Gimme a computer for $600.00

Spire · Posted: Sat, 02 Aug 2003 00:40:59 Post Subject: Gimme a computer for $600.00

So a guy walks into a bar and...

Sorry, wrong start, let's try again.

I have a buddy that said to me, I want a computer. I asked him, "For what"? He says, "Ya know, MP3's, intarnet, pRon, but no games, I hate games." So I says to him, "What processor do you want?" He gets this look on his face and answers, " Um, what's as processor, just gimme a computer?" I then query him to how much does he wanna spend, I get,"$600.00, give or take." "Do you need a monitor", I foolishly ask. "No, I'll get one at Costco", is his reply.

So here is your challenge, make a BLACK (don't ask) computer, with keyboard, mouse, CD-RW, preferably AMD based, for a guy with complete lack of interest in computers (but a large interest in Digi-pRon).

Spend all the $600.00, but don't go over $650.00 DELIVERED to him. Everything but a monitor, he thinks he is the Monitor expert and has already picked out the one to give the most detailed "images". Laughing

P.S. I have a pretty good system figured out. This is a contest!!! Yikes

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Sat, 02 Aug 2003 09:40:45 Post Subject:

Well, the easy answer is Dell... I just got three Dimension 2400 systems from them for a friend's office and the came in at $499 each... They included a 2.2GHz Celeron, 256MB PC2700, 40GB HDD, mouse, keyboard, sound, lan, video, your choice of a 17" CRT or a 15" TFT LCD, Win XP Home preinstalled... and some other goodies!

I know, I know... it's Dell... but for someone who doesn't really know or care about the high end stuff, its a great system... And it is all black... Laughing

**JimBowy** · Moderator Joined: 02 Aug 2003 Posts: 1627

Ha, I've mentioned the "Del..." word around Spire and he doesnt like it very much. Anyhow, I'll agree with you on this suggestion though. You can pickup "refurbs" off the Dell site (and im talking some really nice computers for about $450 if you look at the site at the right time of day...

Hi Spire Wave

Spire · Posted: Mon, 04 Aug 2003 22:38:39 Post Subject:

Ok, here's how it went:

NEWEGG
Biostar M7VIG $56.00
Generic 512 Mb PC2700 $66.00
Samsung 120Gig 7200 $92.00
AMD XP2400+ $86.00
52x32x52 blk LiteOn $45.00
Blk Floppy $7.00
Some 56K Modem $8.00
Logitech Optical Desktop $31.00
Winblows XP Home $93.00
Logitech Z-640 5.1 $65.00
Shipping/Tax $62.29

COMPGEEKS
KG-200B-BLK case/300w PS $24.50
Shipping/Tax $9.90

GRAND TOTAL $645.68

Now I know the Dell thing is a very real alternative, but I think this machine will do a very nice job. By the time you get soem goodies, the Dell price goes up. They always throw in some kicker (LCD/DVD-RW) to make people buy these things. My kicker is...um...lets just say GOODIES for the HDD!!! Dell ain't got that!!!

BeerCheeze · Posted: Tue, 05 Aug 2003 00:57:03 Post Subject:

Let me just put it this way...

Friend: "My computer is broken"

1st Scenario:

Spire: "Hmmm better call Tech Support"
Friend: "Yea, I got dell's number here..."

2nd Scenario:

Spire: "Hmmm better call Tech Support"
Friend "Who do you think you are?"
Spire: "DOH!!"

**JimBowy** · Moderator Joined: 02 Aug 2003 Posts: 1627

HaHa...
That's my problem with building cheaper computers and not using proven-name brand stuff...

Although I've never experienced the 2nd scenerio... its something you never want to experience.

Good Point Cheese! Rolling Eyes

Spire · Posted: Tue, 05 Aug 2003 20:04:56 Post Subject:

Tech support??? They don't break when I build them!!! Rolling Eyes

No, really, though, I might get a call from some friends once every 3-4 months, but its usually something like, where is the volume knob on my speakers. I think the people don't use the computers after they build them.

I have something like 6 or so people that have my machines. I don't do this very often for the "Tech Support" headache thing, It can get way out of control.

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 21:52:40 Post Subject:

That Dell deal I mentioned before is back... http://www.ableshoppers.com/#13082021

$349 for a 2.2 GHz Celeron... Last time they had a free memory upgrade to 256MB PC2700... Not sure its there this go around...