I need to buy a new desktop right away.

I've been going nuts for 3 days trying to decide between finding a way to stay with Windows XP (which I love) or giving up and going with Vista.

Seems next to impossible to load Windows XP Pro on a Vista 64 machine.

A lot of my hardware and some software will not run on Vista, and no drivers available.

I came across a PC today that seems to have everything I want except a known brand name.

It's a "ZT Reliant". Has XP Pro, AMD Phenomx 4 Quad core 9100e, 4GB RAM, 500GB Seagate 7200rpm HD, etc... Only $549 without monitor.

Problem is I never heard of ZT, and can't find anyone who has. It's made in the US and has US tech support 24/7 free for life. Been in businesss for 13 years and has an installed base of over 1M units (ZTsystems.com).

Has anyone heard of this company? Know anything about the product quality and reliability?

Can't find much online except other people asking the same question.

Thanks all...

I've always ahad a lot of faith in CNET and they've never let me down.
Here's their review of the ZT Reliant and some other ZT models:
ZT Group Reliant VPX6001 Desktop reviews - CNET Reviews (http://tinyurl.com/CNET-Z-Reliant-Review)

Also ZDNet : http://tinyurl.com/ZDNet-ZT-Reliant-Review

Sounds great. Have a link so we can read up on it?

Sounds great. Have a link so we can read up on it?

I'm sorry, aren't the two links above showing up?
Here's the ZT home site link: ZT Systems Home (http://www.ztsystems.com/)

No, I'm looking for Mitch's link to the system he's looking at.

JB,

Here is the link for the $549 ZT PC with XP Pro I was referring to earlier: Costco - $549.99 after $100 OFF ZT Reliant XP Pro AMD Phenomx4 Quad Core 9100e 4GB 500GB (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11305569&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US&s=1)

I've since learned that this AMD processor has a bug in the design. The rev with the fix is "B3" which is not included with this processor. The bug causes the PC to keep crashing, so I've passed on this one.

HOWEVER, ZT makes a similar system that uses an Intel processor with good reviews. The PC is a bit more powerful and a bit more expensive ($699), but still a lot for the money (+XP Pro).

The link is: Costco - ZT Reliant Intel Quad Core Q6700 2.66GHz 4GB DDR2 500GB HDD XP PRO (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11313626&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US&s=1)

I'm back to looking at Dell.com. They have an Inspiron 530 (home unit), and a Vostro 410 (business catagory) that are both available with XP Pro, plus a Vista disk for future upgrade if desired. They both have free shipping and approx $200 discount, so they price out pretty close, and just a few hundred more than the ZT.

ZT has a 2 year warranty, and Dell a 1 year.

Also, Costco (ZT) has a 90 day, no questions asked, return policy, which is always nice.

I find it odd that there is virtually no info on line about ZT, and no one I've spoken with has EVER heard of them. Weird??

Interesting stuff.

Thanks again all...

BTW, here is a very cool little program from Microsoft that scans your PC to see if you have any compatibility issues before installing Vista. It gives you a report of devices, drivers, and system. (Almost all my peripherals are incompatible. Even a Microsoft wireless mouse!)

Download details: Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/thankyou.aspx?familyId=42b5ac83-c24f-4863-a389-3ffc194924f8&displayLang=en)

With Costco behind it, and the features on this unit, I'd buy it.

Hmmm...

Anyone out there heard anything good / bad about ZT Computers?

I'm mostly interested in reliability. The only post I saw was from someone who said he liked his ZT after using it for a few days.

What is your main use for a desktop PC Mitch?

Danny,

I do a bit of everything. Mostly Office, email, internet, photos, etc. Nothing heavy like gaming or videos. My PC is on and being used most of the day (~14hrs).

Regarding ZT, I found the following post last night. It's the most affirmative thing I've heard about ZT so far.

Sorry, forgot to "paste"

“We carry ZT systems at work (Staples). They also go under the brands Cisnet and Affinity. ZT isn't that small of a computer manufacturer, they usually supply large outfits like hospitals and government offices. I can't speak for their laptops (we don't carry any) but their desktops haven't given us any problems. I opened one up out of curiosity and they were using all brand name parts: ASUS mobos, Seagate HDDs, Antec powersupplies and Crucial memory. They also put a two year warranty standard on all the machines we carry. I don't know how good their service and support is, their website doesn't mention much.”

I found the association with Affinity. Also found they used "good" components but couldn't find information on their motherboards.
Generally seemed like overpriced compared to some discounted systems at Newegg. I have stayed away from HP since their Compaq merger, but have recently worked on an HP system with no complaints. Some good prices on their systems also.

Update on ZT Systems.

