By Dan on Jan 4, 2008 in Family, Local, Uncategorized
A couple of my kids’ software-included gifts this year awoke me to the fact that the ol’ family PC just ain’t what she used to be. She’s bogging down quite a bit lately and one of the applications couldn’t even be loaded due to an embarrassing lack of visual memory. Since I’m not prepared to hand the kids the keys to my new laptop, I’ve decided that it’s time for them to have a computer of their own.
Since many in the local blogging community are wise in the ways of computing, although apparently not quite at the cutting edge of geekiness, I thought I’d seek advice on what to purchase.
My concern when shopping for a computer is getting what I need to stay current with the latest technology, without paying for more than I need in terms of what I actually want it to accomplish.
The kids’ needs are humble. They go online for Webkinz and Nick Jr. games, and occasionally to dabble in some Nigerian-like phishing expeditions. The software they use is of the educational and entertainment variety. Nothing is graphic extensive nor is sound quality a great concern. Their new computer will need to connect to our wireless network. I’d like stay in the $500 neighborhood, or lower, if at all possible. When it comes to technology, my love for them has a price ceiling.
So, if anyone can answer the following questions or otherwise provide insight into this venture, I’ll be reasonably grateful.
- Is a PC preferable to a laptop in terms of cost?
- Is a refurbished model a good bet?
- Are the lower end brands (eMachines) reliable?
- What’s the black market for computers like in Springfield?
- What would you buy under similar conditions?
Thank you.
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1) Yes
2) For a low-end PC, I don’t think it’s worth the time (researching the seller, researching the hardware, comparing different ones, etc).
3) Personally I would avoid the eMachines. The minimal savings don’t outweigh the potential for support issues.
4) don’t know
5) I’d just hit Dell.com and buy the cheapest PC they have available. Right now, without a monitor, that looks to be $349.
If you were looking to buy a more expensive/powerful machine, it would definitely be worth investigating all sorts of options. But you seem to just want a machine that works, is cheap, and will continue to be able to power the kids’ needs for some time. Given that, I’d just buy a Dell and be done with it. It’ll work and you won’t really have to think twice about it.
EJ | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
As an adult who doesn’t game on my PC much, I’d much MUCH rather have a laptop. The ability to surf online while sitting on my couch is the closest thing to paradise I’ll know in my lifetime.
Having said that … we’re talking about your kids. On the one hand, a laptop would mean they could be online wherever YOU are … which is much safer. But laptops are pricier thatn desktops … you can easily get a desktop that will fit your needs for $500.
Up in Bloomington … because it’s a college town, they have a used computer store … I suppose because the kids are hawking their computers for beer money … in any case, there are situtions where you can get a good refurbished computer that will be reliable AND cheap. I don’t know if there’s a shop like in Springfield … surely someone else will know that one …
I had a very VERY bad experience with an eMachine. That’s been about six years ago … so they may have improved since then. But at the time, we bought a desktop eMachine that was virtually useless.
If it were me … I’d look into a used computer shop … but you can also check the Sunday ads … they have amazing deals at Circuit City, Best Buys, Staples, etc. … mainly on computers that wouldn’t be able to handle heavy graphic-intensive games or video editing … but would be PERFECT for what you’re looking for.
Best of BEST of luck!
Happy New Year
ThirtyWhat | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
Dan,
Feel free to give Andy a call sometime. His hobby is rebuilding pc’s. I am sure he could help you out.
Michele | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
I’m always happy to be the contrarian:
Get a Mac, dude. You can get a Mac Mini for $600 into which you can plug your existing monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Anonymous Communist | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
Dan, just delete the porn you’ve got stored in the memory and you’ll have all the space you need. Pretty simple.
Chaz | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
I’d say a laptop is the way to go. We wanted one for some basic things – storing photos and home movies, surfing the internet, emailing, and playing the occasional game. I was told we could get one with those capabilities for anywhere from $400 – $600 by a salesperson at Best Buy. I’d just go to the websites of Toshiba, Dell, HP and see what they are offering. Dell will customize one however you want.
For the money, Mac’s are the way to go. But they are typically pricier. You get what you pay for.
Good luck.
Brian | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
I would avoid a laptop for the following reasons.
First, they are fragile. With a laptop, chances are you’ll be moving it around a bit. The more you move it around, the greater the chance for it to get roughed up. Components on them are typically flimsier too since they have to be made smaller and lighter. Ever seen how easily the CD/DVD trays crack on a laptop? Or how easily the keys pop off the keyboards? I would think this would be a problem with children being the primary (only?) users.
Second, they are typically more difficult and more expensive to upgrade. So in 3 years when it’s getting slow, you will either shell out more money to make it faster than you would a comparable PC or you’ll just say screw it and buy a new one.
Also you’ll find that, dollar for dollar, you’ll be able to get a faster desktop than laptop. The slower machine you buy now, the sooner it’ll be when you’re looking to upgrade.
As far as the Mac comments… do you really want your kids to be one of _those_ people
EJ | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
Wow. I guess I came to this party a little late.
1) Yes. But they’re much harder to set up in Panera for a quick look at BlogFreeSpringfield.
2) Only if it’s straight from the manufacturer.
3) NO.
4) It’s a seedy underground that you want no part of.
5) Here you go.
Yes, I love Macs – but I’d give the kids a couple more years of gentle computing lessons on a cheap sturdy PC before unleashing them on a pearly white MacBook that will run you around a K and half. Someday though, if you want your kids to be creative, AND dominate at trivia nights, you’ll need to buy a Mac.
