New Computer

[greglax24]

I am trying to get my Parents a new computer for chirstmas. I am not looking to spend more than 300, less would be great. All they need to be able to do is check email, use the internet, some microsoft office stuff. I was planning on just using the monitor they have.

Any ideas on where I could get a cheap one?

Would it be better to build my own? I have built one for myself already, but its more for gaming. And since XP home cost about a 1/3 of what i want to spend this doesnt seem that good.

Thanks for the help

 

[pkme2]

eMachines
Your parents will need to download Open Office.org to use Word, Excel & Powerpoint like software.
eMachines w/o monitor
Otherwise this is the best bet for their needs and personal enjoyment.

 

[AtlantaBob]

Dell

They have good deals. If you can, you might want to look at Small Business (as you don't have to be a small business to order from them), and particularly their server lines (I've been running an SC240 as a desktop for over a year--it originally cost me $270 something).

As for OS's: Ubuntu Linux should help (of course, you'll also want to use OpenOffice.org, or, even better AbiWord).

Good luck.

 

[myocardia]

Here are two, that both come with XP Home, that will be ~$310, including shipping: Sempron 3100's