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Help Mommy make a computer

C

Chomp

Gawd
Joined
Sep 16, 2003
Messages
547
Hey, my mom is the city clerk of a small town, and she said she'll be able to get a new computer within a week or two. Her budget is ~$1500, and she was looking into HP, Compaq, or possibly a Dell.

I mentioned she could get more for her money via the custom built route. However, I put together a Dell that has:

P4 3.0C
512MB PC3200 DDR
120GB HD
17" Flat Panel
CDRW & DVD Player
GeForce FX 5200
Wireless Mouse/Keyboard
Onboard LAN
2.1 Speakers (H-K or whatever)
Floppy Drive
Other basic components
This came out to about $1400

Now, would it be cheaper to build a custom one? She wants something fairly powerful like the Dell I made, but it doesn't have to be exactly the same. Is going the AMD route better?

Feel free to make a custom system to compare or just recommend parts! Thanks!
:)
 
It all depends on the LCD screen... I'm guessing the screen would cost quite a bit? Not sure which one it is, but I'm guessing that's a pretty big chunk of the price?
 
Originally posted by RS3RS
It all depends on the LCD screen... I'm guessing the screen would cost quite a bit? Not sure which one it is, but I'm guessing that's a pretty big chunk of the price?
Click to expand...
good point, speaking of...

Seven LCD monitors compared
http://www.techreport.com/reviews/2004q1/lcds/index.x?pg=1

in this case id probably suggest a company computer like dell or whatever mostly because of the customer support and stability you expect from them. to anyone else (besides mommy's, business people, etc.) id say build you own.
 
Originally posted by Chomp
This came out to about $1400
Click to expand...

Does that include any Operating System or Software? If not it may be better to just get a Dell.
 
I suggest rethinking the FX5200 for the video card ... I know it's not a gaming machine ... but get a better card that will produce better 2D graphics ...

Also ... Dell's support is slipping so you can't use that as a big incentive to go with them anymore.

look at both specs and see where you're more comfortable ...
 
Go with the Dell. That configuration looks good for a business system, and she'll get the warranty and tech support all handled by them. Also, the FX 5200 will be a fine card, it's just for office use.
 
Is it going to be a home PC or a city clerk office PC?

If I were building my mom a PC I'd build her something like this (all prices from newegg except the HDD)

XP3000+ (400fsb) OEM - $158
Thermaltake Silent Boost - $28
Biostar M7NCG ultra400 mATX (onboard audio, video, LAN) - $65
(2) Kreton 256MB PC3500 (2-3-3) - $98
Seagate 80Gb IDE - $50 (after best buy/compUSA rebate)
Samsung CDRW/DVD-ROM combo - $52
Athenatech mATX w/200w PSU (black-A100) - 39
Panasonic floppy (black) - $11

That's $500 for the box itself.

Now spend another $500 on a 17" LCD (with built in speakers), and blow the rest on a keyboard, mouse, and a good multifunction printer/scanner/fax/copier.
 
are you crazyy??? DONT GET A DELL

i ve worked on dell computers before.... they suck

they customized most of their parts so when something breaks and you need a replacement, you can only get it from dell

for example, i was helping my friend upgrade his dell motherboard... he bought a new one, and i went over to help him out...... then i found out that his heatsink only fits dells...the dell P4 motherboards have a special bracket that only accepts dell heatsinks and they're case only fits certain mobo because it is so complicated on the motherboard tray
 
She'll be using it for office use. I picked the FX 5200 because the next upgrade was a 9800 pro =/.


She's obviously not going to be overclocking, so would reliability really be an issue?


Also, the Dell I made did include XP Pro.
 
Originally posted by Benny Blanco
Is it going to be a home PC or a city clerk office PC?

If I were building my mom a PC I'd build her something like this (all prices from newegg except the HDD)

XP3000+ (400fsb) OEM - $158
Thermaltake Silent Boost - $28
Biostar M7NCG ultra400 mATX (onboard audio, video, LAN) - $65
(2) Kreton 256MB PC3500 (2-3-3) - $98
Seagate 80Gb IDE - $50 (after best buy/compUSA rebate)
Samsung CDRW/DVD-ROM combo - $52
Athenatech mATX w/200w PSU (black-A100) - 39
Panasonic floppy (black) - $11

That's $500 for the box itself.

Now spend another $500 on a 17" LCD (with built in speakers), and blow the rest on a keyboard, mouse, and a good multifunction printer/scanner/fax/copier.
Click to expand...



She doesn't need the printer, but what would be a really nice 17-18" LCD? Something with very clear text, but it doesn't need a fast response time since she won't be gaming..
 
dell/hp/emchines/sony why not.. she will have tech support and warrenty on call

vs you buliding it, you supporting it when its broken you/her paying if a part goes out.
 
Some will call me biased, but if it comes down to an HP or a Dell....get the HP. I've personally worked on recent systems of both brands. It is absolutely true what the analysts are saying about Dell. They're getting by on their name, and selling proprietary POS computers. They have fallen so far in recent years, it's amazing. Don't believe me? See the article about Michael Dell stepping down?
 
^-- true, sony has nice computers from what i understand as well. well I like them.

dell is allright, they get by on name and support that is offered, but they do get away with it.
 
I have been this route before.

