soopafreek

a friend of a friend is looking to get a basic computer for some basic (no gaming, photoshop) computer use (internet, homework, burning CD's, etc).

she is looking to spend $400 max on a full computer setup (ie.- including monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, possibly even a printer, with an operating system...).

IS THIS POSSIBLE?

i was looking at http://www.retrobox.com for some of their used machines and by far it's the best deal in town. i was thinking of getting one of their PIII systems, and a used monitor and then putting in a CD-RW.

does anyone else know where for find good PC's (new, used or refurbished) for not a lot of cash?

edit: ideally, i'd like to point her to a fully pre-built machine, so i don't have to build it for her... and since she knows nothing about computers. i was going to suggest just getting a basic dell and putting it on their financing plan if it went over $400...

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aaarrrrrgggghhhh!!!!

MooseMan3000

Well, they look like good deals.

Just one thing...

Well, if she wants her own, that's another hundred. Or you can "acquire" an OS for her, on the downlow.

I would look into an old Dell. I have a 6-7 year old Dell PII, 450 MHz, and it still runs fine. I had to fomat it a few times, but that's because of the excessive number of programs and whatnot on it, not because it failed. It went through a lot of heavy use, and it's still kicking. Had to replace one CD drive. That's it.

If you get a used monitor, you should be able to keep it under $400 no problem. The monitor will probably be just as expensive as the machine itself.

Speed_Gibson

no reason that a flavour of linux would not fit this and be easy to use. Would also work for GIMPing pictures if she ever wanted to get into that.

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Speed_Gibson

edit: double post
edit2: might as well put this to use. Damn good site in that first post. Truly tempting to add to my 5 systems currently in the clan.

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Started talking to yourself I see.
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soopafreek

yeah, i forgot to mention that they are all "OS not included", which is GREAT for linux machines...

if i'm going to build a machine, then yeah, i'll have to load a *free* OS on there... but if someone can point me to a pre-built, pre-installed MS system, even an older one, that would be great!

thanks.

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aaarrrrrgggghhhh!!!!

jvwgtr

You can find some AMAZING deals on eBay.
I bought a machine for my sister-in-law, a PIII, nothing fancy for some basic computing, like you mentioned.
I think it was about $70...and super clean. I opened it up, ran some tests, it was perfect. Like new.
I even got a 21" monitor for about $140. Works great.
It might be a little scary, but there are tons of resellers who liquidate older systems that offices replace and so forth. If they have a good feedback rating, you shouldn't hesitate.

If you want to spend $400, you should be able to get a brand new (though stripped) system for that, like an eMachines package or something, if you check the local flyers.

bltzkriegmcanon

That's definitely a great idea jvwgtr. Looking in the sales papers for cheap-ass, basic computers is damn good idea. Especially for the needs that soopafreek described. An Emachine would definitely serve that person well.

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