A couple days ago, I posted about how I’ll need a new computer for work purproses. The minimum requirements I’ve set for the machine are as follows:
- Pentium 4 2.6 ghz processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 32-bit soundcard
- 20 GB hard drive
- WInXp
I’d also like to find something with a DVD burner, but it’s not a requirement. (None of my current computers are equipped with a DVD burner, and it’d be nice to have one.)
After technical specifications, price is my biggest concern. I’ve checked with a bunch of different vendors, looked through local classifieds and scoured eBay. I’ve found some good systems (like this one). I guess I’ve been a little gun shy on making a purchase, as it seems like if I just wait for one more day, there’ll be something better/cheaper.
I almost miss the simplicity of the “old days,” when everything had to be bought off-the-shelf at a local store. Almost. But, not really.
The system you pointed to looks like a good deal. For $280 you most certainly would be getting a lot of stuff! Especially the inclusion of 1GB of RAM. The only thing that sucks about it is that it doesn’t have a copy of Windows in with that price. You might check out dealnews.com or even Dell. They have a system for about $380. Another site you might want to look at is Pricewatch.com. My comment is going to wind up in Akismet, I just know it, lol!
Oh, here’s another site. Geeks.com
Thanks for the tips, Andy. And when I posted that link originally, I didn’t realize that the system didn’t include an OS. I’m now thinking of going with something from these guys and doing the upgrades myself. I also like this system. It doesn’t have a DVD burner. Again, I could just do that upgrade myself.
I also like this one. It’s the only one on their list that has a DvD burner. The process meets the minimum requirements for the software I have to use. But I think it’d be OK. I’m not sure if the vendor includes the original OS media, though. I sent a message to try and find out. If the original media isn’t included, I wonder if there’s a way to make a working backup of the pre-loaded OS?
That one looks good too, except the RAM. Sheesh. I don’t think I could ever work with only 256 MB of RAM again. This is the same machine that we purchased for a classroom I helped put together when I was going to school. It’s the machines we used in our class. They were good, just really need more RAM.
The good thing about the Dell machine’s is that you can probably find someone who has a copy of the OS that they’re either willing to give to you or make a copy of. It’s legal, in my opinion, since a serial number *SHOULD* be on the case somewhere.
I’d say doing that would be just fine (buying one and upgrading it yourself). They have decent processors. They just need more RAM and a dedicated graphics card. Those don’t cost that much. You’ll probably later on want more hard drive space, but, again those are easy to pop in and cheap, too. I got a 160 GB drive earlier this year for $55 on NewEgg.com
One last link and I’ll shut up and go to bed! lol You might also check out TigerDirect. They have used machines, too.
I’m still weary of buying things on eBay and Amazon, especially if it’s something like a computer. I like to have the satisfaction of knowing I can send the thing back if it’s dead on arrival! That’s just me though, I’m a little old fashioned.
Good luck with your computer shopping! I hope you find a really good deal. I’m anxious to hear what you’re going to get.
I just found a torrent for Dell’s OEM WinXP Pro SP2 disc. If the torrent is legit (looks that way, based on the comments left on TorrentSpy), I could use it to install XP Pro on any Dell computer. With that in mind, I’m going to keep an eye on this one. It’s actually pretty close in spec to the computers at the office where I work, and all I’d need to do is upgrade the RAM.
And I hear you about the dangers of buying used computers. It’s a chance to be taken. But I usually have good luck with this kinda stuff. I’m sure I’ll write more about it after everything’s done.
The Dell Optiplex GX260 looks like a good deal. Especially since you get a DVD burner. It says it has a Windows XP certificate of Authenticity (COA) on the case, so that torrent you found should work just fine. Let’s hope!
I hope you have good luck with it. I haven’t had too much bad luck with buying stuff on eBay, I just had to deal with some people in New York that I could not understand a word they were saying, they were foreigners. The camera lens’ that I bought were crap anyways. I should have known better.
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