• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Suggestions for prebuilt PC

Muse

Lifer
I'm going to visit my brother in the middle of May and he said he'd like to get himself a new computer and wondered if I could help him get it. He's not technically advanced, but has had computers for a number of years. He and his wife have desktops in different parts of the house and they have a wireless network on broadband cable.

He has a pretty old Windows 2000 machine and unless he's upgraded (I doubt it) a 19" or so CRT (his wife has a 19" LCD).

Ideas? Thanks.
 
Since he has gotten by on an old system for this long, I presume he just does internet based content, some digital content storage, disc burning, basic office app stuff? If so, maybe a notebook would be preferable? There are almost always hot deals running, and even a relatively meager laptop by today's standards will easily do all of the above. HD content and games change the equation, if those need to be factored in, of course. As to brand of prebuilt, most major OEMs seem to have little to differentiate one from another, but C.S. warranty, bang-for-buck on prebuilts isn't my forte, so bump^
 
keep an eye on the "hot deals" forum

dell and some others might have weekly deals on cheap tower with flat panels that can handle day to day stuff
and almost every major vendor has laptop specials regularly

either way, unless hes very picky about something, you can get him a decent basic system for under $500 easily, maybe more like 600 or 700 if he wants a laptop (depending on the deals available)
 
i just checked delloutlet and they had a inspiron 530 desktop with a e2160, 1gb of ram 250gb hard drive, dvd-rw and vista basic for 219 before shipping

stick in 2gb more fo ram ($35) a 7600gs ($45) and a wireless card ($20) and he'll have a very nice system. With not being technically advanced like you put it, the 1 year on site warranty they come with will be good for him.
 
More RAM is good. Unless it's running Vista, he shouldn't need the 7600GS. If you can do wired, then do wired. Only use wireless if you can't wire the house.
 
Back
Top