Computer for the kid

[tiamatu]

Trying to decide what to do about my son. He is 4 years old and already uses our home computer to play educational games. He loves starfall.com and a host of other apps we have. I am debating whether or not to get him a cheap computer for his room (~$500) or give him the one in the sig and then just spend a few hundred more (~$700-900) to buy parts for a new home computer. I have a 7800GT laying around so I can keep the 8800GT for the home computer and would save some cash as well. Anyone have any ideas?

Wow, now that I think about it I didn't have a household computer until the 7th grade...my son can already open apps, IE, and watch DVDs. It makes me depressed and happy at the same time.....

 

[soundguy]

sounds good, but you could easily pick up a P3 or even P4 for cheap and use that for him. If you were going to swap out bits of the 'home computer' i would suggest taking out a couple of the HDD's and maybe the PSU (replace it with something less good) to save a bit more money...

 

[tiraides]

Giving your son your current computer and getting a new one sounds like a good idea. With the prices for parts nowadays, you could build yourself a good system for around $900.

Additionally, you may want to check out Dell and/or bargain sites like gotapex.com for some deals on Dell systems. You may be able to find one or two systems better than the one you currently have for around $900.

 

[engiNURD]

If you need a reason to upgrade (and you'll be using this reason for many years to come), hand down that current system and build yourself a nice one. Otherwise, I agree with soundguy, you don't need to spend $500 for a 4yr old's computer. Heck, even a low end dell deal would be less than $500 and already comes with Windows and a monitor.

Dell Vostro 200MT Desktop with Pentium Dual Core E2180 2.0Ghz, 1GB DDR2-667, 320GB HDD, DVDRW, Intel GMA3100, 19" LCD Monitor, and Windows for only $419.


This is one of the best deals to come around for a Dell desktop. For $469 with FREE shipping, get a Dell Inspiron 530 with 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor ($200 value), 3GB of DDR2 SDRAM ($100 value), 500GB hard drive ($100 value), 16x DVD+/-RW double layer burner, Dell 19-in-1 media card reader ($20 value), Windows Vista Home Premium ($30 value), and a 1 year warranty. Expires 7/2/08. DELL INSPIRON 530 MINI DESKTOP DEAL 1

* Update: Too much? For $259 plus shipping, get one with 2.0Ghz Intel Dual-Core E2180 processor, 1GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250GB HD, 16x DVD+/-RW, Ubuntu Linux 7.10, and 1 year warranty. Just remove the monitor to get to this price. DELL INSPIRON 530 MINI DESKTOP DEAL 2

 

[engiNURD]

double post due to db error.

 

[tiamatu]

Thanks for the help. I think the right way to go is to just buy a pre-fab from dell or something. Those links are great!

 

[voigts]

Just keep an eye on slickdeals.net hot deals forum or the like if you are buying a new comp.

My daughter had her fist computer when she was about 6 or 7. She's 11 now. I have made it my norm that when I upgrade my system significantly, I used those parts to make a newer one for her. That way hers never achieves dinosaur status.

 

[Rogue71]

i would advise to NOT buy a dell or any other prefab computer. you already own a pc. the prefab is utterly useless when upgrade time arrives and replacement parts are expensive. if you transfer your old system to her and build a new one you now have 2 pcs that you can interchange some parts on. you can also transfer your older parts to hers when you upgrade yours. if something dies in hers you can fix it right away and not have to deal with pisspoor customer service which matches the product you bought. sorry to bash but i have heard SO many stories from customers that bought prefabs to "save a bit of money" and they end up getting shafted. its not a matter of "if" but "when". also might be a nice idea to get her familiar with doing it yourself as the years go by so she wont ahve to rely on some overpriced pc shop.

 

[engiNURD]

While I agree with the hand-me-down method, this following statement is not entirely correct.

...the prefab is utterly useless when upgrade time arrives and replacement parts are expensive. ...

It really depends on the prefab you buy. I'll give you a perfect example... I have a Dell Vostro 200 sitting next to me right now, and it uses a MicroATX case with a MicroATX motherboard (with standard MicroATX mounting points), along with a standard ATX PSU. There are several good MicroATX motherboards that you can upgrade to (780G for AMD, G35/G45 for Intel). I can also add in any PCI-E Graphics card I want, as long as you make sure you have enough power and space (some cards are gigantic, lol). Granted, the PSU is a mere 300W, but it can handle a low to midrange card just fine (eg 9600GT). If you need another HDD, there's a spot for it. You can even upgrade just the CPU/HSF, if you're so inclined. Its currently using 2 out of 4 DIMM slots with 1GB RAM, 8GB max, so RAM is easily upgradable. It has a couple other expansion slots if I wanted to add in a nice soundcard or something, too. This entire system (1.8Ghz Allendale, 1GB DDR2-667, 160GB, DVDRW SATA, GMA3100, 20" wide LCD, kb/mouse, Windows XP Home, 1yr warranty) was only $400, shipped.

You don't need special/expensive parts to upgrade that system. So, again, it depends on the prefab system you buy. If the prefab is all standard ATX stuff, you're good to go.

I think prefabs are great if get a good deal and don't have any special needs from the system (gaming, autocad, etc). However, since I, personally, like building my own systems, I employ the hand-me-down method, and it works quite well for me. Since my chain is rather deep, I MUST keep upgrading myself to keep the chain fresh, lol.