Well, I ordered the ZT and promptly popped the case open when it arrived. They do use all name brand components, BUT, the system looks like it was built in a garage. Very cheesy. Worst of all is the fan noise. Sounds like a vacuum cleaner.

With the state of the economy, I can't be sure this company will even survive to make good on their free lifetime tech support.

Bottom line... it's going back.

I would not recommend it.

Unfortunate. Also, a replacement (read upgraded) fan runs what... $10? Maybe you can just replace the noisy fan with a better one and have a good system? That's less than you're about to spend on shipping. Just a thought.

True and good suggestion. The unit has 4 fans, so not sure which one, or if all are noisy.

If the fan was the only issue, I'd keep it. But again, the system looks like poor quality in every way. The company logo is this cheap plastic sticker that was actually applied on top of the power button. I had to peel it off and move it. You should see the keyboard. I know I can buy a new keyboard, speakers, etc, but I think there is an overall big red flag on this one.

Sometimes it's difficult to know. The guts could be great and last forever, but I have a bad feeling about it.

Since there is virtually no info out there on ZT, I wanted to share my experience.

Thank you for posting back. Experience is the best teacher.

Mitch,
I was looking at this unit myself.
Thanks for taking the time to post your findings.
Very helpful.

I was speaking with the Tech in Electronics Sales at Costco, and he told me they are getting back ZT's due to noisy fans. My concerns have been validated...

Let me try to convince you not to go with them. In the first few weeks after I bought a laptop, my laptop essentially fell apart. One day after normal use, I went to unplug a device from the USB port and the guts came with the plug. This happened with both other USB ports. My hard drive crashed 3 x, and the answer that I got from the company's support team was that I should have sent it back immediately after the USB port died because they have a 15 day return policy. What then happened was months of hardball. This company essentially put up a stone wall. I called, and received no answer, or I called and in some cases was hung up on. I reached a ceiling with the customer support department. They flat out refused to let me talk to anyone above the customer support manager. This is the first time that I've ever had an experience like THAT with any company. Steer CLEAR of this company. I've fought them tooth and nail for a year to replace this damaged system. Most other companies, such as Dell, would have sent a replacement laptop to a dis-satisfied customer, but not ZT. They do not care about their customers and this is quite apparent. Eventually I opened a case with the BBB. When I explained my issue, this was the response I got, and keep in mind the mindset involved with a company rep, that they would recommend me BUYING the same system I just had an issue with, in refurbished condition.

Contact Name and Title: Daniel Villazul-RCSL
Contact Phone: 201-559-1093
Contact Email: [email protected]
Dear,

The reason the system was denied warranty repair was simply to do physical damage done to the system, in this case being the USB port. Please take the time to read our warranty statement under "DOA Return Policy" and "Warranty Void If" at the website listed below:

Support > RMA

We understand this can be a frustrating situation and would be glad to point you in the right direction so you can have your system repaired. This laptop is now a discontinued item however, we do have certified refurbished laptops of your exact model MS1024. If you decide to purchase a refurbished laptop the cost would be $150+shipping. Otherwise you can also contact MSI directly for out of warranty repair options. You can contact them directly at 1-626-913-0828 PST.

If you have further questions or would like clarification on anything said here, you can contact me directly: Daniel Villazul - Retail Customer Support Lead (201) 559-1093


Please, think twice before dealing with a company such as this one.

Thanks for the feedback.

I did buy the ZT, but it was such a piece of junk, I returned it 3 days later.

I have 2 ZT computers which I boughtfrom Costco. 1 had a problem when I bought it a year ago, returned it to Costco and ordered another which I got the next day. Both computers are ITel and both have all name brand parts as I did research on everything. Yes they are Vista, which for what I do has not been a problem. Next year I will probably go the Windows 7. Anyway the machines are great and totally upgradeable, try getting that in a DELL machine.

When I first bought my ZT from Costco, they were still offering XP, which is why I bought it. At that time, XP was getting very hard to find.

It never broke down (as I only had it for a few days), but there were 2 obvious issues that prompted me to return it.

1) It looked like it was built in a garage. Really cheesy workmanship.

2) The fans sounded like 747 jet engines. I tried but could not get used to the noise. I guess they haven't yet heard of "wisper fans".

When I returned it to Costco, the tech that inspected it told me that they are getting lots of returns due to the fan noise.

Perhaps the newer units are better than the model I bought.

In any case, I just upgraded my old Compaq with a new faster/larger HD, and some extra RAM, and it's working better than new.

Best of all, I still have my XP!

