Looking for a good, cheap outlet for PCs?

[sheath]

Hey, all.

Okay, I admit, I'm pretty tight with my cash lately. Recovering from economic fallout after a relationship catastrophe, we all know how it goes. Anyway, that means I have to be careful with the purchase of a new computer.

I'm looking for an outlet for PCs...cheap, cheap, cheap. Have you found any really good sites that offer computers at a rock-bottom price? Have you had success with it, or disappointment? I'm looking for not only names of sites or outlets, but also stories of experience with said places.

Specifically, all I really need is a computer with Windows of some reliable sort; a basic operating system, with a modem and CD-Rom, of course; a simple black/white printer and a monitor. I don't have to have speakers, but it would be nice. Same with a webcam and such. I'm just really looking for the BASIC things.

So...any ideas? I'm really new to the computer-buying game, and frankly, I'm not even sure where to begin. The one I'm using now was built for me, and it has given years of valuable, faithful use...but I need something more reliable, hopefully before this one gives up the ghost.

Thanks in advance.

S.

 

[kopite]

DOnt know of any companies in america to help although EBAY is a brilliant place for cheap computers. Just make sure you check the persons rep before buying.

Failing that Look for computer fairs in the area. In the uk these have really cleaned up lately and all retailers there are reputable and cheap

 

[Bobmi357]

If your credit history is good, check with dell. For as little as 20 bucks a month you can get a fairly decent system from them.

 

[arkavatar]

I recently helped a friend buy his first computer and I recommended this website: http://www.cybertronpc.com
He spent under 300, but he bought just the computer, keyboard, mouse, and speakers.

 

[TNRkitect2b]

Cheap for one may not be cheap for another. What is your upper price limit? I am sure we can find you something that meets your needs for cheap, but we need to know what you are willing to spend.

Also, are you dead set on using a Windows machine? Do you plan on installing additional programs, games or the like on this new machine or is it going to be used mostly for e-mail, web browsing, writing, IM's and the like?

Buying a preconfigured Linux box will lower your price, and meet those basic needs. It also will reduce your susceptability to viruses, and many consider it much more reliable than any form of Windows. But if you are planning on installing programs or games beyond the basics, you will probably want to stick to a Windows machine.

If you can answer these Questions, it will help us get a better handle on what to suggest for you.

 

[sheath]

Cheap for one may not be cheap for another. What is your upper price limit? I am sure we can find you something that meets your needs for cheap, but we need to know what you are willing to spend.

Also, are you dead set on using a Windows machine? Do you plan on installing additional programs, games or the like on this new machine or is it going to be used mostly for e-mail, web browsing, writing, IM's and the like?

Buying a preconfigured Linux box will lower your price, and meet those basic needs. It also will reduce your susceptability to viruses, and many consider it much more reliable than any form of Windows. But if you are planning on installing programs or games beyond the basics, you will probably want to stick to a Windows machine.

If you can answer these Questions, it will help us get a better handle on what to suggest for you.

Thank you all for the suggestions!

Sir Brian, good questions. I'm wanting to spend less than a thousand. If I could get away with less than five hundred, I would be VERY happy with that. I will be spending a bit more on the monitor, simply because I spend so much time in front of it, I need something easy on the eyes.

It will be used for writing, mostly...internet access, IMs and the like...and that's basically it. I don't plan to install any games that would take up significant memory...the only thing I can think of right off-hand would be Mah Jong. I spend so much time in front of the computer working, I can't imagine playing games here that often.

I would like to use a Windows machine only because I am certain it is compatible with all my editing programs. It's one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" things when it comes to that. Is it possible to run Microsoft Word on a Linux system?

I will also look into the links posted on this thread.

Thanks, all.

S.

 

[Wulf7]

If your credit history is good, check with dell. For as little as 20 bucks a month you can get a fairly decent system from them.

It really depends on your budget but I second this idea. Look up Dell's small business section and join their mailing list or whatnot. They'll send you emails/catalogs with sales coupons (like 10% off). You can get a fairly modern pentium 4 machine for $300-500. Sometimes even complete systems for $500-600 with monitor on a deal.

I wouldn't recommend linux unless you are willing/have time to learn how to use it as its different in many ways from windows.

 

[sheath]

I will look into Dell and see what they can offer.

So far as Linux goes...I have several full manuscripts completed, mostly on Microsoft Word, and I cannot risk not being able to access those, with the same formatting they have now...I guess I'm wondering how easily those would transfer over to another program?

Anybody worked with a Gateway? Are those worth looking into?

Thanks.

S.

 

[midwestyankee]

I will look into Dell and see what they can offer.

So far as Linux goes...I have several full manuscripts completed, mostly on Microsoft Word, and I cannot risk not being able to access those, with the same formatting they have now...I guess I'm wondering how easily those would transfer over to another program?

Anybody worked with a Gateway? Are those worth looking into?

