desktop help please

[ranchmom5]

It was August 2007 when I found this forum and bought my first ever Thinkpad - a R50! The story of the friends I have found here is incredible, heartwarming and indeed, life-changing....so it is to all of you that I turn to for advice with my next "project".

I have a 7yo Dell Dimension that is about to give out. I had thought of not replacing it since I am now so happy with my TP, but my dh seems to be attached to having a working desktop in the office....so I need to find something. It doesn't have to be fancy - used or refurbished is fine. MAX budget $600 (less would be better )

Here is what I am thinking:
Pentium 4 (or faster)
1 G RAM
80 G HD (7200rpm)
DVD-RW (preferred but could be added later)
Windows XP
Ethernet

Wireless capability would be nice but not absolutely necessary - probably out of my budget range??

I have looked at the new Dell Vostro line - there are often good deals for them and also at the Dell Optiplex line - although I can't really afford a new one. Did some looking at Ebay and there are a LOT of Optiplex PCs there - some refurbished, some not - but I get lost in all the different model numbers and such.

This will only be used as an "extra" and something for my dh to get online with occasionally. Also, I am only as computer literate as I need to be to survive, so forgive my ignorance if I have left something important out of this list of wants/needs. Please tell me if there is anything else I should be looking for.

I look forward to hearing your recommendations!

[RealBlackStuff]

If you want to stay with Dell, then go visit the Dell Outlet http://tinyurl.com/33btfw , where you can get refurbished or restocked or scratched/dented PCs for little money. If you can still use monitor, keyboard and mouse, all you need is the box itself.
Dell Inspiron 530 Desktop/MiniTowers are between $219 and $249.
Pick one with Windows XP Pro
If the requirements are only web, email and some light Office, the Celeron 1600 CPU would be good enough.

[ArtShapiro]

MAX budget $600 (less would be better )

For $600 a little over a year ago, on CraigsList, I purchased a computer many times more powerful than what you're proposing. I'd think something with those specs would go for a couple hundred bucks or so.

Unfortunately, checking the Wyoming CraigsList, it is several orders of magnitude less busy than my own local CraigsList - I'm in a much more populated area than you. So in a sense my posting here is useless to you, but I just wanted to opine that you shouldn't have to pay anything near $600 for such a modest desktop if you're willing to purchase used. Wait for the right deal to come along on eBay; a 2 or 3 year old desktop just isn't going to result in a bidding war and might be perfect for your needs.

Art

[ranchmom5]

Thanks for reminding me about Craigslist. Wyoming doesn't have much but I don't live far from CO, so I will watch there.
I found this on Ebay today. He said it is set up for wireless when I asked. I couldn't find any reviews on the 320 though

Optiplex320

[mgo]

MAX budget $600 (less would be better )D

Have you considered the Lenovo desktop line? They might have some sale items within your budget.

Also, may I suggest TechForLess.com which is in Colorado springs. They carry open box and refurb computers. I've done business with them and they have a no questions asked refund policy.

Their web site is easy to navigate, too, which I appreciate.

[kosse]

Thanks for reminding me about Craigslist. Wyoming doesn't have much but I don't live far from CO, so I will watch there.
I found this on Ebay today. He said it is set up for wireless when I asked. I couldn't find any reviews on the 320 though

Optiplex320

That's a lot of money for an old P4 machine. Dell outlet has better machines for less money. Like this:

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSale ... =dfh&cs=22

[RealBlackStuff]

@kosse
Do I hear an echo in the room?

[ranchmom5]

Thanks kosse (and RBS)! I see what you mean about the price of the Optiplex 320. That was a great system you found...but it sold while I was sleeping! I will just have to quit slacking off!

[kosse]

@kosse
Do I hear an echo in the room?

Great minds think alike

Really, I'm sorry. I read your post and could have mentioned in mine that your idea was good but it was late and I was trying to make a point about the Dell on Ebay so it somehow was left out.

[ranchmom5]

how often do they put new computers on the outlet? I have been checking often over the past few days but not much new. Those that are added all have Vista! I wish I had checked in and seen that link earlier so I could have grabbed the one kosse posted.

[underclocker]

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Lenovo ... sktop/New/

Many brand new Lenovo desktops under $600 with fabulous specs.

[kosse]

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSale ... =dfh&cs=22

Here's another great deal. Try to be faster this time

[T22 4me]

My 2 cents worth:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0209093537 (IBM ThinkCentre M52 $300)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0203252183 (IBM THINKCENTRE $250)

IBM will outlast and outperform a Dell............IMHO.........

Moderator edit: Shortened URL to prevent horizontal scrolling

[joester]

IBM will outlast and outperform a Dell............IMHO.........

Also worth noting from my experience:

The IBM motherboards are more forgiving when parts are being swapped around. My somewhat limited experience with Dell machines (I've only worked on a dozen or so) is that the BIOS is configured to "see" only specific manufacturers hardware.

The IBM desktops like the Aptiva seem to accept most anything I install. This helps a lot if upgrades are required or desired. You can get your parts from almost anywhere.

Joe