Cheapest desktop -- built or bought?

[ktm407]

I need to get my mom her own computer so she'll stop using mine. All she really does is check her e-mail, shop, occasionally look at Facebook or YouTube, type Word documents and look at pictures. I also hope to teach her how to update her own iPod (wish me luck). She obviously doesn't need much power, so this can be pretty barebones, but the modem is upstairs, so it needs wireless capabilities.

I was going to buy the cheapest Dell they sell for $269. Then I was going to install a PCI wireless card since Dell charges $70 to add that on and I think that should be less than $20. I was also going to wipe it out and install Windows XP since she's used to XP too. That should be possible to do, right?

Is there a cheaper option? By the time I buy all the necessary parts, could I even save that much if I built it myself? I've never built my own PC, but I think I could do it since I've learned how to install and hook up enough parts myself.

edit: I'm gonna give her my current monitor and give myself a 24" flat screen.

 

[Lemon law]

I was lucky enough to find a local computer shop selling refurbished dells for $125.00. With windows XP pro licensed and pre installed along with a P4 2.4 GHZ cpu, a cd rom, 500MB ram, ethernet card, keyboard and optical mouse. You can buy CRT monitors from good will all day long for $10.00. Add a cheap laser printer and Mommy is good to go out of your hair. Wireless card optional.

Saved our butts when my wife's computer had its HDD disk fail. Five minutes later, the backup dell was up and running and I did not have to share my computer with my wife. I fixed her better computer at my leisure and the dell goes back in the closet.

Happy Wives and Mommies are something not to be underestimated.

 

[ktm407]

OK, I don't know if I'll be finding any refurbished Dells anywhere though. So back to my original question -- buy a Dell and add my own wireless card or build a machine from scratch? C'mon people, I know you have opinions. Please share!

 

[Blazer]

built mom a 865 someyears ago and still going strong, todays mobo options would be way more than she will ever need, a prebuilt system may be the way to go, another option would be to chk craiglist and do a clean install.

 

[coxmaster]

Why not give Dell Outlet a look.. They've got some decent deals usually

 

[ktm407]

Dell outlet was a good idea. They have some even cheaper than $300 with acceptable specs. Would a minitower have room for me to add a wireless card? Anyone have any idea?

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: ktm407
Dell outlet was a good idea. They have some even cheaper than $300 with acceptable specs. Would a minitower have room for me to add a wireless card? Anyone have any idea?

It should have a free PCI slot sure. Most every PCI wireless card I have seen is half height and includes the adapter in case you need it. If nothing else though, there is this thing called USB, Ajay Bhatt co-invented it, he is an intel Rock Star in case you missed it

 

[gsaldivar]

Another vote for Dell Outlet!

I've ordered dozens and dozens of computers from there, 75% of the time they are indistinguishable from brand new PCs. Full warranty, money back guarantee, free shipping, free Windows 7 upgrades... and the price is right.