Advice on a low-cost computer?
Sign up or Sign in comments and reviews
1. Which computer:- Since price is a major consideration, it's a Windows PC, not a Mac. - Definitely NOT a good idea to buy a used computer. - I have always had GOOD luck with eMachines' cheap desktop PCs. - I have had BAD luck with HP / Compaq cheap desktop PCs. - Look in the Sunday paper (Best Buy, Office Max, etc.) for a package deal: PC, monitor, printer if he needs one. - Make sure it has at least 2 GB of RAM ("memory"). - If he wants to run Microsoft Word and Excel (legally), he will need to buy a copy of Micrsoft Office (which includes these programs). He should be able to find a package that includes it; otherwise, it will cost another $100-150. - He should be able to find a bundle like this for $500 or less (although the need for Microsoft Office might push that up a bit). 2. Internet service: AT&T's cheapest DSL service. 3. Low cost help getting it set up? That I don't know about. Smart professional computer people cost way too much. The cheap professional ones probably aren't that smart. Here's what I recommended my dad do: talk to a science teacher at your local junior high school and ask him to tell the smart nice kids in his class that you'll pay one of them $15 an hour to set up the computer.
I think I'm going to echo many of Elliot's points.1. Definitely Windows. I think Dell is "ok" for desktops--my last two desktops have been Dell, I advised my parents the same. Not the cheapest, perhaps not the best, but convenient for sure, and lots of configuration options. I see today Dell has an "Inspiron 530" with 2GB RAM, 320GB Hard drive, and a reasonable processor 2.5 GHz Dual-Core processor for $329. (I'd recommend a dual Core processor over the slightly cheaper Celeron.) A 19" monitor from Dell adds $180 and Office "Student Edition" (w/ Word & Excel) adds $150. To save the most, I'd skip the monitor and Office from Dell and buy those from Amazon. I've attached a well-reviewed 17" monitor from Amazon for only $105, and below is a link to office for only $100. 2. AT&T DSL is cheap and reliable.. I switched to it about a year ago and it's been good. 3. Mobspin!
See below...
If price if of the essence, how about skipping the $100 MS license and installing Open Office for free? (http://www.openoffice.org/product/) I have used it for casual doc writing and basic spreadsheet calculations and I was very impressed. The installation process is very straightforward and you really cannot beat the price! Cheers, -Jorge
I'll chime in just to say that all the advice above seems pretty good.
You know, Dell is probably a really good bet. Their prices are quite competitive and their products are solid. And you don't have to play games with rebates and all that.
I like Dell as well. It's a good choice for a new computer. I disagree with the advice to "definitely not" buy a used computer. I've bought numerous refurbished PCs from Intechra.com and have always had good luck with them. Just make sure to get one with lots of RAM. (The fact that I've bought numerous ones doesn't mean they've all broken. It's just that I bought a laptop for each of my three kids and an extra one for myself). But they don't come with Windows so you have to buy that separately. Since he needs help getting stuff set up, installing an OS might be scary for him.As for Word Processor and Spreasheet, your gardener can forgo MS Office and use Google Docs instead. It's free and can even be used offline if you sync up later. It includes a word processor and spreadsheet (plus presentations, which he doesn't need). As for getting cheap help setting everything up: if he has teenage kids or nieces or nephews, he could pay them or one of their computer-savvy friends to set it all up.
Elliott - thanks for the advice! I just got back from vacation and will be able to do some research for him this week. Appreciate your help.
Roy, Thanks for the specifics! Will be a big help as I shop around for him.
Thanks Brian. I hadn't thought about Google Docs. And it's sounding like Dell is probably a good way to go.
By the way, let him know that Google Docs can open MS Office files when that's necessary (like if someone sends him something). Unfortunately it's more steps than if you just had Office installed though, because you have to upload the doc. (Come to think of it, Gmail should implement a way to send a Word or Excel attachment to your Google Docs.)
Brian- Gmail already does this! Send an Excel spreadsheet attachment to your gmail address and see what happens when you open the message. There should be an "open as a Google document" option for the attachment.Yes, I am a Googler, but I would have told you anyway. :-) Regarding the "no used computers" thing, you're right that experienced geeks can get good value out of them, but that is perilous territory for non-nerds. It's hard enough for them to deal with new computers. (I am currently seeking takers to take over remote tech support for my father. Who's up for it?)
Elliot, I stand corrected. You're right about GMail. That's nice. I never saw it before because I use Google Apps for your Domain for email since I have my own domain, but I use my @gmail.com account for Google Docs.
Hey Katherine...after we chatted I saw this http://tinyurl.com/dduw3oSeems about the same power as the Dell desktop. Maybe a laptop is useful for gardening? :)
In general here's a great site to find deals: http://www.bradsdeals.com/
Sign up or Sign in |
