Where to get a CHEAP computer

[RangerWickett]

My computer is odd, and unable to access the internet spontaneously, so I'm considering getting a new computer, but I don't have the money set aside for such a purchase. I could get something from Dell for less than $20 a month, totally around $600, but I'd prefer cheaper if possible.

Honestly, all I need is a computer that can run Office applications, and Photoshop would be nice. I've got a wireless ethernet card, and I suppose I could make do with my 7 year old monitor, so with that in mind, what suggestions do you have?

Just as a point of comparison, my current computer is a 366 MHz, 6GB hard drive thing from 1999.

 

[Redrobes]

Kinda depends on how you feel about gettin the back off and refitting. I would not advise you to go new as your requirements are so off the cutting edge you would waste a lot of money. Second user systems are being dumped at about the 1 - 2 GHz mark and those systems generally had about 256Mb of RAM. If you can manage an OS install I would get a brand new HD of say 160 - 200 Gb or whatever is the current cheap sweet spot and put the original OS and apps back on it again. Theres guys about who sell refurbed systems which has had that kind of makeover but you will have to pay their fee to do it.

A new HD is a good idea because they do wear out and fail after a certain amount of use. Nothing is ever without its failures of course but HD's tend to definitely go after a certain amount of use and when they do you lose real useful stuff that is very annoying if you dont have some kind of backup system in place.

Also - as for monitors, if you dont mind a chunky CRT then people around here just dont know what to do to get rid of them. They're piling them high at landfill. Everyone wants a flat LCD job now. I picked up a doozy workstation monitor of 1940 x 1200 widescreen for free not so long ago. Its absolutely huge but man its sooo nice. The monitor in front of me is a 24" Sony tubed - 1600 x 1200 res and was next to nothing from a salvage outfit. All CRT monitors are a bargain right now.

 

[GakToid]

Try: http://www.emachines.com/

Emachines is owned by Gateway. They sell them at Circuit City and if you keep your eye on the ads in the paper you can usually find a good deal for under $400 with LCD monitor.

My dad just bought one and hasn't had any problems with it. The LCD is a ProView PL716s2. Pretty nice in my opinion.

-Gak Toid

 

[trancejeremy]

ebay. I've bought my last 3 computers on it. There are dozens of small companies and people who buy parts, put together computers and sell them.

Relatives who have a government job are also a good source of cheap ones. Since every time they upgrade them, they simply give away the computers.

 

[Aus_Snow]

My computer is odd, and unable to access the internet spontaneously, so I'm considering getting a new computer, but I don't have the money set aside for such a purchase. I could get something from Dell for less than $20 a month, totally around $600, but I'd prefer cheaper if possible.

Honestly, all I need is a computer that can run Office applications, and Photoshop would be nice. I've got a wireless ethernet card, and I suppose I could make do with my 7 year old monitor, so with that in mind, what suggestions do you have?

Just as a point of comparison, my current computer is a 366 MHz, 6GB hard drive thing from 1999.

ZOMGWTFBBQ!!1! that's even worse than my desktop dinosaur. I can empathise though.

Where I've got other good tech gear cheap is generally eBay, and I've seen plenty of excellent PC deals there too.

 

[ssampier]

If you were willing to scrounge, yard sales. Make sure it works before you pack it home. Auctions from government and businesses is another option; they frequently sell used computer. Makes sure the computer boots and has at least Windows software before you take it home (unless you're a Linux fan, then go nuts).

If you must have a warranty, try Dell's Outlet store

http://www.dell.com/content/segmenter.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dfo

 

[xmanii]

Try craigslist, or even freecycle (google it for websites) if you want free or used PC's at a good price.
If you want a new PC, wallie world should have some decent deals.

 

[Jarrod]

Another vote for Freecycle or Craigslist. There might also be organizations around that are upgrading and getting rid of old machines; corporations would probably want money, but maybe educational/religious type places would have something extra.

Dell is also an option if you can find one of their enormous-off % coupons. They come and go, though.

 

[Mycanid]

I just ordered a custom build via eBay using the seller "magic micro" and I was very pleased with the quality of the parts and their prices!

Their website is http://www.magicmicro.com

In the past I have also had excellent luck with another custom builder in Missouri, I think. Here is their website:

http://www.ecollegepc.com

Good luck to you!

 

[Thanee]

Around here you get a decent (not able to run the latest games, but more than able to do anything office-related), new computer for about €400,-; shouldn't be too hard to get one for about $500,- then.

Bye
Thanee