$500 "mother-in-law" computer

[fpoverflow]

Hi all,

I normally build my own systems, but to be honest I'm not currently up on the latest processors and such. My mother-in-law (god bless her soul) the other day told me she wanted to get a new computer for around $500 (without a monitor, we already have a 19 inch), and was shopping at Best Buy. The thought of this was frightening. So I took on the task of buying her a computer.

I've used Monarch Computers in the past for other relatives with great success, and was looking to order another system from them. But looking at all the options available I realize I am way out of my depth due to lack of current knowledge. I'm not even sure what basic platform to start with.

I would really appreciate any suggestions for a computer for around $500. As I said I already have a monitor. Integrated graphics would be fine, but if we could sneak in a decent graphics card for under $500 that would be great cool (since then I could play games when I'm over ) All the rest is pretty much the usual.. thank you guys!

 

[nick1985]

So are you dead set against building?

 

[Inspector Jihad]

dell.com


sorry that was mean

 

[fpoverflow]

Hey no reason to get mean!

I pretty much don't want to build, I don't have the spare time, and I'd like to just mail the complete system to my MiL and not have her wait until I can show up to put it together. I found Monarch in the past was reasonably priced (since you can select all the components) and was willing to pay the premium for the added convenience. But if you recommend individual processors and MBs, then I can probably order that combo at Monarch.

Thanks your help.

 

[Sentinel]

MB- Biostar I915P-A7
Processor - Intel Celeron D 330J 2.66GHz 256K L2 (Retail)
RAM - CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM System Memory - Retail
Video - MSI X300SE 128MB

Assuming this is just for basic tasks like web, MS office, etc.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: fpoverflow
So I took on the task of buying her a computer.

Mistake #1

I pretty much don't want to build, I don't have the spare time, and I'd like to just mail the complete system to my MiL and not have her wait until I can show up to put it together.

Get her a <$499 Dell so that she can call them for support. Otherwise you'll be the tech on call and it will get old quickly.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: fpoverflow
So I took on the task of buying her a computer.

Mistake #1

I pretty much don't want to build, I don't have the spare time, and I'd like to just mail the complete system to my MiL and not have her wait until I can show up to put it together.

Get her a <$499 Dell so that she can call them for support. Otherwise you'll be the tech on call and it will get old quickly.

/thread

 

[fpoverflow]

Actually, I'm pretty certain she won't bug me much at all. And I've been hearing bad reports on Dell's service lately so I figure it isn't worth it. I've pretty much decided against Dell.

I'm just looking for a couple basic processor/MB/video suggestions to get me started. Any other combo ideas guys? Thanks!

 

[FlyingPenguin]

You can usually find some very good un-advertised Industry-Insider Dell specials here:
http://gotapex.com/

For instance:


Expires TONIGHT! (8/21/05) DellSB - Dimension 4700 with 2.8Ghz Pentium 4 520 HT, 256MB DDR2 SDRAM, 40GB HD, 48x CD-ROM for $479 after Rebate with FREE 19" LCD!
This time the Dimension 4700 comes with $569 worth of free upgrades, including a FREE 19 inch LCD! You get the Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 520 w/HT Technology (2.80GHz, 800FSB), 256MB DDR2 SDRAM in a single DIMM for easy upgrading, a 40GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM), a CD-ROM, Integrated 5.1 Channel Audio, and Windows XP.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Go to like CompUSA or something and pick up one of those $200-$300 Sempron 3000+ computers that they like always have on sale. $500 w/o monitor is probably like overkill for a mother-in-law's needs...

 

[John]

Originally posted by: fpoverflow
Actually, I'm pretty certain she won't bug me much at all. And I've been hearing bad reports on Dell's service lately so I figure it isn't worth it. I've pretty much decided against Dell.

I'm just looking for a couple basic processor/MB/video suggestions to get me started. Any other combo ideas guys? Thanks!

I'm certain that when something break down it will be your fault. Dell isn't the only one that receives complaints so you may want to sift thru the Monarch sucks threads.

