I've got $2500 to spend, help me out

[TheBeast]

I'm going to build a system for my future brother-in law and he will give me $2500. No matter what I get him, it will be too much computer, but that is beside the point. He is only going to be using it for basic things like surfing. I'm sure if he has this machine, though, I will be visiting him often to make sure that games work well enough on it
I will be starting from scratch except for using his old printer and scanner.
What he wants:
19" monitor
around 30GB HD
128MB Ram
DVD
CD-Burner

What do you guys think? What can you do with $2500 bucks?

 

[da loser]

well i say, get a new printer and scanner
since money is no object here
addtronics 7896a from jim hanson
either the gainward 64mb gts or the v5 6000, when it comes out
sb live platinum
plextor 12x scsi
plextor 40 scsi
pioneer dvd scsi
256mbs
45gb 75 gxp unless he wants scsi
19" sony g400
processor/mobo-depends if he wants to wait for the socket A mobos or not or go the intel route
ram-128 pc150 tiny-bga

 

[Raptors]

Sony 19 inch Multi-400 Monitor, saw it one Look Good one !

Do have 17 inch Sony Satisfied !

What it need Dvd ? Mine Opinion not need this DVD, Better use CDRW Drive.

Maxtor ATA Hard Drive , New Release ATA-100

3DCool.com
Tornado 1000 or 2000 up to him take a look Case, Do have one Tornado 1000 superb case simple !

 

[KarlHungus]

Ok, here's what I think...

Viewsonic PF795
Promise FastTrak RAID controller
2 15GB IBM Deskstar 75GXPs
256 MB RAM
Pioneer DVD-A05S 16x ATAPI
Plextor PlexWriter 12/10/32 ATAPI

There's really no call to get him a SCSI system, save him some money...

 

[Futuramatic]

Send it to me, my addy is....
Depending what OS you run, I would do another 64MB of RAM if you are using NT/Win2K. I also would go for an Athlon/Thunderbird w/ appropriate mobo. Then a depending on your preference V5 or a GTS. I would also get a Hollywood+ card for TV output if you are going that route, or PowerDVD for monitor performance. And while your at it, go with a 21" monitor. Get Sound Blaster Live! Platinum. A nice set of Klipsch.... Hmmm, I think I have exhausted that cash there...

192MB PC133 $200
SBLive! Platinum $135
Hollywood+ card $50
V5/GTS $270
Pioneer 16x Slot Load DVD $150
Thunderbird 950 $650
Thunderbird motherboard $150 (guessing)
Klipsch speaker set $300
19" Sony $650

Total: $2,555

 

[Hyper99]

Spend 2000 buying part for him
keep 500 for yourself
Sweet

 

[rickn]

or send that $2500 to me, I can spend it wisely

19in - KDS AV-195TF FD Trinitron
45GB IBM 75GXP
P3 700e @ 933 (133mhz FSB, fully within spec)
Asus P3v4x
Antec SX830 case
Geforce 2 GTS
256mb RAM
Plextor 12x10x32
Toshiba m-1212 DVD/CD
SB Live X-Gamer
Intellimouse with Intellieye

And you will probably have money left over

 

[SykoFreak]

Klipsch ProMedia 400 (whatever the name is) retail at $250. Not $300.

 

[randomlinh]

From outpost, free overnight shipping Actually, klipsch has free ground shipping for the time being.

 

[Pete]

rickn's got a nice starting point. I would just tweak what you see fit. Go for a slot load DVD, and the Klipsch's if you have the cash. If you'll be watching DVD's, you might consider Creative's DTT2500, though I haven't read any reviews on it (see http://www.3dss.com). You might also consider the Asus CUBX, for the best performance and 5 USB slots (if you'll ever need that many ). You might also consider the Fong Kai 603, as it's supposed to run cool and quiet. I'd also recommend a 300W PS, just in case.