Thanks.

S.

I recently had a very bad experience trying to buy a computer on the cheap. A manufacturer sent a promotional email to my wife's school district and I took the bait. I ordered a mid-range laptop for about $1,000. After two months of delays and no computer, I cancelled my order. Now, three months after that, I have not yet received my refund. And, of course, the company is virtually out of business.

So.... I turned to Gateway. Walked into their store (it helps to live near a big city for these things) after having examined their line carefully online, and bought exactly what I wanted. It cost me a bit more than I had originally planned, but I am extremely happy with my machine. I have had zero problems with this Gateway in the three months I have owned it.

Caveat emptor, as they say.

 

[Wulf7]

I've had hit or miss with gateways myself, at least working on them for friends. Same with Dell to a certain extent.

OpenOffice is a free office software suite that runs on either windows or linux so you could most likely transfer those over. No guarantees though

 

[Vixandra]

Being in a mixed PC/Mac household I'd have to recommend going with an HP.
I've got both a desk top and a laptop from HP and an apple Laptop my hubby uses and recommend both brands for differing reasons.
You can pick of Microsoft Office for apples, run almost all chat programs, get fewer viruses and such. They're easy as pie to use and can be picked up pretty cheap off of eBay or a refurbished model from the apple site itself.
Referb puters can be a good way to go. Saved $300 on my desktop because its referbished. Works like a charm, never had a problem with it. Hubby's apple's a referb too. Same quality, lower price.
I agree with checking local sales.
I bought my laptop just two weeks ago on a TDY to HI at CompUSA and got a free digital camera, $100 worth of "training software" I don't need but will probably give to someone else, and a discount on the price of the computer itself. Pretty good deal for me.

I wish you good luck and great prices!

 

[TNRkitect2b]

OpenOffice (the Linux clone of MS Office) claims 100% compatibility with Office. But, the risks are probably not worth looking into trying Linux.

As for Refurbished, I second the idea. Dell's Outlet Store Dell Outlet offers the same warranties as on the brand new systems. These are normally systems that were returned under warranty and refurbished to "new" condition. They are cheaper than new to boot. However, a Monitor will be extra.

I could not find a similar refurbished/outlet section on Gateway's website.

Either are good choices. From being in an environment with a wide selection of brands (Computers are required starting your second year of the program, and people have Apple, Dell, Gateway, Toshiba, HP, Sony and others) The general consensus is that Dell has the best tech support of the manufacturers out there.

They are my recomendation for you. Oh, Do you still have the installation CD's and product keys for the diferent editing programs you use? If you do, you can save money by not buying MS Office again, just installing the version you have onto your new PC. This is legal so long as you only use the program on one PC at a time, ie. you can have it installed on two PCs legaly, but you can not be running the software at the same time on both PCs. (unless they have changed their liscencing agreements )

 

[Lou Nuttick]

Second vote for Dell

I support a few hundred machines - hardware, software, and connectivity - for a living, and here's my professional opinion: you can get a new desktop for such a low price, now, that a used or refurbished machine is not worth the small amount of money you'd save.

While I’ve used and supported many different makes, I second the recommendation for Dell; in addition to a good machine at sometimes-excellent prices, their support is as good as you can get.

Dell's best deals are often offered only for a day or two, so it helps if you sit down and figure out just what you want, then keep an eye on their site for a deal on that machine. For example, a few weeks ago I saw a 2.6G Pentium 4 with 128M RAM, 80G HD, CD-RW, Windows XP Pro, 17-inch CRT monitor for $399 including shipping (well, it was $599 with a $200 rebate, but Dell is very good about honoring their rebates). The specials usually allow you to customize the computer by adding or substituting more memory, a DVD/CD player, high-end video card (for gamers, mostly), flat-screen monitor, sound, software packages, etc, so you do have some flexibility in what you can get.

I've seen similar deals for $350 without the monitor, and even a bit less, with the home edition of XP instead of the Pro. Dell offers many specials, but they usually vary a bit each time, so if you don’t see quite what you want, the next offer might have it. Conversely, if you do see just what you want at a good price, it might be smart to act then, since the same offer may not come around again for some time.

By the way, many new computers, including a lot of the Dell specials, no longer include the floppy disk drive. It's tempting to think you can just recycle your old floppy drive and save the $20 that Dell wants for it, but if you don't order the option, Dell does not include the cage that lets you mount the drive to the chassis. If you want a floppy and don't intend to use an external USB drive, I'd resign myself to buying the option.

While OpenOffice is more or less compatible with WinWord, if you do a lot of work with tables and columns and fancy formatting, you'll find that it is less. Unless you have time to spend getting up to speed on Linux (with children at home, I'm sure you're not awash with free time, though) and then messing with the annoying incompatibilities of OpenOffice, I wouldn't think it worth the hundred or so dollars you might save on a Linux box.

