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"my order:
OCZ DIY10N1 Neutrino Netbook, 10.1" WSVGA TFT Glossy LCD, Intel® 945GSE Graphics 1 $571.43 $571.43
OCZ, Neutrino DIY Netbook Barebone, Atom™ N270 1.6GHz, Intel® 945GSE, 10.1" TFT WSVGA TFT Glossy, SATA, Integrated Intel® 945GSE Graphics
KINGSTON, 2GB ValueRAM PC2-5300 DDR2 667MHz SDRAM SODIMM, CL5, Non-ECC
WESTERN DIGITAL, 160GB Scorpio® Black™ WD1600BJKT, 7200-RPM, 16MB cache, 2.5-Inch, SATA 3 Gb/s, OEM
ACCESSORY, Built-in 4-in-1 MMC/SD/MS/MS Pro Media Card Reader (Included)
NETWORK, Built-in IEEE 802.11b/g 11/54Mbps WLAN Adapter (Included)
MICROSOFT, Windows XP Professional Edition w/ SP3, OEM
SERVICE, OEM System Recovery (secure HDD partition only)
SERVICE, System Binder
WARRANTY, Assembled and Tested (1 Year Limited Parts, Lifetime Labor Warranty)
I wanted to buy a netbook for my parents who don’t use their computer for anything more than normal everyday use. The primary reason I initially decided to go with custom built netbook was because I could get 2GB of RAM without having Vista preinstalled like other big name companies enforce because of obligations with Microsoft. Yes RAM is easy to upgrade yourself, but most big name netbook companies void your warranty if you upgrade the RAM yourself (a sticker is placed on the RAM to inform you of this in most cases).
I’ve never ordered a customized computer before so I was a little bit nervous on what to expect. I did a few days of extensive research on netbooks and the reviews of different companies. After reading reviews (to include those on this site) I decided to go with AVA. I had looked at 3 other custom computer companies too. If you’re like me, you read the bad reviews to get an idea of what to expect if something goes wrong. Computers aren’t perfect so a small percentage of computers WILL have problems. I was satisfied with the work AVA did to resolve issues and work with the owners when these problems came up.
As I started to “customize” the netbook, I had several questions on different options. You don’t have as many options available as you do for building some high-end gaming desktop, but you still have plenty of options to ensure you are only paying for the things you want and not paying for the things you’ll never use. The sales staff answered the questions I had about what options to go with and what level of performance I could expect for my money. I probably could have asked more questions and gotten more feedback on the phone, but I preferred to use e-mail. One question I forgot to ask is what the difference is between “OEM vs retail” on different options?
From there, it all went smoothly. I paid for it, they built it, tested it, and sent it to me. Once it was in the mail, they sent me an e-mail so I could track it.
The computer arrives in a package that could survive a car wreck with all the padding and care they take in packing it. The package also comes with a binder of documents that you need to save so that they don’t get accidently thrown out.
It started up perfectly fine and all the drivers were up-to-date. Before sending it to my computer illiterate parents I set it up to automatically update the MS, Windows, AV, and other software.
When it’s time for me to get a new computer, I’ll be back to AVA. Their quality of work and professionalism was evident during every phase. Any chance you’ll offer a military discount? :)"
"I used AVA Direct to pick out a good computer for MS Flight Simulator X. AVA Direct did a great job on this. I am really pleased with the quality of their workmanship and their service. They are very responsive to any questions I had. I had no problems with the shipping either. I will definitely be contacting them again in the future for components/computers."
"Excellent all around package. Solid communication from a customer support aspect. Great overall pricing compared to competition. Timely delivery of a quality product for a minimum price premium. If AVA Direct can maintain this level of excellence they will have a customer for life.
My only concern is for those without easy access to a fax machine during the ordering process. Without one it may delay the overall process. Thankfully I had one at my disposal. Seems like a slightly antiquated method to be honest."
"Item arrived promptly in two days.
it was exactly as advertised. Appreciated the follow-up in spite of this having been a minor order which normally wouldn't merit the inquiry."
