New Computer Help

[cyco2000]

My sister-in-law is looking at purchasing a computer. She really only needs internet access and minor programs to help out with her kids' schoolwork. Now, they have no money, and really shouldn't be spending it, but they are going to buy one anyway.

What is the cheapest desktop that's worth a darn that you folks would recommend?

 

[Go2Guy]

My sister-in-law is looking at purchasing a computer. She really only needs internet access and minor programs to help out with her kids' schoolwork. Now, they have no money, and really shouldn't be spending it, but they are going to buy one anyway.

What is the cheapest desktop that's worth a darn that you folks would recommend?

Do you have a MicroCenter in your town? Usually found in big cities like Denver, Houston.

They specialize in computers and often have refurbished Compaq & Dell computers, or I bought their own home brand - PowerSpec and spend less than $400.

They also have 20" Acer LCD monitors for under $140.

 

[zumbro clones]

Refurbished is the way to go. Look for a cheap laptop. Dell and Lenovo has some pretty good deals if you keep your eyes open.

Better yet, find a friend who recently upgraded and wants to dump their old, serviceable desktop.

 

[bos]

Might be able to find a refurb Dell Vostro series.

 

[jumbopackage]

Do they have a monitor they can reuse??
Some place like this might be a good place to start: PacificGeek.com - Dell GX280 P4 2.8GHz XP Pro - End Of Month 1 Day Sale! GX280

 

[kilgore_trout]

I recomend Dell Outlet. Add a monitor and you're good to go. And if you don't like the selection wait a day or two.

Dell Factory Outlet (click on sort by price)

PS. I've had zero problems with my purchases of reconditioned computers (Dell & Compaq). I don't think you can do it any cheaper unless you go with a Linux box, which isn't what a family probably needs.

 

[flynnhicks03]

Do you have a MicroCenter in your town? Usually found in big cities like Denver, Houston.

They specialize in computers and often have refurbished Compaq & Dell computers, or I bought their own home brand - PowerSpec and spend less than $400.

They also have 20" Acer LCD monitors for under $140.

Sorry, didn't read the original post. YOu should be able to get a decent setup for less than $500.

 

[cyco2000]

Thanks for the help everyone! I thought the Dell outlet was probably my best chance, as I live in Ames, so thanks for the help!!

 

[cytech]

Here's the best bang for your buck new one, most of the time the dell outlet ones will not come with a monitor, so if that is something they need this will probably work better for them
The Dell Online Store: Build Your System

core 2 duo
3 gb memory
250 gb hard drive
19" lcd
$399

That should include free shipping also I think

 

[nboltz]

I have had good luck with buying computers from http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Computers/270/cat.html.

 

[zumbro clones]

Is she determined to get a new PC?

 

[cyco2000]

With her, who knows. She's been heading that way, but I'd be up for trying to talk her into other options (we've given her an old computer of ours in the past).

 

[MrGreg]

You could try something like this...get some extra RAM and find an old CRT monitor on the cheap (or free)...it's nothing fancy, but it's inexpensive and you can surf the web, etc.

Refurbished HP P4 3.0GHz Desktop Computer + Windows XP with COA - $115 shipped - SlickDeals.net Forums

It depends on how much/little they want to spend...

Or as noted above, you can get a new Vostro desktop + LCD monitor for around $400

 

[zumbro clones]

Where are you located? I'm sure that someone in your area has an older PC that needs to be "recycled" and is still in great shape. I have 2 that I need to get rid of.

 

[cytech]

I have old crts in cedar rapids area. They cost me like $15 or $20 to dispose of so I never have a problem giving them away.

 

[Skyh13]

I won the bid on an Acer desktop for $166 on Ebay, which came with no accessories and had absolutely nothing installed on it -- 320 gig hard drive, 1 gig of ram, 2.3 GHz dual core AMD processor. Recently I bought 4 gigs of RAM as fast as it could take for $25 (after rebate).

Of course, the whole operating system thing would cost some (didn't for me since I get it from the engineering college), unless they were okay with Linux.

In any case, EBay could be another avenue.

 

[pulse]

There are a ton of cheap refurbs here too and you can sort by price:

Desktop Computers, Desktop Computer, Desktop PC, Desktop PCs at TigerDirect.com

Gateway GM5684e Intel Refurbished Desktop PC - Intel Pentium E2180 Dual Core 2.0GHz, 1G DDR2, 160GB SATA II, DVDRW Labelflash, TV Tuner, 10100 LAN, Vista Home Premium SP1 RB-2906059R at TigerDirect.com

 

[Nick]

If you're in Ames, check out the ISU surplus. They get rid of decent computers for dirt cheap (also great for monitors or anything else you might need). Sales are on Wednesday at noon.

Central Stores - ISU Surplus