Ask HN: Where is the WORST place to get a PC?

Most non-specialist stores, including office supplies chains.

Some of the discounted PCs, typically configured with Windows Home Edition, won't even work properly with Linux. I destroyed an Asus notebook's motherboard by reformatting and installing Ubuntu Linux. The tech who diagnosed it suggested that the Linux drivers may have set some I/O registers in a way that caused the fault.

"Bargain PCs" tend to be manufactured to a very low cost, so they have many compromises in order to meet those targets.

In my experience, big box stores offering employee incentives for moving specific items into your hands.

Usually they'll try little sales tricks like "I don't know when the one you want will be back in stock, if ever. But we have this one today and I brought it out to show you. Great deal."

Well, we've put seven rovers on the Moon, and only six on Mars, so outside of Gaia, Mars.