Expert, (or non-expert), Computer Advise, please

Computer Dummies Network | 5/22/2005 | Sir Thomas the More

[sirthomasthemore]

Feeble minded, at least when it comes to computers. (I know- those who have read my posts consider me feeble-minded, generally)

I use a PC for basic word processing and Internet. My only other interests would movies and music.

I’m looking at Emachines T2984; Celeron Processor 2.93 Ghz, 512 Ram to 2GB; 8o GB HD, Intel Extreme Grphics; 16XDVD; CD-RW 48X; 8-1 Media Mgr;5 USB 2.0; 1 serial; 1 parallel; 2 PS/2 ports;1 VGA External; 10/100Mbps Ethernet; Windows XP-

It’s about $500.00. Is it a good buy? Will it suit my needs? Any other recommendations?

Any help appreciated. “Put downs” and criticisms graciously accepted. :0)

[sirthomasthemore]

Thanks for switching to chat. It was embarrassing enough.- :)

[MonroeDNA]

"These are refurbs? Are they ok? "

Some are refurbs, some are not. Just presenting choices.

The refurbs have full-factory warantee.

Me, personally, I'd go for brand-new, if the cost was only $100 more.

[sirthomasthemore]

Monroe,

Thanks are your time and advice, really, really greatly appreciated.
:o)

[struggle]

Look for this box:


Joke!

[Uri’el-2012]

Mac mini

[sirthomasthemore]

Struggle,

Don't confuse me further or underestimate my stupidity; I probably would have searched all over for it. :o) :0)

Thanks

[sirthomasthemore]

Xenia,

You and MikeIraq both recommend it- I'll certainly look into it. Thanks so much. :)

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

From Frey's online ordering outlet ...called outpost :

GQ 3121AMD Sempron 2200+ Processor PC with Lindows/Linspire 4.5

*****************************************

GQ (Desktop):
Outpost #: 4199563

Why pay huge dollars for a desktop, when you could get a fully functioning one at a fraction of the price? The GQ 3121 Featuring the new AMD Athlon 2200+ Processor is a great system for those upgrading from older technologies. This machine is easily upgradeable and is easily set up on a network.
Limit 1 per Household.

********************

GQ 3121AMD Sempron 2200+ Processor PC with Lindows/Linspire 4.5
Limit 1 per Household.
Item # 4199563

GQ (Desktop)

Same Day

$179.99

Here is a Browsing Machine.....Linux will avoid the spyware problems.

[martin_fierro]

I'm not a big MAC guy, but I like the price of the new Mac Mini ($500. You supply the keyboard, mouse and monitor):

[Uri’el-2012]

http://reviews.cnet.com/Apple_Mac_Mini__1_25GHz_/4505-3118_7-31256881-2.html?tag=tab

[sirthomasthemore]

Ernest,

Thank you, much. I will read the cite and put it into the comparison. Really, thanks for the time you put in.- :)

[sirthomasthemore]

Martin,

Thanks so much for the input. I'm not to familiar with Apple (I'm still using a Packard Bell with 95 Windows :))- but I will definitely research it. Thanks so much. :)

[sirthomasthemore]

Xenia,

Thanks for the link. Will surely read it. Really appreciate your time. Thanks :)

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

See this site for great deals , mail order only....

Newegg

Don't know what state you are residing in, believe they now also have an east Coast warehouse in addition to their california warehouse, absolutely top notch suppliers.

Direct link to their Desktop PC's.....the ABS boxes are good ones.....

Desktop PCs

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

This box :

ABS ULTIMATE V2 20 Athlon 64 2800+ 512MB DDR 120GB(SATA) nVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Windows XP Home - Retail

is very good, has the AMD64 processor which runs cool when idling,....and a very good performer for web browsing....has half a gig of memory (512 MB ) and a 120 Gigabyte Hard Drive....

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Just came across this:

Processor Obfuscation and You: An Update on AMD and Intel CPUs

*****************************************

Introduction

The choice of processor used to be pretty straightforward. You had AMD or Intel, sometimes with a couple overlapping options from each company. With multiple platforms from each company as well as varying features, it can be difficult to determine which CPU you really want to purchase for your system. Over the last few years, things took a turn for the worst - even without the mobility options for Athlon 64, there are four desktop Athlon 64 3200+ variants (and that's just the tip of the iceberg). We felt that it was time for an overview of all the currently shipping processor models, as well as a look at the pros and cons of each model.

Before we get into the details, we want to make it clear that this is not intended to be an all-inclusive processor article. Information on many of the older processors can be found in our last CPU Cheatsheet, and this is intended partly as an update and partly as a more focused look at each model. We aren't going to go into details about every single CPU that you might find for sale right now; we're more interested in the mid-range and higher processors to be honest, as the budget chips are mostly last year's mid-range chips.

One of the key areas of interest is still something of a future release. There has been quite a bit of coverage recently about the dual core solutions from both AMD and Intel. At present, none of the dual core chips are really available (other than in OEM systems), but it's important to keep them in mind before you spend hundreds of dollars on a CPU that could be totally outdated in a few months. If you haven't already, you'll definitely want to take a closer look at our Dual Core Performance Preview.

In order to tie all of this together and bring it back to the real world, we're going to be giving our opinions on upgrade options for most of the processor platforms. This is not meant as a definitive statement of when you should upgrade and to what you should upgrade - only the individual can really determine that. Instead, it is intended as an overview of what tasks work well on various platforms and when you may find a platform inadequate for your needs. Some of you may find this information helpful, while others might simply take it as common sense. Nevertheless, we receive numerous emails every week asking for such advice, so we hope that it will prove beneficial.

For those of you who don't have the time to track every single CPU on the market - unlike some of us - we have a few tips and hints that can help you get the right processor. Not only will we look at the core names, but we will also delve into some details concerning the SKUs, or Stock Keeping Units, of several processors as well.

[sirthomasthemore]

Ernest,

You should hire yourself out as a consultant. I'm going to check each cite. Really do appreciate it. Thanks. :)

[sirthomasthemore]

Martin,
Just happened to see your tag line. Can only add, "When I drink whiskey I drink whiskey, and when I drink water, I drink water."

Absolutely great flick! Watch it whenever I need a pick-me-up.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I've owned 3 eMachines boxes and never had a lick of trouble with any of them. That T2984 sounds like a very nice machine.

My most recent eMachine purchase was for $500 as well 2 years ago. That got me a Celeron 1Ghz with 256mb Ram, 80Gb drive, CD-RW 48X, 4 USB, Ethernet card, modem, mouse, keyborad, speakers with XP Home.
Sounds like you're getting a great deal. I'd grab it.

[sirthomasthemore]

Thanks for your help, Sam.

I'm inclined to go with it, but I'm trying to take all the input Freepers have been kind enough to share with me- and doing research.

Can get confusing. I just got off the Dell cite. Enough to make one go back to a typewriter. :o)