POLL: Maybe you guys can help me choose. 1.6A P4 w/ crappy printer or 1.7 Celly w/ nice printer?

[optimistic]

The computer is for my Aunt. She will be using it for the internet & word processing. I just can't figure out if I should get her...

1.6A Pentium 4 with Hewlett Packard 656C I got it for $30! New, Retail!
- 600x600dpi
- Ink cartridges costing as much the new printer, but gets the job done.

or return the crappy printer and get

1.7 Celly (P4) with Canon S300
- 2400x1200dpi
- Best cost per page in industry, photo quality prints, and #1 sub-$100 printer @ CNET & techTV.


Will she really be suffering a huge performance hit with the Celly? Or can she get away with it since she's just using it for basic windows apps?


Other Components:
EP-4GLM+ (Intel 845GL)
256 PC2100
40GB or 60GB 7200rpm hdd
Sony 24x10x40 CDRW
AVS200 speakers
Samsung 151S 15" LCD

 

[Wingznut]

Assuming she often likes to print cards, pictures, projects, etc... She'd like the printer.

Unless she's heavy into audio/video editing, the latest games, etc... She'll never notice the difference in the processor.

But she will notice that she has to shell out $60/month in ink (if she uses it often enough.)

IMHO, anyway. 😉

 

[Blain]

Sell here an extended warranty 😉
You'll need it!

 

[optimistic]

huh?😕. Thanks Wingznut PEZ, for your HO.

 

[IntelInsideIdiotOutside]

be sure to get her a G mobo for the better overclocking!!!!!!!!!! 😉

 

[optimistic]

bump

 

[blackhawk]

If she's not a power user, the celeron will be fine and she'll appreciate the better quality printing. If she doesn't print much, then maybe the HP would be okay?

I have an HP 648 and when I buy a pack of color/black ink cartridges for the same as I paid for the printer, I vow no more HP!
I tried the reinking and it was messy and erratic results. I have 4 school age kids so go through lots of printing.

I have to give this printer to my son going away so will replace soon and Im also interested in the S300.

 

[dude]

Definately go celeron unless she is going to be doing some gaming or video editing... Even if she knows how to do photoshop, the celeron, which is really a P4, will do nicely. Matter of fact, a PIII will do her very much justice and still last quite a few years for internet and word processing. Hell, a Pentium 233 MMX will do well for tha!

I would go and look for a more affordable printer if you're worried about the ink cartridges. Or get a printer with ink cartridges that can easily be refilled.

 

[alexruiz]

If she is not going to overclock, get her an Athlon XP 1700+ (73 shipped) with an Nforce board... Save some money and get her a more powerful system with a nice printer.

 

[jaybee]

Originally posted by: alexruiz
If she is not going to overclock, get her an Athlon XP 1700+ (73 shipped) with an Nforce board... Save some money and get her a more powerful system with a nice printer.

Good point. Athlons are the way to go if you're not overclocking. Otherwise, get the Celery and the good printer. She'll never notice the difference unless she's a closet deathmatcher.

jaybee