Need $500 basic computer

[Katreat]

I need to get a very basic school computer for my daughter. Would like to keep it in the $500 range and need everything (computer, OS, monitor, keyboard, and mouse) so have been looking at Dells and HPs figuring I cant build one that cheep. The computer will be used for Microsoft office and internet browsing.

My question is, what would be the best lower priced CPU to shop for. I am not too worried about future upgrades, but I would like to get the best bang for the buck and if I spend a few more dollars for a substantial performance gain I figure it is worth it. Also, most come with Vista and 1 GB of ram, will Vista run on 1 GB? I have always heard you need 2 GB for vista?

If anyone has come across any good deals I would love it if you would post a link. If you think I could build a better system for that kind of money then by all means suggest a build. I have built my last 3 computers so they don’t scare me but I don’t know enough about lower end parts to choose them myself.

Thank you for any help

Kat

[Cricket]

AMD or INTEL?

Cricket

[shadowpr]

From what I've read, 1gb will work fine with Vista basic, but not so great with vista home premium.

You could just add some more ram after the fact, and bring it up to 2gb.

[Katreat]

Originally Posted by Cricket AMD or INTEL? Cricket

Does not matter. I just dont know enough about entry level CPU or MB to make a choice. I might very well end up with out of date technology. Looking to buy or build a very basic computer, just want the best bang for the buck. Any recommendation will start the learning process.

Thx Shadow, if 1 GB will run it then thats OK with me, I had just kept hearing that 2 was min but since Dell/HP all have entry level systems with only 1 GB figured I had understood wrong.

Kat

[Masaki 7-11]

The minimum requirements for windows vista is 1GB of ram. Tried a basic computer configuration on newegg, but it's very difficult since you only have about $250 to spend on the actual computer ($95 OS, $140 Monitor, $15 Keyboard and Mouse). If you're willing to go up to around $580, then it's possible, but if you only have $500, going with a manufactured computer is your best bet.

[sagan]

Originally Posted by Katreat I need to get a very basic school computer for my daughter. Would like to keep it in the $500 range and need everything (computer, OS, monitor, keyboard, and mouse) so have been looking at Dells and HPs figuring I cant build one that cheep. The computer will be used for Microsoft office and internet browsing. My question is, what would be the best lower priced CPU to shop for. I am not too worried about future upgrades, but I would like to get the best bang for the buck and if I spend a few more dollars for a substantial performance gain I figure it is worth it. Also, most come with Vista and 1 GB of ram, will Vista run on 1 GB? I have always heard you need 2 GB for vista? If anyone has come across any good deals I would love it if you would post a link. If you think I could build a better system for that kind of money then by all means suggest a build. I have built my last 3 computers so they don’t scare me but I don’t know enough about lower end parts to choose them myself. Thank you for any help Kat

I recently bought this computer and I love it.

HP a6130n

http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/pro...owse1/home_PDP

You'd be hard pressed to find anything comparable for the price.

2.6 dual core AMD
3GB of RAM
400GB HD
Lightscribe multi dvd/cd drive
ect ect

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Sagan I recently bought this computer and I love it. HP a6130n http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/pro...owse1/home_PDP You'd be hard pressed to find anything comparable for the price. 2.6 dual core AMD 3GB of RAM 400GB HD Lightscribe multi dvd/cd drive ect ect

The problem with the computer you just mentioned is that the monitor is sold separately, building a computer like that for under $500 isn't a problem, it only becomes a problem when you factor in the cost of the monitor, so a desktop package for $500 from a computer manufacturer would be ideal.

[amdalex]

I think your best bet would be to buy an entry level manufactured computer.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Katreat I need to get a very basic school computer for my daughter. Would like to keep it in the $500 range and need everything (computer, OS, monitor, keyboard, and mouse) so have been looking at Dells and HPs figuring I cant build one that cheep. The computer will be used for Microsoft office and internet browsing.

I build real basic computers for friends and family but a $500 price tag would only be for the computer itself, not the peripherals (didn't notice the $500 had to include everything). In this case I think you're better off looking for deals from DELL...a home built computer that costs $500 for everything would be made with very cheap parts that would have very spotty reliability. I wouldn't build something like that.

Cricket

[Lespaul20]

Check out Dell's outlet. Some discounted systems with warranties.

