Bargain PCs in the US?

Posted by: ErikL on 24 July 2004

I need to replace my home machine, which I use for simple tasks- surfing, Quicken, email, basic photo editing, streaming music, and word processing. No games, editing videos, or anything like that.

Any recommendations for inexpensive makes and/or models of desktops in the US, say $650-800 max (new or refurb)?
Posted on: 28 July 2004 by Mike Sae
How computer literate are you?
Posted on: 28 July 2004 by ErikL
I'm significantly more computer literate than the average person, but I am not a software engineer/programmer/etc. Nor do I want to behave like one at home.
Posted on: 28 July 2004 by Mike Sae
Have you thought about dropping by your local holeinthewall computer shop and having one custom made?
The competetion is so fierce, you'll get smoking value and exactly what you want.
You also bypass the multinational middleman (sony, dell, HP, whoever...)

PS I only act like a software programmer in the sack.
edit: I don't know what I meant by that.
Posted on: 28 July 2004 by ErikL
quote:
Originally posted by Mike Sae:
PS I only act like a software programmer in the sack.
edit: I don't know what I meant by that.

I do!!!

It means you masturbate before you fall asleep each night.

Wink

(Thanks for the local shop tip- I forget that such places exist. I'll check it out.)
Posted on: 28 July 2004 by Mike Sae
Touche!
Posted on: 28 July 2004 by Mike Sae
If Sea-Town is like every other major city in 'merica you should have a free publication that has advertisments and price/component guides for all the little computer shops.
In Vancouver it's called The Hub.
Posted on: 28 July 2004 by ErikL
D'oh! I phrased my previous response incorrectly! Eek

Where do you find these free computer publications? Computer stores? Book stores?

Ludwig
NOT like a computer programmer b/n the sheets
Posted on: 29 July 2004 by Mike Sae
computer shops or the same kinds of places you find your free weekly entertainment paper.

they should be easily accessible.
Posted on: 01 August 2004 by JeremyD
It is surprisingly easy to build your own PC, and in the UK it works out a lot cheaper if you use components and the operating system from your old PC.

I built my XP2000+ this way last year, with minimal mishaps, and it cost me around £200+ - including what many would consider an unnecessary £40 for a super-quiet processor fan. [I used the modem, eight year old graphics card, sound card and CD-RW drive from my old PC].

If you can be bothered to read up on how to get parts that match (mainly processor, memory type and motherboard) and can use a screwdriver then you can do it.

The only real problem I can think of would be if your home-built PC didn't work and you didn't know why - then you might be seriously stuck without expert advice.
Posted on: 02 August 2004 by ErikL
Thanks for the links- I'll keep an eye on things throughout the month.

Also- do you know any reputable shops in the Seattle area of the variety Mike Sae recommends above?