Cheaper computer - Almost better to go with a DELL? Pains me to even think like that

[mo tiggas]

Looking to build a cheap computer for my parents, who will most likely use it for the typical stuff that parents use computers for. I hate to say it, but looking at the prices (been a year since I last was shopping)it seems that I could find a much cheaper product from them, then I could build on my own. What are your thoughts? If you have any ideas of what you'd build for around 5 or 6 hun, I would love to hear them... thanks

[Ajmukon]

for 600, i would build a DELL or HP.

HP right now has a bit of a "better" reputation, Dell, is working on theirs...

[classicsoftware]

For five or six hundred I would get an Acer.....

[Ajmukon]

i forgot about ACER

[jlreich]

Do you have any parts to work with or would a build need to be totally from scratch?

Even if it is from scratch it can be done. It is tough to compete against the big OEM's at that range, but you don't need much for surfing and email, or other general use applications.

The biggest budget busters in this range are the monitor ($200) and OS ($100-$150). If you already have one or the other covered it makes it alot easier. If you have both covered you can build a nice little system for $600 without breaking a sweat.

There is also the issue of office apps. If you need them you can go with Open Office for free. The OEM's don't really offer office apps either. The best you get is MS works and free trial for MS office. And a free trial of Norton, and a free trial for some 100 other bundled apps they are trying to sell you in order to make these systems cheaper. :p

The hardcore geeks wouldn't even think about it and just build it. But that's not for everyone, and if you are even considering going with an OEM machine you are not hardcore. And there is nothing wrong with that. :) If it seems easier to just buy it than that might be what you need to do.

I am not trying to convince you one way or the other, just want to give you something to think about. ;)