Computer... about $600... recommendations?

[rojo412]

This old computer on which I'm typing... is 9 years old. And instead of bass gear, my GAS money needs to get me current with a new computer.

Budget is $600-ish. Need the computer, monitor, not so much a printer or anything else. I'm using it as a home internet machine. No studio, no video editing, just TB, craigslist, email, and the occasional... um... well, you know... photobucket

I'd like to get something soon, so if I can buy it at a big box chain, that'd be great.
Yes, I know anything I get will be better than this, so I just need help narrowing down which to get.

Recommendations?

[Winnb]

Walk into Wal-mart.

Look for a box that contains a pc and a monitor.

They'll have plenty under $600.

Don't buy the extended warranty.

[CrispyDelicious]

www.newegg.com

For 600 bucks, you're going to have to get something that's factory made.

[MJ5150]

Gateway SX2800 at Best Buy for $500, but you can probably get them to knock off about $50 if you get a monitor too. For $100-150 you can get a 18"-20" screen, or an "out of the box" deal on something slightly bigger.

The Gateway is perfect for what you want to do. 6GB of RAM, dual core processor, 1TB HDD. Windows 7. I use the Gateway myself, and it has been a great machine for me. It is a small case, so you can't expand it much beyond adding RAM.

-Mike

[rojo412]

I never boosted the one I have now. If I decide to do anything drastic that's beyond what I described... I'll likely get a computer just for that purpose.

What about this?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+Pavil...99150800050004

[MonetBass]

+1 to the Gateway. They still make good products.

And despite what other will tell you, check out Dell as well. We got a new one over a year ago (3.0Ghz dual-core AMD processor, 4GB RAM, 512M video, 300GB HD w/ Windows 7 64-bit) and it's been great. $600 shipped.

[MJ5150]

Originally Posted by rojo412

What about this?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+Pavil...99150800050004

That would be a good fit for you.

-Mike

[spade2you]

Get a Ma.....never mind, you need 2-3x that at least.

[CrispyDelicious]

Originally Posted by spade2you

Get a Ma.....never mind, you need 2-3x that at least.

Yeah, for half the computer.

[onosson]

If a laptop would be useful to you, you can probably find something to fit your budget among the lower-end machines, since your mostly using it for the Internet. Heck, even an iPod touch would do the job (I'm using mine even though my computer is 5 feet away from me).

FWIW I usually buy my computers used - I've never had an issue with that, in fact I've had more problems with big-box brand new systems.

[bassybill]

Machines go "obsolete" so fast that there's some absolute bargains to be had used. And any two year old computer will totally knock spots off what you currently have and you could get one for, like, $150 (judging by prices over here). I bought a used machine in the past and got about 6 years out of it!

Caveat - you should really plan on doing a wipe and build from scratch if you get a used machine. As long as you have the OS media or an OEM repair disk you'll be fine IF you know what you're doing. If not, then buy new.

[ShredderMaximus]

i don't know what u have where you live, but i got a buddy who got a decent set up through our local computer recycling center for cheap

[MJ5150]

Originally Posted by bassybill

Machines go "obsolete" so fast that there's some absolute bargains to be had used.

Good point Bill.

Here is a search of desktop with a max of $600 on the Cleveland craigslist: Desktops. There are some deals to be had in there for sure, and it leaves you with some leftover cash to buy a pedal or some new strings.

-Mike

[DwaynieAD]

i got mine at walmart 100 dollars off the listed price because it didnt have a mouse.. 7 dollar logitech mouse 5 years later and i'ma winner

[rojo412]

I'd go used, but why? I paid $600 for this 9 years ago new and it still works. That's $5.56 a month. I can handle that again.

Like you've said, I don't want to inherit a virus or spyware or kiddy porn on someone elses computer.

And I'd get a Mac if my refund were a LOT bigger.

[MJ5150]

Bill and I only suggested used for the cost savings. If you budget $600 for a desktop, but pick one up for $250, you got $350 left for something else.

-Mike

[rojo412]

True... I see where you're coming from.

[fuzzysponge]

if you have a microcenter near you you can check them out as well. they have the gateway sx2851 for $449.

the samsung 2333T is available there for $150.

tax would of course put you over $600, but that's a pretty good setup.


you should look at dealnews.com as well. a lot of good PCs (among other things) listed on the cheap.

[hover]

rojo, helluva deal right here, and you'll still have money left

http://www.woot.com/

act now, as it ends at midnight.

[L-A]

^ Yeah, that's a really nice one.