Computer: Athlon II x3, 4GB DDR3, 250GB HDD etc. - $356

[crucibelle]

Would be good for kids, parents, grandparents, etc:

(price does not include shipping) -- $356

http://www.directron.com/earsaversh3.html

Specs:
Processor: AMD X3 440 3.0GHz Triple Core [3 Core] Processor
Memory: 4GB DDR3 1333 Memory (2x2GB). (Major brand with lifetime warranty)
Motherboard: MSI 785GM-E51 Socket AM3 Motherboard
Video: Onboard ATI Radeon HD 4200 [Direct X10 Compliant]. Supports Dual Monitor - 1 VGA + 1 DVI-D [Also has 1 HDMI Port]
Audio: onboard 8-channel audio.
Storage: 250GB SATA2 Hard Drive
Network: Gigabit Lan, 10/100/1000
Optical: 24X SATA DVD Burner
Case: Enermax VOSTOK MicroATX Case with quiet 350W Enermax Power Supply
Back Ports: 1 DVI, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 6 USB, 1 PS2, 6 Audio Ports, 1 RJ45, 1 eSATA
Fan: Enermax Marathon Enlobal 120mm Magnetic Bearing Fan Ultra Quiet [17dB-A]

 

[DaveSimmons]

Note that is in kit form, you do have to assemble it yourself.

This should make a decent HTPC, with HDMI and AMD 4200 graphics instead of intel. For grandma a cheap Dell, HP etc. desktop with support and Windows might make more sense, or a $399 laptop deal.

 

[crucibelle]

Note that is in kit form, you do have to assemble it yourself.

Didn't notice that; thanks Dave!


Oooh.. I see now. Where they say "system requires assembly", I thought they meant that THEY had to assemble it before it was sent out, hence the two day wait. I totally misunderstood that.. lol.

 

[TurtleCrusher]

Throw in a cheap 5550/5570/GT240 and you have a good budget gaming computer. An X3 at 3ghz!

 

[Lanyap]

For a prebuilt alternative you can check out the Dell Inspiron 570s in Dell outlet. They usually have a similar configuration that includes Win 7 and a one year warranty for about the same price even without a coupon. Shipping is free but you do have to pay tax and you might have to keep checking if they don't have the config you want at the moment. I found a good time to check the outlet is a few minutes after 2:00am CT.

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnline...x?brandId=2202&c=us&cs=22&fid=1079&l=en&s=dfh