Natural superiority of the white box
By Charles Miller

A few weeks back this column addressed the question, “How long should a computer last?” People still ask me that question all the time. The earlier column focused on the inherent design flaws common to laptop computers, and so it is understandable that Atención readers would conclude that I do not recommend buying them.

As I sit here typing this article on my laptop computer, I am among the large number of computer-users for whom portability simply has outweighed all the many disadvantages of owning a laptop. A desktop computer simply will not fit into my backpack.

Today’s computers generate much more heat than those of 10 years ago. As processors have gotten faster and faster, they have gotten hotter and hotter. Heat is the natural enemy of the plastics, resins and silicon used to build computers. Laptop computers, by necessity, concentrate all that heat in a small area and this is the main reason laptop computers simply do not last as long as they used to last.

A desktop computer has the same problems with heat, but has the space to deal with it. A desktop chassis is much larger physically and, by using several larger fans, has much more ability to radiate heat away from the CPU.

Desktop computers are very rarely subjected to the same mistreatment as are laptops. Components such as hard disks are still delicate, but a desktop computer is rarely bounced around while it is running in the same way most laptops are. Spilling a cup of coffee on a laptop often completely destroys a thousand-dollar device. Spilling a cup of coffee on a desktop keyboard usually ruins a twenty-dollar keyboard.

I have long recommended the best computer for most users—referred to as a “white box” system. The fact that these computers are more often colored black than white notwithstanding, “white box” refers to a clone system without a brand name and assembled from generic components.

Such a computer is far and away the most serviceable computer to own. The owner of a laptop computer that came from the States is likely going to have to send it back there for service when needed. The owner of a white box system can take the computer to any neighborhood computer store and almost always have it repaired there.

The main reason is parts availability. Except for hard disks and memory chips, laptop parts are all proprietary and are available only from the original manufacturer. White box systems assembled from generic components are easily serviced because other generic replacements almost always are readily available.

Any desktop computer will easily outlast a comparable laptop by many years. It is reasonable to expect a desktop system will last four to six years, or more than double the life of most laptops.

While on the subject of parts availability, one thing all Atención readers ought to do is develop what professionals call a “disaster plan.” The procedure is to look at each electronic item you own (computer, wireless router, phone, etc.) and then check local resources to learn which items are replaceable in Mexico and which are not.

Needless to say, if you depend on a particular electronic component that is not sold in Mexico and which would take time and expense to ship down from the States, you should consider keeping a spare one on hand.

Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant, a frequent visitor to San Miguel since 1981 and now practically a full-time resident. He may be contacted at 044 (415) 101-8528 or email FAQ8 (at) SMAguru.com.