A worthwhile site to find some good deals is www.fatwallet.com


-Lou

 

[Weird Harold]

Specifically, all I really need is a computer with Windows of some reliable sort; a basic operating system, with a modem and CD-Rom, of course; a simple black/white printer and a monitor. I don't have to have speakers, but it would be nice. Same with a webcam and such. I'm just really looking for the BASIC things.

About six months ago, I posted a link to a Walmart/Aol joint project to sell an "internet PC" -- The cheapest version was $299 loaded with a version of Linix. A windows XP version of the same hardware was $499. Monitor upgrades were listed if you need a bigger or higher resolution monitor or want a flat-screen -- they come with a 14" conventional monitor.

They are, or at least were, only available through Walmart online, but they're pretty generic (mid-range) machines hardware wise and should be reasonalbly reliable -- at least as reliable as a home- build from components which would cost about the same.

What caught my eye about the "Internet PC" is the desription was almost exactly what you stated your requirements as -- Just a basic computer for getting online and maybe balancing the checkbook or writing a letter to Mom.
.

 

[sheath]

Wow...SO much to think about!

Did I ever mention that you all seem to be VERY helpful?

Thank you...I have a great place to start. Great PLACES to start. I'll be researching this for days...



S.

 

[arkavatar]

I'd only add two things to all that's been said. Beware the Mail-in rebate(price says 300 but thats before the 150 rebate that comes 3 months later) , and the internet subscription commitment.

 

[collegeguy641]

Have you ever thought of building one yourself? There are numerous how to articles out there and it doesn't seem that hard. You can spend 500 to 700 and end up with a computer that would sell for almost 3000.

On Dell and Gateway computers they reel you in with those cheap deals on basic computers, once you start adding things to it they jack up the price big time.

 

[Guest]

 

[Ljbonobo]

Hey, all.

Okay, I admit, I'm pretty tight with my cash lately. Recovering from economic fallout after a relationship catastrophe, we all know how it goes. Anyway, that means I have to be careful with the purchase of a new computer.

I'm looking for an outlet for PCs...cheap, cheap, cheap. Have you found any really good sites that offer computers at a rock-bottom price? Have you had success with it, or disappointment? I'm looking for not only names of sites or outlets, but also stories of experience with said places.

Specifically, all I really need is a computer with Windows of some reliable sort; a basic operating system, with a modem and CD-Rom, of course; a simple black/white printer and a monitor. I don't have to have speakers, but it would be nice. Same with a webcam and such. I'm just really looking for the BASIC things.

So...any ideas? I'm really new to the computer-buying game, and frankly, I'm not even sure where to begin. The one I'm using now was built for me, and it has given years of valuable, faithful use...but I need something more reliable, hopefully before this one gives up the ghost.

Thanks in advance.

S.

Hey Sheath,

If you're rather tech savvy and can build it, www.tigerdirect.com has great deals, and my friends and I have used their site.

If not.....

go to www.dell.com and look at their refurbs. I bought one for a friend who wasn't tech savvy at all, great deal and a great computer for him so far. If you have more questions just ask.

My next computer is going to be from www.internetishop.com, seem to be good deals...and quality stuff but if something goes wrong I can tech it myself....

 

[Ljbonobo]

Sheath,

Stay away from Emachines, I have had nothing but problems with them.

Dell....good machines, great deals if you catch them, however, a word of warning the prices you see on the site are often for very specific set ups....but deals can still be had.

I would go with Dell over gateway.

 

[sheath]

Thanks to everyone who responded to this thread.

I will definitely be looking into Dell today...and then I will go down the list of other resources.

I'll let you know what happens! And believe me, questions will be quickly posted in hopes of answers!



Thanks, all.

S.

 

[Carnus]

I would suggest Fry's Electronics, their website is http://www.outpost.com basically if it has to do with tech they sell at really nice prices. THey have local stores here in tx and few other states but ship worldwide.

Good luck sexy

Carnus

 

[sheath]

Thanks for that link, Carnus. I'll add it to the list of things to check out today.

By the way...welcome back, darlin'. I'm sure I am not the only one who missed you around here.

S.

 

[nicocujo]

Re: Re: Looking for a good, cheap outlet for PCs?

Hey Sheath,

If you're rather tech savvy and can build it, www.tigerdirect.com has great deals, and my friends and I have used their site.

If not.....

go to www.dell.com and look at their refurbs. I bought one for a friend who wasn't tech savvy at all, great deal and a great computer for him so far. If you have more questions just ask.

My next computer is going to be from www.internetishop.com, seem to be good deals...and quality stuff but if something goes wrong I can tech it myself....

I've used tigerdirect and internetishop both. I'm very pleased with their service and products.

 

[Wulf7]

If you find yourself looking at a internet shop, check out www.resellerratings.com for reviews. Great place to check and see if a place is crooked.