Best low end systems for school use?

[mrzed]

We have just received a grant to get new computer systems for a small nonprofit adult literacy school. I am trying to figure out our best deal.

Our needs are very simple. Mostly we use MS Office, IE, and certain educational software that has fairly low requirements. All stations are currently running 98se. For reference, we now have a mix of p233, witha few 400+ celeron/PII machines.

Stablility and ease of setup are more important than pure performance. I am busy with teaching, and I don't mind fooling around at home, but I just don't have the time at work. Also, when I leave, I expect the replacement to be less tech savvy, so I want relatively idiot proof systems.

I am looking at the following:

Celeron 900 system with MSI 6368 Mobo
Celeron 900 w/ TUSI-M Mobo
Celeron 900 w/ CUSIFX
Celeron 900 w/ TUV4X
Celeron 900 w/ TUSL2

Duron 1000 w/ ECS K7VZM

I realize the duron system would wipe the floor with the others, but stability and compatibility are primary, not performance. That's why I would consider the TUSL2, despite the higher price.

The boss also wants me to consider picking up used PII systems. They would probably be around 60% of the new system price.

If anyone has experience or knowledge about how stable and reliable any of these mobos are, and wants to give me some advice, I would appreciate it.

 

[oldfart]

I'd go with a Celeron Tualatin 1.0A over the C900. Not much more $ for a much better CPU. I'd stick with an 815 or 810 chipset mobo with integrated video, audio and lan if you need it. The TUSL2, Intel D815EEA2U, MSI 815LE, are good ones. There are a ton of others as well.