Suggestions for absolute cheapest, stable, reliable computer build

J

jrbryner

[H]ard|Gawd
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Feb 6, 2001
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I'm thinking of building a few computers for some people in my town, mostly grandparents, retirees, etc that want a computer to browse the net, do some word processing and a little more. What would be some suggestions on hardware that's cheap and reliable, including monitor, keyboard, all that. Stuff that's readily availble would be a plus (no searching through eBay).

(for now, lets put aside points like tech support, Dell, eMachines, etc. Just want to see who can get that $$ the lowest
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, and still be reliable of course.)
 
Just wondering if you could explain the lack of interest in the Dell/EMachines/tech support deal, as those would be the routes to go for what you're doing, IMO.
 
Thanks for the link. Look like that'll do good.

Reason I didn't want to put Dell, etc in there is people keep coming to me, asking me to build them a computer. I like doing it, small town, and I get to keep up the image that I'm one true nerd in my town. Most of the retired people trust me more than buying a computer from somewhere else, and don't have a way to get to Best Buy an hour away.

So, figured I may build a few cheap computers and have them handy for people that need them. I keep my eyes out for good deals at BB when I'm there and may pick one up here and there to have on had also. But I just wanted to see what the cheapest I could build one myself would be.
 
If you use any ars technica guide, make sure you read the forum responses afterwards. The discussion in ars technica guides often have helpful errata by forum members.

Also, the guide is two months old, there are probably a couple things different now but it'd probably be pretty good.

As a side note, that article discusses the possibility of not using windows, instead, using linux. I'll throw in my support for that, it's perfect for new computer users who don't intend to become more skilled at general windows usage (so great for grandparents, not as good for parents or nearly-nerdy friends). It keeps them from getting spyware-clog, but might not support every printer and digital camera by default. If you haven't gotten into linux, building your grandparents a computer with it would be a great way to get some experience. "Ubuntu" dapper drake just came out.
 
Yea, I was considering that. I've been messing around with Ubuntu for the past month or so and like it a bit. I'm still debating on whether I want to use it around town though, not sure if everyone else would be ready for it. Maybe....
 
Just be prepared to be everyone's tech support. If anything goes wrong with the machines, these people won't care that the hard drive died. They'll just think that you built it wrong. If you want a geeky image (not sure why you would), then why not do something more lucrative like form an IT services company.
 
General's nailed my point here. I don't build machines for people because I tend to get the blame when something goes wrong, and really don't feel like investing the time into their problems.

If you want to spend your free time doing that, go ahead. But I'd still recommend telling them to buy Dell/EMachines and offering your help to fix any problems if they come up.
 
Yea, I see the point there, but the town I live in (well, moving to) has 3500 people in it. It's about a 45 min drive to a "large" town with 100k+ population. So being the geeky guy in town has its benefits. Whenever there's a computer problem, they come to me. I charge a little bit for an hour or so work, usually the older people will give more and say to keep the change. And people like a person that will drive out to their farm and fix their computer, rather than spend time on the phone with tech support.

It's not my main line of work, but makes a good weekend past time. If I tell people to go to the store, they'll stop depending on me for their computer stuff.

Like I said, it's not my main line of work, just sorta of a hobby/service to the community, so don't really want to make a real business out of it. If I made it work, I wouldn't enjoy it.
 
As another note, for grandparents, I feel like the ultra budget pc may be too expensive. Considering that they will only be doing word processing, web browsing, emailing, you may not even need some of the ultra budget pc features.
 
If you are looking for cheap price and really good stability, I'd go with a Celeron D. They are cheap now, and will be even cheaper once Intel slashes prices in July at the Conroe launch.
 
For gramps you could get an ECS SIS 760gx with onboard SIS IGP and a sempron. Super stable and good enough and you can easily find cpu/mobo combo deal super cheap.
 
For grandpa, your best bet is a used P3 system. You can find them for about $75 bucks loaded with everything monitor included.

It sounds like you have yourself a nice little niche there. Is this something you're looking to make a go of full time? If so, there are some good suggestions that you could put to use.
 
I was looking at places online like retrobox.com. There's a couple military bases around too, that used to upgrade their computers every few years and sell the old ones really cheap (that's how I got my first 486 :)).

I don't think it's something I'll do full time. It is a nice little niche, but I'm sure it will run out someday. I've done the self-employment routine for a while and I'll take the stability of a regular job (and regular pay) over working in my PJs. I worked for a summer, before college, fixing computers around town and made enough to support my paintball addiction back then, but now with a mortgage, car payment and a wife, it just makes a good hobby.

There was a small computer shop nearby a few years ago. I think 2 guys worked there, selling parts and doing repairs. The shop went under in about a year. Parts were way overpriced and online shopping was just starting to get reliable. I'm thinking of just taking the consulting/repair a little further than what I do now and supply a cheap machines to people that need them.
 
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