Best PC (non gaming) under $1000

[datalink7]

Hi all,

My sister, who is a non gamer, needs an new PC for school. She apparently has to install a ton of programs for whatever she is doing and needs at least 300gb's of space for that.

Other than that, probably a big screen would be nice (a good chunk of the budget could go here), nice sound, built in WiFi (so she can place it where she wants in the house) would be the next priorities. She doesn't have any extras so keyboard/speakers/Microsoft office/etc. need to be factored in.

I was wondering if I should recommend an All-In-One computer, or just a regular desktop plus monitor purchase?

I was looking at HP, as they seemed like they have gotten good reviews in that price range, but any other suggestions would be nice.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[TheStu]

Laptop? Does she want to take it with her anywhere?

An all-in-one does simplify matters, and any pre-built system you buy from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Vizio, whomever, would have a keyboard, mouse, OS all that jazz.

 

[marcplante]

What kind of space does she have in this house? big bedroom with space for a PC with a 24" monitor? Will she want to take it to class or library to work, "remotely?" (even flop down on the couch in her house to work rather than at her desk) 300 GB is nothing these days. 1TB HDs are common.

A desktop will give her real expandability (GPUs, PSUs, its a box you vcan replace the components in). A notebook will give her portability and reasonable expandability (HDs maybe RAM, though anything with expandability up to 8G will be fine). To me, an all in one is the worst of all worlds.

Another thread talks about a Dell 6600 desktop that sells at Costco for $549, which is a reasonable general price for a starter/midrange desktop. Add a $200 24" monitor to that, and you have a decent no fuss system with a 2+ year warranty. You could probably assemble components for less if you can build a box yourself.

You can get decent midrange notebooks for the same amount, and attach the same monitor at a desk for more screen real estate when at her base WITH portability, but not as much expandability to add *multiple* drives (SSD OS drive plus large storage drive, though you said she needs 300GB of apps) or updated GPUs PSUs as needed.

If she's really just a general user, she'd probably be fine with the Midrange notebook for ~$500 and an add on monitor, keyboard and mouse.

If you have a Costco in the area, their extended warranties are nice to have on PC gear for a casual user. I can't speak to their concierge technical support, but their, "satisfaction, no questions asked," philosophy really is true. Otherwise, Dell or Lenovo outlets. Dell inspiron or Lenovo G series notebooks should do OK. Dell probably has deals on 24" monitors, though I'd price shop if your specs aren't too particular.

 

[datalink7]

She has an older laptop that she can take into class to take notes or work from an internet café from. So she could get a new laptop, but it doesn't need to be one.

Thanks for the input so far. I'll check to see if she has a Costco membership or not.

 

[cbn]

Some SFF desktops to look at:

Lenovo H520s
Dell Inspiron 660s
HP Pavilion Slimline 400 (only available at Best Buy)
Gateway SX series
Acer Aspire X

ASUS also makes CP3130 and CP6230 (but these are hard to find at the moment.)

 

[toughtrasher]

I like either the Lenovo H520 (or H520s) or a Dell 6600. Both would cost you at most $650 so you have enough room to buy some accessories and perhaps a 24 inch monitor like the Asus VS247H-P.

Total cost would be well under $1k

 

[datalink7]

Decided on a Dell 660 in the end. Still haven't decided on a monitor. She said a friend was going to give her one "for free." I said it probably wasn't very good, but she's going to check it out first. I'll keep the monitor suggestions in mind for later.

Thanks for the help.