Would this be a good deal on a computer?

**nsb22** · 11-06-07, 10:17 AM

"I just recently bought a laptop to replace my desktop. The desktop is in great condition. It wasn't used much. Mainly just to write papers on for class. I did install a CD writer so that I could make copies of my pictures. I am asking $280 OBO.
Here are the specs.
Celeron D 2.4GHz, 256MB RAM, 40GB HDD, XP Home... only 6.6Gig used on the computer.
It does have a 15' LCD Screen. E-mail me with any questions or offers.
Thanks! "

I'm mostly looking for a computer to use for music/videos and internet.

Thanks

**Virginian** · 11-06-07, 10:33 AM

Sounds ok... strange it didn't come with a CD writer.

Buy this for $80 more.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1188559784649

**remy** · 11-06-07, 11:24 AM

A celeron D? And he's asking ~280 obo? I would think obo would be a bit lower than that... give me some information on what type of computer you want (desktop, laptop which can double as a desktop) and i'll try to help you out a bit more. I wouldn't go for that deal though, and i've spent a bit of time around computers.

**nsb22** · 11-06-07, 03:19 PM

All I really need is a computer that will let me do the basics. You know, internet, email, music/videos and pictures.

If I had a computer that would allow me to play some of the more kick ass games out today, that'd be alright as well. I will soon be with out much money, until I get the mustang sold anyways, so I most likely won't be able to afford the super duper computer.

**Virginian** · 11-06-07, 03:24 PM

Games like this?

http://www.charlieoscardelta.com/

I'm drooling.

I use a cheap Emachine and a graphics card that cost about as much as the computer, and I can play any game I've bought. If you get a Best Buy card (or some competitor) I think you can usually get it interest free, if you expect more money to come your way. I'm not big on debt, but sometimes it's worth it to play kickass games

**Ender** · 11-06-07, 05:34 PM

nsb, if you're looking for a computer basically to get you by, hit your local Circuit City or Best Buy and compare specs for the price. i did a best buy search independant of this thread, and came up with the same computer Virginian posted...for the 'brand new, nobody has screwed with it' aspect, the probable 1 year warranty, etc etc...

i might get one for my parents if i can convince them they need to get rid of their old POS :P

**HotTamale** · 11-06-07, 06:49 PM

I am a real big fan of alienware!! But they are expencive compared to a BESTBUY or COMPUSA laptop, but will last you much longer, there processor is a lot quicker, and you can play basically any game you want on them, for about $31-$50 a month if you want to pay for it in a plan.

http://www.alienware.com/product_det...de=SKU-DEFAULT

With Alienware you get to choose your components, and if you want you can even put Microsoft Office 2007, along with ordering games as you like.

**nsb22** · 11-06-07, 08:04 PM

Thanks HT!

I can get the office and other programs dirt cheap through work. I think like $40 for Office 2007.

**MacLean** · 11-06-07, 08:06 PM

Alienware might be like buying a Rolls Royce when you need a moped, though.

You're going to do a LOT better buying from a local shop where you can still choose your components.

**HotTamale** · 11-06-07, 08:16 PM

True, maclean, but I still like Alienware because of the graphic cards that come on even the cheapest of their laptops is completly awsome.

**MacLean** · 11-06-07, 08:18 PM

I like 'em too, but you can set one up for $8000.

**HotTamale** · 11-06-07, 08:23 PM

Well the link I sent him was only about $999, but yes you can set up a top of the line that will beat all else, for about $8000-$10000. My windows xp teacher brought his in to class one day, I got to play BlackHawkDown on it, it was great even on a Wi-Fi Connection at my college it still didn't lag at all.

**nsb22** · 11-06-07, 08:59 PM

Um, yea. Even with holding myself back, the lappy still rang in it 1500! :yikes:

**remy** · 11-06-07, 09:12 PM

For a desktop best bang for the buck (and i'm looking cheap, but not celeron cheap!)
-Comes with a decent dual core (even though it's 1.6ghZ)
-1gb memory, enough to run multiple apps like firefox, word, powerpoint, and other things flawlessly
-320gb hd, more than enough space for pictures music videos and tons of applications.
-comes with a printer, monitor, keyboard and mouse too
-$615
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....prd79600050005

============================== =====
As for laptops (keeping in mind price also)
-dual core intel
-1gb memory
-200gb hard drive
-doesn't come with keyboard mouse or printer
-$600
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1186008220129

hope that helps!

**HotTamale** · 11-06-07, 10:16 PM

I had an acer, they were good for the money, and their wireless range is awsome, I was at least 100 feet away from my residence and I still was able to pick up a internet connection.

I would say one ting though, watch how much you are putting on your C: drive because it fills up fast and you will have to do disk clean-up and defragment fairly regularly. But if you do that, it should be fine, the laptops just don't work as well if you don't have the power management set to "High Performance", if you do all that the laptop works fine.

Also, it they tend to be ALOT slower if you have them unpluged.

**remy** · 11-06-07, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by HotTamale

Also, it they tend to be ALOT slower if you have them unpluged.

On vista? if so check your performance settings for when your laptop is unplugged, could be battery life not performance.

**HotTamale** · 11-06-07, 11:14 PM

Yes it is at Vista, but I guess its not that much slower when it is unplugged it is just a little bit I guess it takes about 3-5mins longer to load.

**Virginian** · 11-07-07, 08:50 AM

Keep in mind if you're buying a computer with Vista on it you'll probably need more than 1 Gig of RAM. It's a hog.

**remy** · 11-07-07, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Virginian

Keep in mind if you're buying a computer with Vista on it you'll probably need more than 1 Gig of RAM. It's a hog.

Not completely true. For what he needs, as in regular computing, 1gb is fine. Runs my roommate's computer flawlessly (about same computer).

**Virginian** · 11-07-07, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by remy

Not completely true. For what he needs, as in regular computing, 1gb is fine. Runs my roommate's computer flawlessly (about same computer).

But when you take into account the likely 5 hour porn surfing sessions in multiple browsers with iTunes playing Michael Bolton in the background, he might want to step it up a notch

I'm just going off what I've heard from several computer guys I work with, who all said 1gb is fine for running the operating system, but not much more than that. May have been patched since then for all I know, or isolated problems with certain hardware.