I am ashamed of myself for even having to ask for help with this, but I'm a good decade off of having any knowledge of computers anymore. Looking through what's available now, I no longer have any freaking idea about half of what they're talking about, so I'm coming to you all for help. My elderly mother needs a new desktop. Her current one is ancient and used to belong to her deceased brother, who did weird and unexplainable things to it so that it hasn't worked correctly since she received it. She spends most of her days playing find the object games, and her internet usage is limited to managing stocks/banking and things like cute overload, so she doesn't need a very powerful machine. We've settled on a desktop rather than a laptop because of those games she likes coupled with her vision; we think the smaller screens on the laptops wouldn't be very good for her. I've been poking through Newegg and right now am looking at this machine. Any thoughts on the brand/make-up of it? It seems like it would work just fine for what she uses it for, but I'm so out of touch with technology now that I could be wrong. :/
Pretty much... if you're not going big on gaming, anything will be satisfactory. I checked the specs and it seems fine for someone like that EDIT: To elaborate.. 64-bit CPU is good 4GB DDR2 RAM is fine 750gb HD space is good 2.7ghz dual core intel CPU is fine 6 USB ports is sufficient Everything else isn't worth considering. For $389.99, yeah go for it. The equivalent parts would probably end up costing more...
Avoid emachines systems they tend to use sub standard power supplies with a life span of a year and a half than fail taking every usable component with it.
Why not get a cheap laptop or netbook and just run the video to the monitor she currently has? And you can also change the image settings on a computer to be much larger, I do something similar for my HTPC so I can sit on the couch and still read text on the tv.
Thanks for your input, guys. I didn't really see anything cheaper than that that didn't look like complete junk, so I doubt I'll go lower in price. I'll try to avoid the emachines if they have issues. Van, that's how my setup is right now, my laptop is connected to my TV; I asked her if she'd like a laptop to monitor setup, and she said no, she wants a desktop, so desktop it is. She told me that she might become a geek and want to mess around with a desktop, but after 20+ years of trying to teach her how to send and receive email, I don't think it's going to happen. XD
Why not a complete Dell system + 3yr warranty for under $600? http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...=BF&cid=7420&lid=197374&acd=10549103-1371119-
Here's something for under $300 http://www.staples.com/Compaq-Presario-CQ5504F-Desktop-PC/product_884370
Since it's primarily casual use, any of those would work. But out of curiosity - what's your budget range, or at least how much would be ideal?
Concerns with this machine: - It's refurbished - Only has 40gb HDD - No DVD-rom (only CD) - 3GHZ = must be overclocked - Not sure what they're referring to as "off-lease" for Windows XP since that's not a term Microsoft uses in the context of operating systems. Probably just refers to it not being supported, which is redundant now that Win XP is no longer supported altogether The Compaq linked from Staples or the eMachine would be a better choice. That TigerDirect Compaq won't live long.
I ended up getting an HP system for under $600 for her. Haven't received it yet, but both my laptops have been HPs and they've functioned pretty well, so I think it'll be ok. Thanks for the advice everyone.
It was under $800, but I've already purchased the system. I didn't realize so many others had replied to the thread, I never got reply notifications, or I would have investigated the suggested options before purchasing I think she'll be happy with what I got, though.
Ah okay! Yeah it'll be fine; It's not like she's about to start playing high-end video games on it, so. ;P
The laptop I use is fairly new, but I don't have a desktop - nowhere to put it in this house. Plus I was spending her money for her desktop, which is always better than spending your own!