Who pays for the system sets the rules. Does the build require any type of guaranteed support? If the system is used for any type of important work; is there a provision for backup? Cover your ass. There is nothing wrong with letting Dell/HP or whomever get a little more up front as long as it comes with a guarantee and some sort of customer support (no matter how bad). Unless otherwise specified, you are responsible for the system and the data on it if you aren't good at contract law. Just saying, eventhough it is for your mom, if the city is footing the bill you may acquire certain liabilities you are not aware of. Put any warranty in writing (once again, depending upon state law if you are not a valid/registered business entity you might have problems in this area).

It was a learning experience for me when I sold components/systems to a couple of county offices. CYA and limit your liability.
 
i meant not get dell generally... like dont get dell if your the type of person that opens up the cases and change and mod stuff

but if its only for the function, like just using the computer...then get dell and let them take care of the customer service and support and warranty, etc
 
Originally posted by wayne
i meant not get dell generally... like dont get dell if your the type of person that opens up the cases and change and mod stuff

but if its only for the function, like just using the computer...then get dell and let them take care of the customer service and support and warranty, etc
Click to expand...
chances are his mom isnt going to be opening it up and changing out parts. in general i think dell is a fine choice since generally people dont open up thier computer cases and/or "mod stuff". dell computers are very quiet aswell which is good in any environment. i was amazed when i went to my moms college computer lab to see a room full of dells (50+ computers) and only be library noise loud.
 
Yeah, maybe going with a pre-built is better due to the liability and reliability.


So it looks like Dell vs. HP


Which has better tech support/warranties?
Which would be better for office use?
 
take her to frys or something and have her look at what she likes..
 
I'd accually go with Gateway, I have an old 500-series hanging around and I have to say it's a VERY well put together system. Not much proprietary, and fairly easy to move around in. Never gave me any trouble either, i's been around since late '98 and everything's still in tip-top condition (except for a slightly screwed up case, but it still runs like a champ). Dunno about tech support though, I never actually needed to use it.

http://www.gateway.com/home/products/hm_dtp_510xl.shtml
One of these looks like it'l work. 160GB SATA, DVD burner, 17" LCD, Audigy 2, it's more than enough for office use.
 
1. Find out if (and then who) the county has a discount agreement with any of the big manufacturers. If they do, you sure as hell better go with them. Higher ups might take a dim view of your mom otherwise.

2. If they do not have an agreement, then buy from a manufacturer anyway. Use their business lines, usually will get better support that way. See what most of the other computers in the office are and go with them. Keeping the systems from the same company will save the IT guys headaches when something goes wrong.

3. Don't ever build a system yourself for a company/government body! You won't always be able to support it and they won't like that. As has been mentioned before, you could open yourself up to certain liabilities or at least civil proceedings if something goes wrong.
 
Between Dell and HP? Eh. I have had horrible first hand experiences with stability issues on a variety of HP products. The amusing thing is they've all been desktops, their laptops seem to have improved.

Dells components are proprietary in many cases, however I experience with their support is fairly good, similar to my experiences with Apples. I'm still finding Dells support better than HPs, but its not great.

As far as analysts go, I'll let them keep analyzing. I prefer my own personal experience and that of others I trust.
 
I wouldn't get either. Dell has horrible support, and HP has been using horrible hardware. I have to work on the HPs all the time and the most frequent failure is hard drives. They also like to still use 5400rpm drives.

Although I'm going to get flamed, go for one of the AthlonXP eMachines. Most use A7N8X or A7V8X (see if it has GF4MX graphics, then it is the N8X which is better). There is one at my work (best buy) that is around $700-$800 (tower, keyb, mouse, speakers) with a 4x DVD burner in it.

Also, eMachines does not put the restore on the hard drive like Compaq and HP. They actually still give you CDs.
 
I've worked on ALOT of both newer and older HP/Compaqs lately and the older ones were certainly like current Dells-POS. All proprietary parts and what not. All the newer HPs and Compaqs (emachines too) are built pretty well and with good parts (Asus, CoolerMaster, WD, Seagate, LiteOn, etc...). Theyve been a pleasure and a breeze to fix too. I cant say the same for the Dells. They sometimes leave me scratching my head.
For prebuilt, definetly do HP. You can get great package deals at like Circuit City with rebates and whatever. Good AMD or P4 machines.
 
Originally posted by Andrew860
I've worked on ALOT of both newer and older HP/Compaqs lately and the older ones were certainly like current Dells-POS. All proprietary parts and what not. All the newer HPs and Compaqs (emachines too) are built pretty well and with good parts (Asus, CoolerMaster, WD, Seagate, LiteOn, etc...). Theyve been a pleasure and a breeze to fix too. I cant say the same for the Dells. They sometimes leave me scratching my head.
For prebuilt, definetly do HP. You can get great package deals at like Circuit City with rebates and whatever. Good AMD or P4 machines.
Click to expand...



Alright, that's some good info because I always thought Dells were pretty much the best pre-builts you could get, but apparently they're going downhill.

Since Compaq & HP are basically the same company, should I pick one or the other (remember this is for primarily office use). I was going to either show my mom some at Costco, or customize one and order it from their site.


Should I try Gateway, or are they suffering the same fate as Dell?
 
Not sure about Gateway now, but they went through growing pains like Dell about 10-yrs ago. Got too big too fast and service suffered. I don't think they wnt proprietary, but I didn't follow them much after that. My first PC, I think a P-166, was from Gateway and was great (still like the cow motif!). Since then I've done all homebuilt though (of course my own CS sucks too!).
 
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