To dispel the first myth about brand names being better, on the whole IBM computers are not better than clone computers and the big name computers like Compaq and Digital, etc. are not any better than clones from other companies you may or may not have heard about. I own four computers none of which are name brands and all have been serving me well for two to three years without need for any service. Well, shake off those shivers because mail order is the best way you can save money on computer equipment. The rule you should follow is, don't generally buy any computer equipment at a retail store because you will usually be charged much more than what the item is worth. This is for many reasons.
Most retail stores have many expenses keeping up their store and employees.
Most retail stores would never get the volume that mail order houses get so they can't buy the equipment at discounted prices. The other problem with retail stores in most states is taxes. That's right you can save lots of money by ordering from out of state. Now as for buying something you can't see or touch if you think for a moment the only thing you really see of any use is the monitor and the only thing you really touch is the keyboard. One thing you probably didn't think about was what is inside the computer.