Thoughts on the $399 Gateway Computer?

[spartacuskzm]

My mom needs a new computer and Christmas is right around the corner. She already has a monitor and speakers, so all I need is the box. She doesn't need a powerful computer at all (e-mail, internet and light word-processing), so I think the Gateway comp for $399 (after $100 rebate) would be ideal.

It is:

Intel® Celeron® Processor 2.0GHz
128MB DDR SDRAM
40GB HD
40x/12x/48x CD-RW (Limited Time Promotion)
Monitor Not Selected

$399 After Rebate

I would build her one except for one key issue. She is very much a novice and I want her to have real tech-support for the first year - which is included with this computer.

Are there any better deals out there? I'm thinking about ordering very soon in order to have it by X-mas.

Thanks!

 

[Macro2]

Celeron P4s are the old Willamette core. Basically a POS. Probably about as fast as a 1.4 Ghz Tualatin Celeron.
On the "udder" hand, for what your mom needs it for it will be just fine.
NOW...to be honest 128MB of DDR (you did say DDR right? You don't want regualar SDRAM) is a bit weak for Windows XP. So either upgrade to at least 256MB or buy another stick and put it in.
Now, what about shipping? Typically this is $49 from gateway. So with the additional RAM and shipping you're well over 500, no?
Also, does this box have at least one empty 5 1/4 drive bay in case you want to add a CD-ROM drive? Sure, you will be OK with just the CDRW but the ability to expand is nice.
Also this thing doesn't come with a floppy drive.

You should be able to find similar deals from Compaq/HP.

On black friday (nov 29) there will be a Celeron 2.0 e-mo'chines box at Bestbuy for $299 but you'll have to gt up early

 

[styrafoam]

On black friday (nov 29) there will be a Celeron 2.0 e-mo'chines box at Bestbuy for $299 but you'll have to gt up early

E-machines tech-support is a contradiction of terms.

 

[dullard]

Honestly, most of our parents would do just fine with a 300 MHz PII computer (my inlaws are still quite happy with theirs) for doing those tasks. Yes the Celeron is a poor performer compared to the Athlon or P4 - but they don't need the performance. Thus that computer will do just fine. However I would highly recommend making one change - 256 MB of memory MINIMUM. That computer uses integrated graphics and at low memory levels, that integrated graphics will use 32 MB worth. That leaves you with 128 - 32 = 96 MB for Windows XP! Talk about lagging. Don't bother paying Gateway $60 for an additional 128 MB of DDR, just go buy it yourself and install it for $30.

Some additional possible changes:
1) Spend the $5 and get her a disk drive - just in case.
2) Will she actually burn CDs? If not she might find more use in the DVD player. Of course you know her better than I ever would.

Sure for $200 more you can get quite a lot faster machine. But I doubt she really needs it and your $200 would go to waste. E machines might work - although they are crap compared to Gateway. Plus mothers tend to value the brand name on computers far more than the components inside: a typical statement is "Wow you got a Gateway!"

Of course Gateway isn't the only place selling that Gateway 300S computer. If she needs internet access, and PeoplePC is available in her area, that would get her the computer for free.

 

[RanDum72]

For the price, I think its a great deal. Your mom is probably not a power user so it would be perfect for her. I made one for my mom using all built-in stuff (Nforce with built-in video, sound) and 256mb of memory, 40gig 5400rpm drive. Nothing fancy but more than adequate for her needs.

 

[ai42]

Celeron P4s are the old Willamette core. Basically a POS. Probably about as fast as a 1.4 Ghz Tualatin Celeron.

Just a correction the Celeron 2Ghz+ is a NORTHWOOD based part. But performance is still quite lacking. They overclock well but your not going to be able to overclock that Gateway.

Honestly if your going to get a cheap computer get a Dell Dimension 2300 they are super cheap and perfect for web surfing typing etc.