Russ | Jan 5, 2008 | Reply
BFS,
I’m under the same charge as you (our PC is older than 3 of my 5 kids!). We need something that can keep Nancy speedily connected to BFS and let Sam accessorize Sparkles bedroom on Webkinz.
When I fist started this endeavor, I was dead set on a laptop, but the thought of my kids totting the fragile machine around (and the vision of having to look under the couch cushions for it) made me rethink that plan. As it stands now, I want something with a good chunk of hard drive space for digital pics and music (320 GB, min), a more than reasonable amount of RAM (2GB or more), a DVD burner – and, oh yea, and a big flat screen too (19 inch or so should do the trick)!
And I want it for as dang cheap as possible . . .
Here it is (and it’s a Dell, which seems to suit many of the previous posters!)
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7810487
I have to admit that I’m not enamored with the idea of buying a PC at Wal-Mart – but it’s cheaper than the Dell website (and has 90 days no interest), so . . .
I’d love to hear what the BFS Geek-Fire-Dog-Squad thinks of this purchase for BFS and my family as well . . .
RR
rock-robster | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
I definitely share your concern with buying it from Wal-Mart, but it’s hard to argue with $100+ savings (I stopped configuring a comparable model on Dell.com once I passed the Wal-Mart price; I think the final difference would end up being between $150 and $200).
Since it’s cheaper at Wal-Mart, I’d say go for it but be aware of the following.
I wouldn’t be too surprised if it’s pre-loaded with a lot more ad-ware and trial software than it would be if it came from Dell directly. They’re making up that price difference somehow and I’m willing to bet it’s by selling software pre-load space.
The website says it’s model 531W. I’m sure the W indicates Wal-Mart. I can’t tell since the Wal-Mart website doesn’t give details, but there may be some cheaper/less-powerful hardware in it than the standard Dell.com Inspiron 531. Thinking video card, for instance.
It’s also interesting that the Wal-Mart website lists it as an AMD processor but the details say Core 2 Duo (Intel). Make no mistake, for that price it’s AMD – just be sure you read the box thoroughly at the store before buying because I don’t trust their website now.
If there really is some non-531-standard hardware in the machine, getting updated drivers for it could be interesting. Not impossible, just might take some tracking down on their website. I think it’s a small possibility, but I figured I’d mention it none the less.
I think as long as you know these things going in and uninstall as much of the useless trialware/adware/crap as soon as you get it, you’ll be fine. Looks like a good deal.
EJ | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
EJ,
Thanks for the sound advice. I’ll keep your concerns in mind if/when I ever get the dough to actually buy what I’ve shopped for. . .
RR
rock-robster | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
I couldn’t agree more with just about everything that EJ has said (By the way, great name EJ).
If you are going to let the kiddos use this computer, you do not want a laptop. While they are convenient they are also fragile. I treat my extremely carefully and have still gotten cracks in both the bottom and in the screen at the hinge. Additionally, they are difficult to upgrade and offer less bang for the buck.
My own preference would be to stick with Dell, even if there is some money to be saved shopping at Walmart. Personally, I like AMD processors, so I am not as concerned about that as EJ is. I am more concerned with the other aspects of what was said. Additionally, Dell offers, in my limited experience with them, fairly good customer support (which was the primary reason I purchased my laptop from them, though I built my other machines from scratch so I can’t offer much insight into their desktops).
With regard to the Mac issue, while I have heard nothing but good things about Macs I would stick with a PC. I may be wrong, but the availability of compatible hardware and software is much greater with PCs than Macs. You are probably going to be forced into Vista which is memory hungry from the research I have done (4GB is the sweet spot from what I have read). So if you are going to splurge anywhere, I would do so in memory.
Finally, if I really wanted to be an OS snob and offer a real money saving tip, I would suggest you purchase a machine preloaded with Linux. This would allow you to avoid the money hit you take by having all those Microsoft products, plus it would improve reliability. But that is just the geek in me talking.
Paco | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
I was only concerned with the AMD processor because it was the Sempron (their answer to the Celeron by Intel, less cache on the chip).
Vista does OK with 2GB, from my experience. Unless you’re running a 64 bit version, you won’t be able to access/use all 4GB if you had it. I have 4GB in my machine now and only 3.3 of it can be used. Given that, I’d say 3GB is probably the sweet spot.
Linux sure would be cheaper, but good luck running that software received during Christmas
EJ | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
3, maybe even 4 GB of RAM to run Vista – are you freakin’ kidding me??? Wel, the Wlamart Dell I was so excited about just got a little slower (or did it just get ALOT slower?) at 2 GB . . .
rock-robster | Jan 10, 2008 | Reply
You’ll be just fine at 2GB. 3-4 is good for software development and other pressing needs.
EJ | Jan 10, 2008 | Reply
At all costs I think I would avoid a dell I work with computers and we switched over from dell to hp’s because dell’s crash as they get old like everything else and some dells just didnt work right straight out of the box!!! Stay away from dells …
kevin myrick | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
My teenage daughter is about to relocate to Austria, which is very far from me in Australia – much further than just an “al”. I need a cheap, efficient way to communicate with her and I figure she will need a phone with International Roaming, and the Internet for info, email + Facebook and various other software for studying by correspondence. Unfortunately I can’t afford the best solution; does anyone know what will work well and inexpensively for us? Thanks,
Kay
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