Good, inexpensive PC?

[Lazer]

My parents had an old hand-me-down PC that just died. Now they want to buy a new computer. All they use a computer for is browsing the internet, using Word, using iTunes, Skyping, and a few other basic functions. Their budget is $500.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a decent, inexpensive PC? They don't need too much RAM or harddrive space, just a decent, reliable PC that will last a while.
Thanks in advance!

[Yancakes]

Honestly, my Dad bought a computer from Future Shop (a Canadian chain similar to Best Buy) a few years ago for 399.99, it was a low end computer that basically is good just for use as a word processor and internet browser. It also came with a 3 year warranty.

While most gamers will be reluctant to go to the big box stores, there's no reason for the average PC user to avoid their prices and warranties.

I'm pretty sure Staples has similar sales, and I know there are Staples' in the US (though honestly, having worked there in the past, I am loathed to recommend them to people).

[CRTGAMER]

For the most bang for the buck get a Desktop. Use the old monitor, it should be fine for the new PC. If there a Frys Electronics near you, they have decent prices. A decent basic desktop can easily be purchased for under 500 bucks.

[lwcook]

I think a Dell Optiplex 755/760 is about the best bang for your buck right now. Business desktops coming off lease, so they can be had for 150 dollars or less on eBay. Hell, I got a Core2 Duo desktop with 4gb ram, 19" lcd, mouse, keyboard, and a windows 7 key for 215 dollars shipped. Threw in a 65 buck Geforce 430 gt video card and it's now more than capable.

[Jrecee]

I agree, there's decent deals out there. Dell gets a lot of hate (much is deserved) but something like this would serve decently:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+Insp ... Id=4672037

There's a lot of hype out there for Asus, but imo, they don't seem a whole lot better. I think it's just because they're "not dells" and offer comparable spec/price ratios.

My personal hatred is for HP and Compaq (which I believe is owned by HP now)

[Cronozilla]

Interestingly enough ... building it yourself is still usually the cheaper option. If you still have the peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse). You can build a very cheap computer. (We're talking ~$300 land)

For $500 component-wise ... you COULD build a higher end machine, you'd just sacrifice warranty (which is what you'd be doing buying a pre-built anyway)

If this is something you'd be interested in I can draw up some parts lists.

[Lazer]

Cool, thanks much, this makes me feel much better about sending them to Best Buy. I looked up a few good deals online so they have some knowledge going in. I surprised to see all the cheap PCs with 1 TB HDs!! They don't need anywhere near that much. There are also some good deals with 250 GB HDs.

Thanks again for the feedback!

[Lazer]

Interestingly enough ... building it yourself is still usually the cheaper option. If you still have the peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse). You can build a very cheap computer. (We're talking ~$300 land)

For $500 component-wise ... you COULD build a higher end machine, you'd just sacrifice warranty (which is what you'd be doing buying a pre-built anyway)

If this is something you'd be interested in I can draw up some parts lists.

If it was me I might do this (I actually have built a linux machine before). This is my folks, though, and they live 3000 miles away. Thanks anyway!

[Hobie-wan]

The only thing about just needing a cheap computer is that the OS in a pre-built one is heavily subsidized by all that crapware you can remove and the buying power of the manufacturer due to volume. On the low end it really does make sense to buy big name pre made sometimes.

And before the chants of "install linux" and "fuck microsoft, don't pay for it" start up. Remember this is for someone who just wants to use the PC and be able to do the things their neighbors and friends do. This isn't for a PC enthusiast and I'm sure Lazer doesn't want to have to provide a bunch of training and remind them of any hoops they shouldn't jump through even if he is an enthusiast himself.

[CRTGAMER]

Cool, thanks much, this makes me feel much better about sending them to Best Buy. I looked up a few good deals online so they have some knowledge going in. I surprised to see all the cheap PCs with 1 TB HDs!! They don't need anywhere near that much. There are also some good deals with 250 GB HDs.

Thanks again for the feedback!

Careful , Best Buy tends to sell up additional unnecessary bloatware software. Make sure your parents don't get fooled into having Norton preinstalled.