AMD Sempron 3000 combo for $50 for Parents?

[dorkydave395]

I used Opera 9.x in Windows 95 with 32MB of ram (with a 200mhz pentoim) and like 3 tabs open and it ran ok. So if I can do that, then a dual core with 2GB of ram is just overkill.

 

[CurseTheSky]

If I build a new system for ANYONE these days, I make sure it's something that will last them for a while. Why spend $50+ on another single core computer when an increasing number of applications are going to benefit from multiple cores, ESPECIALLY if they're looking at another 3-5 years before the next upgrade?

Here are my suggestions. It won't break the bank, and they should see an awesome performance increase, even if they're only browsing the web and using Word.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813186151
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103255 (heatsink included)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820208344

For $125, you're getting them decent integrated graphics (VGA and DVI out), gigabit ethernet, parallel port (if they have an old scanner / printer), SATA, IDE, a 2.5GHz *dual core* processor, heatsink / fan, and 2GB of memory. Reformat the existing hard drive, and either reuse the case or find something in the $30 range (Rosewill has some decent cases) with free shipping.

That should hold up for several years.

 

[Slugbait]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo

Originally posted by: Slugbait
If all they do is surf and use Word, their machine is overkill.
....

well thats assuming their usage doesn't grow.

In Internet Time, five years is an obscenely long time...

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
157 tabs ff3 673,xxxK physical mem 680,000K VM

and no, its not sluggish.
we have ram...to use.

That sounds comparable to my ram usage. With about 250 tabs on multiple windows, FF2.x uses over 1GB of VM. It also seems to leak RAM a bit while you are using it, and I leave my browser windows open all the time, for literally weeks at a time.

 

[0roo0roo]

best is a laptop
old people find it less a hassle/threatening when they can use the comptuer where ever. convenince=more use =become more computer savy. also the instant on and off of laptops suspend mode is very nice.
sure pc's have it, but well. from what i've seen whether it works is hit or miss.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
best is a laptop
old people find it less a hassle/threatening when they can use the comptuer where ever. convenince=more use =become more computer savy. also the instant on and off of laptops suspend mode is very nice.
sure pc's have it, but well. from what i've seen whether it works is hit or miss.

I agree to some extent, though I find many older or non-computer-savvy people complain about the small screen, keyboard, and track pad. With that said, if you buy them a USB (wired or wireless) mouse and keyboard to plug in, and look into a 15.4"+ screen, it might be a good idea. There's nothing like being able to take the computer to the dining table with you, then pack it all up and head back into the living room after.

 

[0roo0roo]

yup, optical mice/wireless make it so easy