Anyhow, please keep in mind that all companies will have issues arise where customers complain about their service. People usually come to forums to complain, and you rarely see the 'good' posts.

If you truly want to build this PC I wish you the best of luck, but don't come back and whine when things don't go your way.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

I can't believe I'm saying this because I hate DELL with a passion. But in the $500 range they are very hard to beat these days.

 

[fpoverflow]

John, point taken. I'll keep Dell in the mix.

I'll run down to my local CompUSA and see if there are any enticing special as suggested as well.

Is there any processor that is in the sweet spot value-wise right around now? I've gotten suggestions for the Celeron D 330J 2.66GHz, and the 3000+ Sempron so far..

 

[Reapsy00]

MSI RS480M2-IL ATI XPRESS 200 is a nice board for a cheap system dunno if you can afford to go 939 though. At least you get reasonable onboard graphics. I recently built a system with that board and a 3000+ venice.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Here's a weekly special from Outpost.com

P4 3.0ghz
80gb HDD
Intergrated graphics
256k ram (I would stick another 256k stick in)
8x DVD-RW
Keyboard and mouse
XP Home SP2
Nero 6
PowerDVD

GQ 7000 $379

You could upgrade the ram and it would still be under $500 with shipping

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

The above system looks very nice.

 

[ixelion]

I agree with many of the above posts, I also despise Dell, but you will have the peace of mind of not having to be on call to fix computer problems.

I dunno why you think she wont bother you, EVERYONE will have computer problems it's a matter of time and when she does she will go to you.

 

[munchow2]

Dell or tigerdirect.

 

[vegetation]

Originally posted by: ixelion
I agree with many of the above posts, I also despise Dell, but you will have the peace of mind of not having to be on call to fix computer problems.

I dunno why you think she wont bother you, EVERYONE will have computer problems it's a matter of time and when she does she will go to you.

It's not necessarily even a computer problem either, just user ignorance. She'll probably open an attachment infected with a virus and then call you at 1am, demanding why you sold her a piece of trash that runs so slow.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: fpoverflow
Actually, I'm pretty certain she won't bug me much at all. And I've been hearing bad reports on Dell's service lately so I figure it isn't worth it. I've pretty much decided against Dell.

I'm just looking for a couple basic processor/MB/video suggestions to get me started. Any other combo ideas guys? Thanks!

I HATE DELL. THIS COMP SUX. HOW MANY PROBLEMS DO YOU WANT ME TO NAME ABOUT THIS COMP!

 

[patsfan33]

Since you already have a monitor, why not something like this?

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=320308&pfp=BROWSE

 

[Sforsyth]

If you costmize a dell not to suck it won't but then you'll be spending a bunch more, why not order the parts on-line and take them to a store and get them to build it for cheap ?

 

[fpoverflow]

I ran down to compUSA as suggested. I was considering the system linked above, an emachines t4010 for $399 (Intel Celeron D Processor 340, 2.93GHz, 512MB RAM, 100GB Hard Drive, 16X DVD / 48X32X48 CD-RW Combo Drive, integrated Intel Extreme Graphics 2). For $100 more there was also the emachines t6410 (AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2.2GHz Processor, 512MB RAM, 160GB Hard Drive, 16X DVD+/-RW Drive, ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 IGP, and one free pci-express slot). Is the better processor and video worth the $100?

I was also perusing the dell outlet. I could pick up a Dimension 3000 with Celeron D Processor 330 (2.66GHz, 533 FSB), 512MB RAM, 80GB HD, 16x DVD+/-, for $340 quite easily. There are a million of these systems available in the outlet.

 

[CreativeTom]

Get her a <$499 Dell so that she can call them for support. Otherwise you'll be the tech on call and it will get old quickly.

 

[Continuity28]

For the mother/mother in law/grandmother, etc.

Get a Dell. Don't go all out, they won't do anything too intensive. You don't need 3Ghz for Word, email, and browsing the web.

When problems arise, let Dell handle them.

Alternatively, if you have the money, consider a Mac of some sort, they love those.