[Katar]

This without a monitor comes close. Haven't tried Dell's website.
This offer listed at Resellerratings:

Dell Inspiron 530s Dual-Core Desktop $329 Ship posted: 1/28/08 12:00 PM
Expires: 1/30/08 11:00 PM Discuss Deal

Dell Home is offering the Inspiron 530s Desktop Computer for a low $299, which is an $160 instant discout. Add $29.99 for shipping. Tax is charged in select states. Click the deal link, click the "As Advertised" link, then use e-value code: "6W300-DDPCFN1"

Specifications include the Intel E2140 dual-core processor, 1GB DDR2 dual-channel memory, 250GB hard drive, DVD+/-RW DL burner, Intel GMA 3100 integrated graphics, integrated 7.1 audio, LAN, modem, keyboard, mouse, Windows Vista Home Basic, one-year 3GB online data backup, one-year in-home warranty, and more.

[Katreat]

Thx for all the help. Ya, I already assumed a pre-built computer would probably the the way to go. If for no other reason that if I build it I would then have to ship it adding even more cost.

But when you start looking you see alot of different processors being used in the lower end machines and I was wondering if one series is better than anohter. Looking at Dell and HP sites I have so for found the under 500 systems with Celerons, Pentium D, E2xxx, and AMD duel cores. I got the feeling that the AMD at this level probably offers the best deal, but if you know differently, or some processors I should stay away from, I would love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks

Kat

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Katreat But when you start looking you see alot of different processors being used in the lower end machines and I was wondering if one series is better than anohter. Looking at Dell and HP sites I have so for found the under 500 systems with Celerons, Pentium D, E2xxx, and AMD duel cores. I got the feeling that the AMD at this level probably offers the best deal, but if you know differently, or some processors I should stay away from, I would love to hear your suggestions.

Most people who buy budget computers only want something basic to do simple things with. Cruising the net, checking email and doing word processing really doesn't push a computer very much and any of those processors you mentioned will handle simple tasks easily. Out of those listed I think the E2XXX and AMD dual cores would give you the most performance, but performance isn't what those computers are built for...they're built to meet a certain price point for a certain type of computer user...someone who doesn't want to spend a lot and just needs a very basic computer to use.

It's people like us, the hobbiests/enthusiasts/gamers, who are more concerned with the power of a computer. But the majority of the computers users out there aren't hobbiests/enthusiasts/gamers, they just want a basic computer to do simple things with. These are the people those $500 computers are aimed at (you know, the ones who don't know the difference between memory and hard drive space and call the computer "the CPU").

Cricket

[shadowpr]

Originally Posted by Cricket call the computer "the CPU").

I'm almost positive that in a computer class that I had in grade school, that's how my teacher called a computer, and taught us that.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by shadowpr I'm almost positive that in a computer class that I had in grade school, that's how my teacher called a computer, and taught us that.

Do you still refer to your computer as "the CPU"?

Cricket

[Katreat]

Thx Cricket, that is kind of my problem. I have built my last three computers but they are all relatively high end for gaming. This is more of an emergency replacment for a computer that went bad and all I am looking for is something that will do very basic stuff like you list. But it is very hard once you have built high end machines to go back. I find myself browsing the Dell sight and upgrading everything until it is way out of my price range.

Kat

[Cricket]

When spec'ing out a new build for someone I have to keep reminding myself to spec the build according to what the new owner needs it to do...not what I want it to do. And it is going to belong to someone else, not me, so I have to be sure that it'll do what they need it to do, not what I want it to do. They're paying for it, not me.

Cricket

[shadowpr]

Originally Posted by Cricket Do you still refer to your computer as "the CPU"? Cricket

Nope. I now call it my Baby.

[Katreat]

Originally Posted by shadowpr Nope. I now call it my Baby.

Those where not the terms of endearment I used last time my computer decided to boot up in safe mode………….

[shadowpr]

Originally Posted by Katreat Those where not the terms of endearment I used last time my computer decided to boot up in safe mode………….

They just get tempermental sometimes. Sometimes they just want some more attention. LOL

[phigdon]

for a student the best way to go is with a laptop. granted you cant upgrade much but the portability of it makes it ideal. you can always add more memory and a bigger HDD later if you need to.

I use AMD so I am not familiar with Intel, but heres a nice laptop for $500. this one is unfortunately out of stock but you get the idea.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834101102

[Katreat]

Actually, it is her lap top that is dead. She says she really does not carry it around very much and would rather have a desk top with a regular keyboard and screen. I figured you could get a little more with a desk top for the money anyway so that was the direction I was heading.

Kat