IEatHardDrives Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 My grandma needs an office computer for $200 she just types and uses the internet I was thinking get somthing like a Duron, 256 MB of RAM and a 40 GB drive. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mikex Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 dell.com has packages for $299 plus shipping. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blim Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 Hi Harddrive,I didn't know what Duron meant (I'm a big noob) so I googled it and found this nifty article, with a chart on the second page. Nope, don't know what the chart means, either, but I'll betcha you do!! (this site did set my cookie blocker thing off)from Tom's HardwareI just do really basic things on the computer (gaming means spider solitare!) and it sounds like what you have in mind would suit her well. But wait for other opinions!!!! Liz Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mikex Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 liz+spider solitare=extreme gamerloljust had to liz.M Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pete_C Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 The big problem with a $200 price is that even an OEM copy of windows will cost about $100. Sure you could go with linux (Linspire for example) but is grandma ready for it? You could go with a used computer, do you have any recyclers or resellers in your area?http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_...duct_id=0184679Is an example of a $249 system running linspire ( a linux flavor where you basically have to buy your software from them but it is "fairly" windows like)http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_...oduct_id=187849is a machine running windows for $100more. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MtnPictures Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 Well I was only able to get one down to $240. And that's just the computer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IEatHardDrives Posted August 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 she has a windows 98se cd i got a system for $250. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blim Posted August 22, 2005 Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 liz+spider solitare=extreme gamerloljust had to liz.M<{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yep, that's as extreme as I get!!!! ...and Minesweeper, but only at the intermediate level Harddrive, you got a computer already? What did you find? And by the way, you sure are a terrific Grandson for helping her!!Liz Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IEatHardDrives Posted August 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2005 Im a good boy and she is giving me $200 to build it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Schusterjo Posted August 23, 2005 Report Share Posted August 23, 2005 Im a good boy and she is giving me $200 to build it.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>You failed to mention what all has to come with this computer...Monitor?Do you have an extra keyboard/mouse lying around or do uoi need that as well?dialup Modem? is she going to be using dialup or cable/dsl?sound? do you have a extra set of speakers or does this not matter?When asking for information on a $200-250 computer you need to specify exactly what you need in order to get the best help. I may be able to get a decent system priced out for Granny if most or all of the items above are not needed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Parrotgeek7 Posted August 23, 2005 Report Share Posted August 23, 2005 If all she needs is word, email and internet, theDell 2400 they are selling for 299 is really your best choice. Yes its over budget but if you can help her scarpe up another 100, its well worth it and it will last her forever. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pete_C Posted August 23, 2005 Report Share Posted August 23, 2005 Im a good boy and she is giving me $200 to build it.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>In otherwords, she is willing to pay $450 and you are going to put together a $250 system, install a copy of win98, an older OS (and is it already installed on a computer? Remember, one copy one computer you cannot legally install it on another unless you wipe the first). Then you will pocket the other $200.Note that to work you will need a full version ,not an upgrade, and most likely not an OEM (Like HP ) version which will look for a blessing (entry in the bios or chipset on the motherboard to verify that it is made by the manufacturer who bought the OEM license).You either need a generic OEM version (from a parts seller) or a full install version from microsoft along with the appropriate product key.I would suggest you not rip off your grandmother and instead tell her what a good deal she can get on a Dell . She will be much happier, you will not wind up being the dark sheep of the family when they find out you ripped her off; and you will not wind up wasting many times what you rip her off for repairing it when it breaks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DumbTerminal Posted August 23, 2005 Report Share Posted August 23, 2005 Im a good boy and she is giving me $200 to build it.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>In otherwords, she is willing to pay $450 and you are going to put together a $250 system, install a copy of win98, an older OS (and is it already installed on a computer? Remember, one copy one computer you cannot legally install it on another unless you wipe the first). Then you will pocket the other $200.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>If that is the case, BAD GRADSON!!!!Get her the Dell, a kiss on the cheek, and promise to help her with future issues...Shame, shame, son!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Honda_Boy Posted August 24, 2005 Report Share Posted August 24, 2005 eBay you can get a pIII 800mhz for cheap you can get a 800mhz CPU alone for 20-30 bucks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IEatHardDrives Posted August 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2005 (edited) She has a monitor, mouse and keyboard the system I spec out has a Duron 1.8, 256MB ram a msi motherboard with on board video, and a 40 GB hard drive I also found an unopen boxed edition of windows 2000 in my room.Total=$233.75 Edited August 24, 2005 by IEatHardDrives Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Parrotgeek7 Posted August 24, 2005 Report Share Posted August 24, 2005 She has a monitor, mouse and keyboard the system I spec out has a Duron 1.8, 256MB ram a msi motherboard with on board video, and a 40 GB hard drive I also found an unopen boxed edition of windows 2000 in my room.Total=$233.75<{POST_SNAPBACK}>A BRAND NEW Dell, with a 2.4 celeron (which is way more powerful then that old Duron) with 256 MB ram, an 80g hdd, cdr/w keyboard mouse and speakers AND a full legal version of XP Home for $279.Which would you spend YOUR money on? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Parrotgeek7 Posted August 25, 2005 Report Share Posted August 25, 2005 (edited) edited . Edited August 25, 2005 by Parrotgeek7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aluvus Posted August 25, 2005 Report Share Posted August 25, 2005 A BRAND NEW Dell, with a 2.4 celeron (which is way more powerful then that old Duron)<{POST_SNAPBACK}>I hope you mean Celeron D. A 2.4 GHz non-D Celeron is by no means more powerful than a 1.8 GHz Duron. In fact, you can watch as a 1.6 GHz Duron walks all over a 2.6 GHz Celeron in business and other benchmarks.I'll agree with you on the rest, but I think you significantly underestimate the Duron. It may not be fancy, but it has a fair amount of kick in it.Again, I still agree with the overall conclusion: buy a Dell. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mboverload Posted August 25, 2005 Report Share Posted August 25, 2005 She has a monitor, mouse and keyboard the system I spec out has a Duron 1.8, 256MB ram a msi motherboard with on board video, and a 40 GB hard drive I also found an unopen boxed edition of windows 2000 in my room.Total=$233.75<{POST_SNAPBACK}>A BRAND NEW Dell, with a 2.4 celeron (which is way more powerful then that old Duron) with 256 MB ram, an 80g hdd, cdr/w keyboard mouse and speakers AND a full legal version of XP Home for $279.Which would you spend YOUR money on?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Could I get a link to that? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aluvus Posted August 25, 2005 Report Share Posted August 25, 2005 She has a monitor, mouse and keyboard the system I spec out has a Duron 1.8, 256MB ram a msi motherboard with on board video, and a 40 GB hard drive I also found an unopen boxed edition of windows 2000 in my room.Total=$233.75<{POST_SNAPBACK}>A BRAND NEW Dell, with a 2.4 celeron (which is way more powerful then that old Duron) with 256 MB ram, an 80g hdd, cdr/w keyboard mouse and speakers AND a full legal version of XP Home for $279.Which would you spend YOUR money on?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Could I get a link to that?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Dell.comOK, OK.This is actually $299, but includes a CRT. The same basic unit can cost various different prices depending on which "store" at Dell you buy from (Home, Small Business, etc.). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Parrotgeek7 Posted August 25, 2005 Report Share Posted August 25, 2005 Could I get a link to that"Dell.com>>>Home systems>>.desktops>>>>2400>>>customize>>> choose No Monitor. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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