"My experience with AVA Direct was a very enjoyable one. Their staff was extremely cooperative and curtious, and I have no complaints about the MSI MS-1651 I ordered from them. I would recommend this very professional company to others."
"It's been a great experience for me with these guys. I carefully chose every single component of my rig, ask for confirmation and a couple of corrections were suggested. Excellent suggestions since i had overlooked one or two things.
We managed to agree in a payment method, no easy task because i'm overseas. Then confirmed and processing started, tested my baby to the limits and shipped to my address. Received right on time and very carefully packed. I DEFINITELY recommend AVA Direct.
Post-transaction feedback has been excellent and the forums are very helpful. 10/10 for you guys.
Thanks Joseph and all your crew."
"AVA Direct built an awesome gaming PC based on my use and requirements. Their website configurators offer a multitude of choices, and if you cannot see what you want, call them and they will make it happen.
Previously I purchased a desktop from Dell and notebook from Alienware, however, neither of these companies would change their configurations to meet my needs. Previously both companies were much more flexible.
The AVA Direct PC I ordered arrived on time, was very easy to set up and the performance exceeded my expectations.
Thank you Joseph and all of your coworkers."
"Overall a very nice purchasing experience. I ordered 18 server memory modules (4GB ECC DDR3 each) and received a call the same day to verify that 1) I really wanted that many, 2) I understood they would be non-refundable as a special order. The ordered was processed without issue after I confirmed that I knew what I was doing. ;-) AVA Direct had the memory modules shipped to me directly from Crucial a few days later.
I could have ordered the memory directly from Crucial but would have had to pay several hundred dollars more."
"I don't know if age is relevant but I'm 68 and have been tinkering and building computers since the '70's. My first DOS system was a dinosaur by Epson of all things.
I was starting to think about a new Core i7 build when I noticed that desktop prices had dropped drastically. So I spent 3 to 4 weeks researching custom builders and finally settled on AVA Direct.
I got a quick response to an email inquiry from a sales guy, Joseph Mundy. Then I spoke with him on the phone. No sales hype, just offers to assist in decisions if required.
I had previously priced a system on their web site and went back to the saved config. Since I live pretty much on Social Security, total cost was a BIG concern. Finally I settled on a system with good up-to-the-minute basics: Asus P6T Deluxe V2, core i7 920, CM Sniper case, VelociRaptor 300gig, HD4770, etc. Total cost was about what I had estimated to build it myself.
I received the system of May 28th, as schduled. When I opened the case I was tempted to just leave it opened, hang it on a wall, and use it as art. In nearly forty years I have never seen a cleaner, better laid out build! The "standard" wiring by A tech named Misha was truly beautiful and tight. PLUS they refunded for a cooling option that had only partially been possible (Misha had called me to discuss it before proceding). That's a full refund, without me requesting it!
All in all, I've had a good collaborative experience with these guys...they seem to actually care about their reputation as a company and do their best to ensure that you get what you pay for. Seems like a rare experience these days, no cons just straightforward good workmanship and nice people to deal with. Recommend highest!"
"I really liked how you can customize your computer with the exact hardware you want. And if there are any parts they don't list, you can email them and they add them within the day. Great customer support via email/messages after and during the sale. Computer seems very well built and I'm very pleased with the purchase. Will buy from again."
"I was very pleased with AVA Direct from the selection of the product, the actual construction to the timely shipment of the finished product. It was well worth the wait, it exceeded my expectations in every way.
Cliff"
"After doing much research, I finally chose AVA Direct based on the reviews I read here. Still, I was apprehensive dealing with a company I did not know. But I was thrilled. My computer arrived about 3 1/2 weeks after ordering, packaged well, and the quality of the build is superior.
I already knew what I wanted, so I didn't need any help up front, but I did have questions after receipt and they are very prompt at responding.
I am so happy with this, as well as relieved to find a company so reliable."
"I am a regular when it comes to custom built gaming PCs. I was unhappy with Alienware, Cyberpower, and others when it came to the PCs I had built with them in the past. I did not receive any advice for my build nor did I get any comments if one of my modifications conflicted with another which usually led to a very poor gaming experience in the long run. That has changed with AVADirect.
