love it.
I am looking forward to future purchases from this company."

"Best PC Ever!!!
I bought my PC and was shipped 3 days after I ordered, I had 1 day shipping and that went well also.

So far, I have had this PC for nearly 2 months, no problems!
This is one of their home PC's and I play top quality games like UT2k3 with nearly maxed out settings.

I used to buy Dell's but now I will stick with ABS."

"I purchased a customized system from ABS on 10/21/2002. Additionally, I paid $25 to have ABS assemble the components and then ship ($48 charge). Upon receipt of the machine, computer would not POST, likely indicating faulty components. After consultation with a hardware expert to isolate the problem, he confirmed that ABS had indeed included faulty components.
When I called to obtain a refund, I was told that: I would have to pay to ship the system back, I could NOT return the CPU, and ABS would only refund me 85% of components’ value. I’m financing ABS for selling me a lemon! The individual I spoke with indicated that she was the Customer Service Supervisor and that "I have spoken on this and I have the final say."
I’ve gotten no value whatsoever from this, and I find it highly unethical and legally questionable that I cannot obtain a full refund, as ABS has not kept its contract with me.
What I find most galling is the idea that one cannot be made whole, even though the componentry is just as pristine as the day it was shipped, because it does not freaking work!
So I must pay the penalty for ABS' bad faith? This is ridiculous. Why do we stand for such lousy customer service from computer companies?
My warning to you is: Do business with a large, reputable firm or do business with a small local company that you know well. I took a big step buying on the internet, and I got burned. I would advise very strongly against buying from ABS."

"I have bought about 12 computers within the last 18 months from ABS computers. I'm a certified IT Professional that maintain and purchase the computers for our office and sideline business. ABS has delivered a quality product and I highly recommend them. Maria has been very helpful on any questions or issues that have arrived. Thanks ABS!"

"I have had a great experience with the purchase of my new ABS PC. I decided to go with their awesome special 3120 computer with the following specs:
CASE ENERMAX|10BSERVERATX FS710B RT 1
MB VIA KT333|5P1A3D GA-7VRX V2.0RT 1
VGA CHAINTECH TI4400 128MB GT40 RTL 1
MOUSE PAD|8" X 9" X 6MM 20544 ABS 1
CPU AMD|2000+/266 ATHLON XP RTL 1
DDRAM 512M|DDR333 PC-2700 -K % 1
FD 1.44MB|MITSUMI #D359M3D BLACK 1
HD 80GB|WD 7200RPM 8MB WD800JB% 1
CDRW40X12X48|LITE ON LTR40125BLACK 1
DVD|LITE ON 16X LTD163 OEM BLACK 1
SB BLASTER AUDIGY|SB0092 (W/1394)% 1
S/W COREL OFFICE|2002% 1
CPU FAN AMD/INT|DC1206BM-L610-T RT 1
MICROPHONE|DESKTOP % 1
CD MS|WINDOWS XP HOME OEM RECVRY CD 1
ADJUST 1
Awesome 3120 1
RUSH !! MUST SHIP 9-4 OR 9-9/9-10 1


My sales representitive allowed me to take off the bundled speaker package to save me some money. I needed my order shipped to me quickly before I left for college so my sales rep assured me I would get rush service with the standard shipping (FedEx saver). Well my computer arrived 5 days earlier than expected. I only paid $30 for shipping (i didn't get a monitor). The service was great, and the tracking page on their website allowed me to see the progress of my order day by day.
I opened up my computer when I got it and everything was assembled beautifully. The cables were tucked away nicely in a free drive bay. The vga and other ports on the back of the computer had nice protected plastic cases. I was also happy that I got the rev 2.0 version of my gigabyte motherboard (as they promised). Oh and YES, the cd software binder included REALLY is that cool! It had all the manuals, cds, etc ... it even had the stickers bezels for my motherboard and processor to put on my new case! They shipped the original gigabyte mobo retial box as well, with all the extra screws, etc. Installing my own TV tuner and NIC cards was simple.
I have had the computer up and running now for over a month now (i have also installed xp pro). It hasn't frozen ONCE, it is absolutely stable. I can scan my computer with Norton 2003 and play songs without skipping! Idle system temps are low with the 3 installed case fans. All the components were top quality, from the enermax case and power supply, to the RAM, to the WD 80bg SE hard drive. Needless to say I am impressed with ABS and am confident my purchase will get me at least 3 years into college without having to worry about buying another computer.

Some suggestions to buyers: Check the components daily for the computer you are interested in buying. ABS changes them constantly due to stock...(ie they may use Samsung ram or Kingston...a leadtek G4ti4400 or a chaintech G4ti4400). Also, test out everything when you get it...you get a 30day money back guarantee (luckily i didn't have to exercise that). Talk to the representitives and tech support reps before you buy a computer to get a feel for service.
The provided warranty is 3 years parts + labor with lifetime tech support. The tech support is only during business hours. This wasn't a big concern for me as I have on campus tech support as well."