hi guys,

looking for a very very basic computer for my mother-in-lw. she knows next to nothing about computers and is going to take a class via cd to learn more. no gaming, no major graphics, maybe internet later on, maybe a word doc here and there, maybe look at some pictures. needs to be a windows pc since that is what little experience she has in. looked at the dimension 2400 but dell wants $100 for delivery and that just pisses me off.... 1/4 of the price for shipping ($299 for the computer, $100 for shipping)... surely i can find a better deal. anywho, ideas? suggestions? don't mind refurbished. also, doesn't have to have a monitor or printer - i have a couple extra around the house. just looking for a cheap "beater" so to speak.

thanks

[Edited on August 1, 2005 at 5:50 PM. Reason : er]

8/1/2005 5:49:04 PM

i'm curious what she is going to use it for? cause you ruled out my only uses for computers

8/1/2005 5:53:29 PM

Quote :

"internet later on, maybe a word doc here and there, maybe look at some pictures"

8/1/2005 5:57:19 PM

oh i missed the later on part
with all the maybe's and doesn't needs i was confused why she was even getting the thing

8/1/2005 5:59:28 PM

she is a procurement agent for a hospital and works with a few inventory programs and does a little emailing. the class is to teach her stuff like word, excel, and help improve other basic computing skills. this will supposedly help her get a raise or something.... anywho, she needs a bare bones computer so she can do the class at home rather than staying late to use her computer at work.

8/1/2005 5:59:43 PM

Why not build her one? You could easily build something reasonable for less than $300, especially since you already have a monitor. Check out newegg.com

8/1/2005 6:07:34 PM

how fast does this computer need to be?
i have a 486dx 66 at home with 48M ram and 1G hard drive

i'd sell it for $15 with the monitor and software (win 3.11, several win3.11 apps, win95, some card and other simple games)

let me know and i'll see if my mom still has it cause she was goign to take it to salvation army or goodwill.

8/1/2005 6:23:09 PM

^^thought about that but i've never built a computer myself and would just prefer to buy one whole. i wouldn't know what all to buy and i wouldn't know what is reasonable in terms or cost per component.

^i'd like something a little more than that. i was thinking minimum P3, something USB compatible in case she ever gets a digital camera, scanner, etc, 10GB + (for pics), 128+ SDRAM. i will put xp on it. i think the class software has a min requirement of windows 95. i would assume i could get something to meet that for less than $300. i figure something in that range would last her a while and let her "grow" so to speak. thanks tho!

[Edited on August 2, 2005 at 8:49 AM. Reason : er]

8/2/2005 8:48:36 AM

I can sell you an old system of mine.

AMD Athlon 800 MHz
768 MB of PC133 RAM
10 GB Hard Drive (i think, I would have to check)
Nvidia TNT of some sort (video card)
Has several USB ports, 4 or 6 i think

I used it as a server for a while, but could easily do what you want it to. Only catch is I don't have a case for it right now so I could buy one and put it in it for ya. Set it up and everything if you'd like. PM me about it.

[Edited on August 2, 2005 at 10:22 AM. Reason : -]

8/2/2005 10:21:35 AM

I've got an ATX midtower case, but no power supply that I will part with

or you can look at today's woot!
IBM thinkpad notebook for $405 shipped. http://www.woot.com

Quote :

" * Processor: Intel Pentium 3 900MHz w/SpeedStep Technology * Memory: 256MB PC100 SDRAM * Hard Drive: 32GB * Display: 14.1” XGA * DVD-ROM: 8x (removable) * Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB, 3.5-inch floppy (removable) * Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows® 98SE * Graphics: Integrated S3 Savage IX8+ 8MB * Keyboard: 85-key full sized * Pointing device(s): TrackPoint with Press-to-Select * Integrated 56k Modem and 10/100 LAN * Dimensions: 12”x1.3”x9.8” * Weight: 5.3 lbs * Speakers: Two Integrated speakers * Standard battery and AC adapter Ports and Connectivity * PC Card Slots: 1 * USB Ports: 1 * Parallel Ports: 1 * Serial Ports: 1 * Infared Ports: 1 * Video In Ports: 1 * Modem: 56 Kbps * Network Connection: 10-/100-Mbps Ethernet "

8/2/2005 11:38:04 AM