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

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

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

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

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

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

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...