Need comp for mom

[efript]

i need a really cheap computer for my mom, literally all she will be doing is browsing internet and typing stuff up, so anyone know where i can get a preassembled for cheap? i need a monitor too.. thanks
o and im not going to build it so dont suggest parts, just companies, thanks

 

[everman]

Why not build your own? Most companies don't offer super cheap systems like one you can do yourself. I'd suggest a cpu 800mhz+ 256ram (could be pc133) and a 10+gig HD.

 

[Maelsturm]

Dell has a pretty crappy computer + 15 inch LCD for $500ish


if you were up for building I reckon you could do it for $300.


edit: everyones gonna tell you to build it, we're AT folk

 

[BmXStuD]

You can build her a real good cheap o one. parts from pricewatch


maybe a: (taking your mom WONT be playing games lol. If shes like a avg mom who checks emails/print/write papers.

Intel p3 500mhz or so
256mb ram
Windows 98se
or

VIA C3 Processor 1GHz
Windows Me or 2k
256mb ram
10gb hdd or even 20gb (mp3s)

The via cpu is nice for moms and things. If im not wrong inst via cyrix office pcs

 

[John]

Your mother is a prime candidate for a Dell computer. If you build her one, you'll be the technician she turns to all of the time....

 

[magomago]

300 dollars? I'm assuming this a computer only no moniter...


If it is your mom...

I'd reccomend a 1700+ (49.99) + Asus A7N266-VM (71.99) + 256megs of pc2700 crucial ram (49.99) + EVERCASE E4252-ABV (37.00) + Seagate 40GB Barracuda IV (77) + toshiba DVD ROM (40) + Any Burner (50) + Floppy (15) + Encore Modem [if you are dialup] (12)

That'll run at 402.97 - and if you have a moniter and keyboard/mouse and speakers of some sort you can re-use no need to buy extra

And if she doens't need a burner, then toss it out and save yourself 50 bucks. If she will do burning, but won't need the DVDrom toss that out and save yourself more cash.

But if you are REALLY smart you won't buy the CDRW (btw, all prices from newegg) and will wait for those wonderful weekly deals at bestbuy/circuit city where they sell burners for 19.99-29.99


But that PC should pretty good for you mom considering what she is doing. ...frankly it'll be good for a few years (even withthe onboard video) assuming she doesn't go out and buy Doom3

You might say "why don't you use a slower processor" or "a smaller hd" but you really can't get chaper than that processor... and true you can save 10 bucks or so and get a smaller HD, but it'll be a 20gig 5400 rpm

Then again when you need to cut corners...do it


And if you are REALLY in need of a stricter budget head tot he FS/FT forums and try to pick up a ~700p3/athlon with a mobo and some pc133 ram.



Btw, I really dont see how he could do it for 300 dollars unless he tossed out the dvd/cdrom drives.

I picked that HD because I've heard its a silent beast


============


Dang...so now yout ell me after I spent time typing that


Meh, just e-machine her and don't pay that "Extra 100 dollars for a faster processor and a dvdrom!"

 

[John]

Hey guys, efript has already stated -

i need a monitor too.. thanks
o and im not going to build it so dont suggest parts, just companies, thanks

 

[human2k]

get her a dell so you wont have to service it yourself.

 

[DaveSimmons]

* Dell
* eMachines
* used from FS/FT or www.pcsurplusonline.com
* older laptop from FS / FT (at least 300 MHz / 64 MB RAM)

The laptop is nice because it can be used on a kitchen table (doesn't need its own desk) and is a little easier to set up (no cables for monitor & keyboard).

 

[mrzed]

Cripes, if someone says they don't want to build it themselves, that should be a reasonable hint. He's got less than 20 posts, so maybe not quite the uber-geek some of us are.

I would say either

1. Get the cheapest Dell available, this should be plenty for the average mom, and comes with tech support.

2. Shop around at local computer stores, if you do this, consider a VIA Epia system. They are going to be cheap, and it's still plenty fast for web surfing/office etc. Quiet too.

In Canada, Dell is never price competetive enough for some reason, but I hear it's different in the USA. I like to support the little guy though.

 

[kidjan]

Originally posted by: efript
i need a really cheap computer for my mom, literally all she will be doing is browsing internet and typing stuff up, so anyone know where i can get a preassembled for cheap? i need a monitor too.. thanks
o and im not going to build it so dont suggest parts, just companies, thanks

1. Go to walmart
2. Buy $300 computer

Doesn't get any cheaper. For $200 you can get a lindows box that'll do both of those things.

Another really good option is to look around on ebay for something in the PII-300 to PII-600 range - any of those will do everything you need, and more. I bet you can find some cheap stuff.

 

[Dufman]

dude, your mom should get a dell

 

[JBT]

Edealsinfo
has Dell Dimension 2350 Series with following:


Intel® Celeron® Processor at 1.7GHz
FREE H&R Block TaxCut Deluxe Software
128MB DDR-SDRAM
60GB Ultra ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive
3.5 in Floppy Drive
16x Max DVD-ROM Drive
Dell® Quietkey® Keyboard
Logitech® Optical USB Mouse
Integrated Intel® Extreme 3D Graphics
Integrated Audio
New Harman Kardon® HK-206 Speakers
Dell Jukebox powered by MusicMatch
Dell Picture Studio Image Expert Standard
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
WordPerfect® Productivity Pack with Quicken New User Edition
Dell SecurityCenter by McAfee, 90-day introductory offer
56K PCI Data/Fax Modem
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet NIC
6 Months of America Online Membership Included ($143.40 Value)
1 Year Limited Warranty plus 1 Year At-Home Service
for
279.00 but you need to find a monitor somewhere else.

 

[Le Québécois]

Buy a cheap case, 1 stick of 256 mb pc 133 and an ECS K7SEM ( video, sound and cpu include (duron XP 1300 )and there you have a great computer for almost nothing.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: Le Québécois
Buy a cheap case, 1 stick of 256 mb pc 133 and an ECS K7SEM ( video, sound and cpu include (duron XP 1300 )and there you have a great computer for almost nothing.

or read the part where he says he wants it prebuilt.

 

[Le Québécois]

I did saw that part....but I'm working at a computer place and i honestly think that's not possible to find a prebuild system for the same cheap price as a build it yourself computer...and what..ECS K7SEM is really no trouble to install...you put it in..put the ram..install the cd set...et voila...