Cheap computer <$300

[Wyvers]

I'm looking for a complete computer with monitor for less than $300. I've been nosing around the forums but I?ve been reluctant to bite so far. It's for my grandparents so just some web browsing, e-mail, and viewing pictues. I've looked at the dell b110s and the acer one they have at CC. My question is, could I find a better deal at a local computer shop? I'm in the bay area so a few recommendations would be awesome. If not could I build one myself for less? Perhaps someone could throw a simple example of where to look and the prices.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Dell or those massive CC/BB/Office Depot rebate systems are your best bet for a complete system with legal copy of Windows at that price. Or Frys has basic AMD Sempron systems sometimes. Stay away from Cryix processors, too slow even for a granny

If you can get other family members to chip in, a $600 laptop might be good just because they can put it away when not using it. That's if they're living in something small like a 1 BR apartment.

 

[Superczar]

If not could I build one myself for less? Perhaps someone could throw a simple example of where to look and the prices.

Go to Newegg.com
Pick a Sempron 2600 with a Asus A8V motherboard
Add a 512 MB stick, a cheap Cabby with a PSU, a 160 GB IDE (PATA) disk, a DVD/CDRW , a cheap KB/Mouse and you have a system for ~$220-240
Spend the rest of the money on a 15"CRT monitor, or extend the budget by a bit and get a 15" LCD

This config should be more Good enough for Web browsing/Office Apps

 

[DaveSimmons]

^ plus $90 for XP Home unless grandma has a peg-leg and parrot.

Which is why a Dell makes sense, you can't build it yourself as cheaply as they can.

geeks.com has a bunch of refurbished systems for under $300 with OS though not always with restore CDs. A Dell with restore CDs would be good to get back to a clean system after the grandparents gunk it up with spyware and trojans.

 

[WackyDan]

Go to IBM.com and look at their recertified PC's. You can very easily get one with monitor for under $300, and it will have a basic warranty.

Tigerdirect has a great recertified area on their site for all brands. I've bought two desktops from them so far and have had great luck with them. (My 70+ y/o parents are doing just fine with theirs). You can get them there with or without OS.

Laptops drive older folks crazy, -small screens, built in mouse.... Better off getting them a desktop, it will be the most cost affective.

 

[corkyg]

Computer Renaissance is a national chain dealingin used equipment. They have a Bay Are store in Pleasant Hill (South Bay area).

CR

They have a store here in Tucson as well, and I use them a lot for odds and ends - sometimes I sell them my old stuff.

 

[Trey22]

Fry's Electronics.

 

[cheesehead]

Geeks .com FTW!
I got my laptop (a refurb Compaq Evo NC4010) from them, in addition to lots of other stuff.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=IBMNVPIV18-14B&cat=SYS

/Thread.

Note:
The COA for Win2K is on the case, so you should have no trouble installing it from any CD.
Locally, Goodwill has pretty nice 17" flat-CRT's for 30$, so you'll not be paying more than 200$ for a decent little machine.

You may all hail my cheapassery! I am the cheapass king!