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Looking for really cheap machine...

slinga - Oct 7, 2005

		slinga		Oct 7, 2005
			Hey guys, I want to get my mom a computer for her birthday. My bugdet is only $500 and I want to get a flat panel. It doesn't have to be anything amazing as she only surfs the web\checks email, etc. I looked through Dell's site and then I remembered I hate Dell with a passion. Any advice on where to look? Thanks in advance.

		Malakai		Oct 7, 2005
			There may be some sites with $500 complete pcs w/flat panel monitors, but I haven't seen any. The few sites I've checked out have incomplete systems for around $200-$300, that you just add your OS, a monitor, and whatever else it may be missing or need upgraded. For example, walmart.com has some microtel systems that include 40gb hd, 128-256mb ram, probably integrated audio and video, keyboard, mouse. Some include cd-rom, floppy, modem, ethernet, others don't. None include OS. They run somewhere around $300-$330, and then a cheap 15" lcd flat panel monitor would be around $149... the only thing left would be the OS (linux = free, xp = $99, OS you already have = free). I don't know any thing about microtel computers though. So, maybe the best bet would be to either get a used/like new system somewhere else (EBAY, Local computer store, classifieds, friends) cheaper, or to save up another $200 and get a somewhat better system, which includes both an OS and flat panel monitor. You could also probably build a pc for around that price. Get like a sub-2ghz amd xp cpu/motherboard combo, that has integrated video, sound, and ethernet (if you need broadband) for around $100, a case/power supply/mouse/keyboard combo for around $35 or so shipped, a 40-60gb hd for around $20-$30, cd/dvd-rom = $20-$30, win xp $99, and flat panel monitor 15" for around $149. That totals around $450-$470.

		ExCyber		Oct 7, 2005
			Realistically, I'd say if you want to stick to a budget. get on eBay and pick up some reasonably-specced machine that got replaced in a business upgrade. You'd be amazed at what's floating around out there. Spend whatever surplus is comfortable for you on a good flat panel monitor. Cheap LCDs are just going to cause eyestrain when reading text for any substantial period of time. However, since I'm bored and somewhat suffering from insomnia, here's a sample configuration for a self-built system should you want to think about going in that direction. Some things to keep in mind: 1) The following should just be taken as suggestions or a starting point rather than recommendations, since I didn't do any serious research on them. That being said, I did make some effort to avoid total junk. 2) A system could certainly be built cheaper than this, especially if you're willing to settle for junk for a few of the components. 3) All prices are slightly approximated and include shipping. Newegg's prices change like the wind though, so they may be wrong by the time you read this. Polyview S17E 2-Tone 17" 8ms LCD Monitor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E1... $218 BIOSTAR M7VIG400 + Sempron 2200 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E1... $93 Rosewill 256MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered System Memory Model RW400/256ST - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E1... $24 Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST380011A 80GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E1... $61 SONY Beige IDE CD-ROM Drive Model CDU5225 - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E1... $19 IN WIN IW-BT553T.240FU2AD Beige Steel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 240W Power Supply - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E1... $60 LITE-ON SK-1688A Beige PS/2 Wired Standard Keyboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E1... $11 ROSEWILL RM800P Black 3 Buttons 1x Wheel PS/2 Optical Mouse - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E1... $10 Final Total (unless I forgot something...) : $496