Their customization options are many and quite detailed. When I stumbled upon hardware conflicts they were very quick to email me and tell me why there was a conflict and asked me what I was looking for in a PC. I told them that I am an avid gamer and I'm looking to build a beast with a set price range. It took off from there and now I have this beautiful machine at my desk!
The processing and shipping speed was comparetively fast and my rig arrived well packaged. If I were to choose just one of the many strong points of this company I would definately have to say customer service. Through all of the computer companies I have dealed with over the years I can tell you that customer service is usually horrible for computer companies in general. AVADirect has been quick to answer my questions and in a friendly and direct manner (hence the name?). I have never been rerouted to anyone or asked to look up any information on my own. Their suggestions and ideas for my computer and personal situation have been outstanding. 5/5, 10/10, 20/20, 100/100, 2Thumbs/2Thumbs, whatever max rating you got these guys deserve it!"
"Excellent company. GREAT customer service. They have knowledgeable staff. I got a custom system and they found some incompatibilities with the parts I selected and immediately contacted me so we could work out some changes.
I love how they're website lets you buy parts, kits or custom systems. Save money however you want. Great prices too.
It's been a while since my last parts/kits merchant went out of business, I was glad to find these guys and even more impressed with their service and prices.
HIGHLY recommended."
"I was looking for a custom gaming system to replace my 5+ year old home build, but I didn't have the time or recent hardware knowledge to build a system myself.
I was impressed by AVA Direct's ratings and reviews, especially here on Reseller Ratings. It was easy to customize a system on their website. They had the latest hardware available while being surprisingly affordable.
I hadn't dealt with hardware in a few years, so I emailed them for some advice on my build. Joseph Mundy was very helpful and professional. He helped adjust my build to what I was looking for, while helping me stay within my budget.
It took a little while to build and ship my system, but I knew to expect it and they kept me apprised of the progress. The packaging was very safe. The system itself is well built. The wiring is clean and secure. It's also very pretty with its red lighting and fans.
I waited for a while to fill out a review so that I wasn't just pleased with having a new computer. I also wanted a chance to see if their technical service was as excellent as their sales, but I've yet to have reason to consult them. My system has worked better than I'd hoped. (I at least expected trouble from 64-bit Vista.) Still, I'm confident that they'll be there and do an excellent job if I need them.
My build:
# INTEL, Core™ i7-920 Quad-Core 2.66GHz, LGA1366, 6400 MT/s QPI, 8MB L3 Cache, 45nm, 130W, EM64T EIST VT XD, Retail
# eVGA, EVGA X58 SLI, LGA1366, Intel® X58, 6400 MT/s QPI, DDR3-1333MHz 12GB /6, PCIe x16 SLI CF /3, SATA 3 Gb/s RAID 5 /9, HDA, GbLAN /2, FW /2, ATX, Retail
# CORSAIR, 6GB (3 x 2GB) XMS3 PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz CL9 (9-9-9) 1.5V SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC
# eVGA, GeForce® GTX 295 576MHz, 1792MB GDDR3 1998MHz, PCIe x16 SLI, DVI /2, HDMI, Retail
# WESTERN DIGITAL, 150GB (WD1500HLFS) WD VelociRaptor™, SATA 3 Gb/s, 10000 RPM, 16MB cache
# WESTERN DIGITAL, 1TB WD Caviar® Black™ (WD1001FALS), SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 32MB Cache
# LITE-ON, iHDS118 Black 18x48x DVD-ROM Drive, SATA, OEM
# LITE-ON, iHAS422 Black/Beige 22x DVD±RW Dual-Layer Burner w/ Smart Erase & LightScribe, SATA, Retail
# THERMALTAKE, V9 VJ40001W2Z Black Mid-Tower Case w/ Window, ATX, No PSU, SECC
# THERMALTAKE, Toughpower, 80 PLUS®, 1000W Power Supply w/ Modularized Cable Management, 24-pin ATX12V EPS12V, Quad +12V, Quad SLI Ready"