Hardware Compatibility Wizard (IS it worth IT?)

[pwrfid]

Hi people,

Well I just got an invitation from my friend to work in his new pet project. But I am bit too unsure whether I really want to take part in his project.

Basically, he is building a web platform where users can easily select and put together computer hardware components to create their desired computer configuration. The platform also checks the components and ensures that all are compatible with each other.

His inspiration came from his own experience when built his first computer where he had to put together motherboards, memory cards, graphic cards and so on but was clueless about the compatibility. He went on to the internet and saw many others had the same problem. Many people choose to buy pre-built PCs because they are worried about compatibility issues. So having a hardware compatibility wizard could allow people an easier route to create their own dream PCs rather than stick to pre-built PCs and paying through their nose.

Well, the idea does interest me. It can save tons of time and effort but what I am concerned about is whether there is already such a platform out there in the internet ? There is no point in reinventing the wheel, right ?

On top of that, I have my reservations whether people really want this kind of a platform and would appreciate it ?

So, I am stuck in a dilemma . My smartie friend told me that he is nearing completion but needs me to tie up the loose strings and polish up the code. I have yet to decide. I guess my friend is seriously into this project but I am still wavering.

So my fellow techies, I seek your advice and thoughts. Do you really think that this project is worth its effort???

Thanks in advance!

[glc]

How is all this compatibility going to be determined?

[Foosa]

I don't know if your friend understands the magnitude of what he is attempting to do.

Newegg has several thousand parts, you would have to check the compatibility of them all. That is Newegg only, then you would need to track down other websites for parts newegg doesn't stock.

While your friends intensions are noble, unless he has a great amount of resources I doubt he would be able to make a complete compatibility wizard.

That is for today. In 6 months the list would be obsolete and in need of updating.


There is a need, but how great a need is unsure. If he wants to do let him, if you want to help. Then help him.