Author Topic: I want to buy a computer  (Read 5820 times)

HAULIN3

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I want to buy a computer
« on: August 29, 2014, 11:49:40 AM »
I want to buy a desktop computer that I can print things to my printer, surf the net and be able to type with WORD and excel.  That's really all I need.  I have an ipad and an iphone. 

What should I buy that wont cost an arm and a leg..

I have a fine monitor keyboard and mouse.  They are a couple years old.

neo von retorch

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2014, 11:54:08 AM »
New desktops without a monitor can be found for $200-250.

Just an example: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=smi3646sffw8s7101c&model_id=inspiron-3646-small-desktop&c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04

You might also have some luck on Craigslist, though you'd probably want to know enough to just be sure it's "in proper working order" with a valid operating system license installed.

EricMA

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2014, 01:42:17 PM »
There are usually some good refurb deals on newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883280040

There's one for example. Under $200 and fine for a basic net browsing computer.

While that does come with a valid Windows 7 License, understand you can always install Ubuntu or Fedora (they are free, very stable, and come with a full suite of software) with a little bit of guidance if you find a craigslist computer w/o an OS.

Also, before you spend any money on Word or Excel, check out LibreOffice. It is a full office suite that contains a word processor and spreadsheet processor that can read and save in MS Office format. It isn't always a perfect translation between the two but the price is right (also free).

Best of luck!

gimp

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2014, 02:02:35 PM »
I agree with EricMA - you're a great candidate for a refurb computer.

Alternatively, you could get a brand new Intel NUC - for something like $150 - or a competing and similar product. They're even less powerful machines, but they do the job just fine. Downside is they tend to come without a windows license (and might come without a hard drive, depending on the product...)

To keep a $200 computer working fast, just make sure you don't download stupid shit (toolbars, screen savers... emoticons) and you don't watch porn on weird fringe sites. And you run a registry/cache/etc cleaner (eg ccleaner), malware remover (eg malwarebytes), and antivirus regularly.

ioseftavi

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2014, 02:56:35 PM »
Last 3 PCs for personal use and 1 for work were bought via Dell Outlet refurb.  Really great machines at a reasonable price.  $400-$500 gets you a good machine for basic use.

Scandium

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2014, 03:04:09 PM »
I agree with EricMA - you're a great candidate for a refurb computer.

Alternatively, you could get a brand new Intel NUC - for something like $150 - or a competing and similar product. They're even less powerful machines, but they do the job just fine. Downside is they tend to come without a windows license (and might come without a hard drive, depending on the product...)

To keep a $200 computer working fast, just make sure you don't download stupid shit (toolbars, screen savers... emoticons) and you don't watch porn on weird fringe sites. And you run a registry/cache/etc cleaner (eg ccleaner), malware remover (eg malwarebytes), and antivirus regularly.

From what I've seen the NUCs look overpriced. Don't you need HDD, RAM and OS license? You're talking $300 or more pretty quick.

If you really require Word and Excel you unfortunately need a $100 windows license. Libreoffice is fine, but not the same level as Office. You can't use VBA in excel for one thing which is a major drawback IMO. However if you just write minor things and multiply 3 cells you could do fine with Linux Mint and Libreoffice.

theSchmett

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #6 on: August 29, 2014, 03:41:41 PM »
Open it up to word processing and spreadsheets as opposed to word and excel and you'll save a lot of cash.

SecondHandCondom

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #7 on: August 29, 2014, 05:02:21 PM »
I say that you sell the Ipad and build something that is somewhat future proof.

kokosnuss

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #8 on: August 29, 2014, 05:21:33 PM »
I bought a Lenovo IdeaCenter Q190 for a little over $200 last year. It's tiny and portable, could be a good fit for you.

Mother Fussbudget

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #9 on: August 29, 2014, 07:25:49 PM »
Have you considered an inexpensive laptop? 
You can 'dock' (connect) a laptop with your current keyboard/video/mouse setup at home AND unplug / be portable when you want something a little beefier than the iPad.  The advancements in laptops over the past few years make them as powerful as most desktop machines in a lightweight portable form factor.  Touch screens, you name it.  I got an Acer Aspire series touchscreen laptop 18 months ago, it works great for my management consulting career, and noticed the other day they're on sale at Frys.com. 

ADV_CJ

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Re: I want to buy a computer
« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2014, 12:00:32 PM »
If most of your computing will be done online, then get a chromebook and use Google Docs for all of your word processing and spreadsheet needs.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!