dell or other simple machine?

[poncherelli2]

My grandparents 8 year old computer is dying and they need it replaced. They live down in FL and are totally incapable of any kind of setup/installation. They use the computer to browse some web pages and check email, maybe play solitare. The biggest thing for them is having in-home service if anything goes wrong.

Some guy from down there is offering to build them a new system (tower only, he wants them to keep the same old 8y/o 15" crt, mouse, keyboard, speakers) and transfer their data from the old system to the new one, plus provide 1 year onsite service for 500$. My grandparents couldnt tell me any specs of the new computer, but it honestly doesnt matter that much. I just think for 500 they should be able to get a new system with at least a 15" or 17" flatscreen.

Do any of the major companies or and reputable chains offer in-home delivery/setup and in-home tech support? I could of swore deal offered it, but I can't find it. I know they wont transfer the data from the old HDD to the new comp, but I really dont think there is anything on there anyway.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Where in FL?

 

[poncherelli2]

palm beach

 

[Slowlearner]

Both Dell and HP have very reliable, but dogs otherwise, available quite cheap ~700$ (Dell frequently has free shipping while HP rarely so) that comes with a one year on-site warranty but includes a 17" display. Dell does not offers an in-home set up. You could also build one for them using quality parts for a similar price, but I find that older people tend to slack off good computer use practices and soon viruses/spyware clog their PCs, and they are unable to clean out their PCs, and they then need support.

 

[poncherelli2]

I cant build for them as I live in philly. Speed is my last concern. The only things that really matter are in-home support (someone needs to put the machine on a desk and plug everything in so that they can just turn it on and go) and price (around 500). The local guy that gave them a quote can do that for 500$ and offer 1 year in-home support, but they'll be stuck with crappy peripherals (8 year old stuff from their current machine). If none of the big guys can go into their house and do these things, however, the local guy will be better as they would much rather have someone hold their hand and pay a little more than get a new dell with a 17" lcd but have no idea how to do anything with it.

 

[w00t]

go to a local computer shop and buy one. than if they have any problems witht he computer software related use remote assistance.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Maybe a laptop would be better for them, or even an eMac. They're a little bit more expensive, but setup is minimal in both cases.

HP offers a Pavilion ze2000z series laptop for $619 ($569 after rebate) shipped, with the following configuration...
Sempron 2800+
256 MB RAM
integrated graphics
15" display
40 GB hard disk
DVD-ROM drive

And all they'd have to do is plug it in.

 

[TheoPetro]

for the love of everything precious dont reccomend dell.....dont dont dont dont dont

 

[raildogg]

buy Dell over HP. some of my family members have Dells and they like the customer service

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

I've heard better things about HP's customer service than Dell's. And HPs are usually cheaper. And they sell AMD.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Laptop is a good idea, all-in-one and they can move it around on/off a table etc. so it uses less space.

Office Depot had a $549 Compaq in the Sunday paper, though RAM was only 256 MB.

Dell has similar laptops for $499 - $700 depending on the week and coupons.


...Dell also tells you if it comes "with media" (restore CD). Buying one with restore CD will be handy when they trash it with adware / spyware / trojans etc.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Be careful of those Dell deals. They like to tack on $99 shipping, sometimes.

 

[GamerExpress]

Originally posted by: TheoPetro
for the love of everything precious dont reccomend dell.....dont dont dont dont dont

I would love to know the reason that you don't recomend Dell.

Dell is a great option in this scenario!!! as well as HP

Why do you diss Dell, is it becuase you follow the likes of what you see others posting the forums....don't believe the hype dude.

 

[grimlykindo]

for people who do not game or upgrade a DELL is great. I loved mine until I got into upgrading and needed to build my own.

Old people love DELL

 

[teddyv]

Dell does not offers an in-home set up.

Dell most certainly does offer it, though I am betting it is a referral contracted with one of the new GeeksRUs services. No matter, for under $100 you get your new system set up, your data migrated and a few quick lessons on using firewalls and NAV.

I know because I just went through this with my Grandparents (who ended up with a nice $600 shipped Dell 6000 laptop w/ original CRT, keyboard & mouse.)

 

[GamerExpress]

Originally posted by: teddyv

Dell does not offers an in-home set up.

Dell most certainly does offer it, though I am betting it is a referral contracted with one of the new GeeksRUs services. No matter, for under $100 you get your new system set up, your data migrated and a few quick lessons on using firewalls and NAV.

I know because I just went through this with my Grandparents (who ended up with a nice $600 shipped Dell 6000 laptop w/ original CRT, keyboard & mouse.)

Yes that's true also, they do offer in home setup. They usually contract out to a local Dell shop.

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Go with Dell. You can order it for them online. They have an on-site installation option you can pay for, and I would recommend you get a 2 or 3 year on-site warranty (Dells all come with a 1 year on site).

Alternately you can buy a Dell for them online, have it shipped to them, and have them hire a local tech to set it up. I do this for clients all the time here (lots of retirees - central Florida.).

I definately would not buy a custom built computer from a Mom & Pop shop unless you know the shop. Lots of crooks out there. I can't tell you how many clients call me who bought some P.O.S. custom built unit and got totally ripped off.

I recommend Dells to all my clients - business and personal. I'd recommend a Dell any day over an HP or crappy e-Machine. And when that HP or eMachine breaks down, they'll have to ship it back to the factory or take it to the store. Dell will come their house for any hardware related warranty issue.

Nice budget Dell Dimension 3000 would be perfect. Dell usually sells them for under $600 with a 17" LCD. Sometimes less on sale. You can find unadvertised specials here: http://www.gotapex.com

Hope this helps...

 

[poncherelli2]

I can't seem to find this on-site installation option on the dell website. Could you point me in the right direction because I would love to get them a simple dell with 2 year on-site and inhome setup if thats possible.

 

[poncherelli2]

NM, i found it, you have to go into the checkout options

 

[Slowlearner]

I checked and could find it either.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: GamerExpress

Originally posted by: TheoPetro
for the love of everything precious dont reccomend dell.....dont dont dont dont dont

I would love to know the reason that you don't recomend Dell.

Dell is a great option in this scenario!!! as well as HP

Why do you diss Dell, is it becuase you follow the likes of what you see others posting the forums....don't believe the hype dude.

Ok here is my hype:

Dell Dimension 4550

Pentium 4 2.533Ghz P4 533Mhz FSB

512MB of PC 2700 memory

30GB harddrive (now a 120GB harddrive)

Integrated Sound (now a Sound Blaster Live! 4.1 Digital version)

Altec Lansing 4.1 speakers

Dell 19" Flat CRT monitor

CDRW drive

250w PSU

GeForce 4 MX 420

The results? Well the monitor has fingerprints INSIDE the glass so I cant remove them. Plus the screen is blurry at anything above 800x600 (Although 800x600 is crystal clear) (Supposed to handle 1600x1200).

Secondly the CDRW was not even made anymore and is exempt from Samsung or Dell's CDRW bios upgrades. Thirdly the whole fact that the entire system (CPU and all) is cooled by a single 120mm fan is just plain scary. Fourthly the 120mm has such a big hub its more like a 40mm fan. Fifthly, It has random times of jumping to 100% CPU usage (even after a fresh install) at random and forcing a manual shutdown.

I think thats it

 

[suicidalpigeon]

hmm i live in palm beach, but i have a busy schedule for a while (school related). this senario should have dell involved.