I have a ZT Systems computer and it has failed more than once. It was as they say repaired and then replaced. Still I cannot use this computer. Do not purchase a ZT computer! It is nothing, but a piece of junk. I have lost three days of work due to this poorly made product. My next step is court to get my money back.

Thanks for the feedback on this. I ordered a ZT, removed it from the box, and promptly repackaged and returned it after seeing how poorly it was made. Cheap plastic parts. Looked like junk.

Sorry for the trouble with yours...

I got the ZT affinity 7623mi from walmart.com, which got great reviews, as it does have the i7 processor with 16 GB Ram included. After getting my computer home and taking it out of the box, I immediately noticed how loose the packaging was, scratches on the monitor stand, generic documents, I mean what a mess. Then I noticed that during the Windows Update process, the screen flashed repeatedly. Windows Update failed several times. Support guy in India said he would escalate my call to a Product specialist, who more or less told me that ALL of their systems were tested before leaving the site. After I told him what was going on with their computers, he told me that it sounded like a defective computer with a corrupt Windows 7 OS. He was telling me that he noticed a few problems with these computers. This guy sounded honest and I hope he finds a different company to work for, or at least help put ZT straight with their products and service because I have NEVER experienced such poor service from ANY other computer support teams in my life. I don't even see product support available for my computer at their support site. My model was removed from the list. I bought the $900.00+ Computer, the ZT Affinity 7623mi, and ZT says that they do not recognize my S/N number that is located right on the sticker label that they issued. What a joke and waste of time for the consumer. In summary, I would highly suggest BUYER BEWARE. ZT boasts "Made In America 24/7 Support" which seems to be another advertising scam to lure the buyer into purchasing their products. Well, I was a sucker but I learned my lesson. Will be shipping back immediately. Proceed at your own risk. You have been warned.

I actually started this thread 4 1/2 years ago. It's interesting that it's still active. Some strong feelings about ZT out there. I ended up with a Windows 7 HP and am quite happy with it. Poor tech support, but then again, I haven't really needed it.

Here's a laugh, back in 2007 when I was considering the ZT, I called the company with a pre-sales question, which connects you with the Tech Support guys in the USA. After he answered all my questions, and went on and on about their quality for a 1/2 an hour, I asked him what brand he had. It wasn't a ZT.

So there you go.

PS: My wife's PC died this year, so I thought I'd give ZT a second look to see if any quality improvements in 4 years, so I ordered one from Costco again. Same poor quality as before. And the fans are still crazy loud. At this point, I wouldn't take a ZT if they were giving them away. (well maybe if it was free :-)

I'm glad to hear it. I also have been desperately seeking a computer for a small office and need to have it soon but have exasperated myself through the whole process. I'm looking back into HP and Dell. Toshiba is considerable butI really am not familiar with their support.

So mitchsc, have you decided on a new computer? If so, what is your decision, as I am still caught in the middle of what my next computer will be. I am favoring the 2nd generation processors on a laptop. However, I am gathering information from the consumer that there have been some overheating issues with the i7 working on such a small platform like the laptops have, though some have cool sense technology that prevents them from overheating, if you can afford to buy these units. I'm stuck on what to do. Just wanted to see where you were with this.

I bought an HP Desktop. My laptop is not that old but still has XP on it. I'm not sure that HP is any better than any other brand, but I've had good luck with it over the years. Their tech support leaves a lot to be desired. Perhaps if the call were escalated, the support would be better. I'd say that at least 80% of the help I've received has come from this forum. There are some very knowledgeable and generous people here. Good luck...

Heh, I just opened the box to my 3rd HP laptop. They work great for me, and I beat these things to death.

Hey Rocket Man. Good to hear from you...

Well to date ZT Systems Support will not allow me to return this second PC back to them unless I pay a $65.00 out of pocket expense for the Return Shipping/Processing Fee, because it went over the 14 day FREE Return with Walmart. This replacement ZT Affinity 7623mi that was sent back to me from either Walmart or ZT is just a huge joke, as I just noticed recently,that it is exactly the same computer, same Serial Number listed.
HA HA jokes on me. I'm so frustrated with Walmart AND ZT right now for not making this right for us. $900.00 down the drain. For just $100.00 more I could have got an Apple. My $300.00 laptop that I use right now for everday tasks, home and business, blows this ZT Affinity 7623mi out of the water. Bigger is not always better in this case, as I only run 3GB of ram on a dual core processor on my emachines laptop. Even the graphics look far superior. ZT wants me to actually play PC Mechanic and take this thing apart and fix it myself even though it has a 1 year warranty still under coverage. They sent me an email stating what they wanted me to do to fix it and I cannot even read the tiny text they included in their emails. I would strongly caution BUYER BEWARE before thinking about purchasing a ZT System.