| Author |
Message |
    
michael
Citizen
Username: Michael
Post Number: 463
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 9:55 pm: | 
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Hi. Looking for used, decent second computer for 13-year-old son to access web and word process. Doesn't need all of the bells and whistles or advice on what new system to buy that's not too expensive. Thanks! |
Nohero
Citizen
Username: Nohero
Post Number: 2819
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 10:51 pm: |
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Even if you're not looking for bells and whistles, you may want to consider new, but simplified new, for a couple of reasons:
- Used is, well, something that has been in service for a while, so that something may wear out;
- A new monitor can be used with several generations of central processing units. So, even if you get a used CPU, you may want to consider getting a new monitor (not to mention the whole eyestrain issue).
- Web surfing can be one of the more demanding uses of a computer, especially with respect to the browser and the operating system. You may save money buying the hardware, only to find that you have to shell out for new software.
You may have already considered all of the above, so this may be redundant. A non-laptop system with a simple CPU won't run into big bucks, and a decent monitor can continue to be used if you upgrade the system, or just pass it on to the next sibling. Take this advice for what it's worth, from a one desktop family with a dial-up connection (but now looking into a broadband option).  |
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3420
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 11:32 pm: |
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I have an IBM 760 E, Type 9546-U9B; with CD-ROM Reader, floppy, Targus brief case, Docking station, Monitor and I may have a keyboard and a mouse for the docking station.
Currently in use at the store, The Beaded Path.
Better than good shape, I'd sell it for a fair price.
What do you think it is worth?
I'm not an Ebay person.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.
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Dave
Citizen
Username: Dave
Post Number: 6232
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 12:20 am: |
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http://www.macofalltrades.com/
Specifically,
http://www.macofalltrades.com/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=3 |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 4465
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 4:40 am: |
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With the prices that Dell and Gateway are offering I think the hundred bucks or so you would save by buying used isn't worth it. Just my opinion.
Another option is to buy a new CPU and pick up a used monitor. |
magmasystems
Citizen
Username: Magmasystems
Post Number: 200
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 6:05 am: |
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Dell has a $399 computer system (including a 17" monitor) which they have been advertising on TV. Go to www.dell.com/tv
Computers are so cheap right now, that I would just get a new one. Forget about used ones and EBay.
Marc
www.millburnweb.com
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ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 168
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 8:44 am: |
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I have perfectly good monitor (15-inch) that I'd be happy to give you. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 4468
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 8:47 am: |
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If you go with Dell I would suggest spending an extra $100 for 256mb of memory and Microsoft Works, which includes Word.
I guess buying a computer is a lot like buying a car these days. It is the options that get you. |
R S
Citizen
Username: Rollins23
Post Number: 19
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 3:12 pm: |
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Not sure if you are interested, but I have a new (refurbished) Dell desktop (still in the box) I am looking to sell. I ordered it last week, but ended up getting a better deal from work.
It is a Pentium 4-2.2G, 128MB Ram, 40G Hard drive, CD rom drive and another CD writer drive, modem, network card, etc.. and a full one year warrantee with At Home Service, and 24x7 Technical Support.
I paid $270 for it, and will sell it for the same, and even deliver it if you want. If I don't sell it by this weekend, I will just ship it back.
Email me @ mwo@overtheboards.com if you are interested, or want more details.
Order Detail
Base,Micro-Mini Tower,2400 2.2G,400
Module,Software,Windows XP Home,Service Pack 1,English, Dimension,DAO
Module,Dual In-Line Memory Module,128,333,NON-ECC, Dimension
Module,Floppy Drive, No-FloppyDrive,212,Dimension
Module,Hard Drive,40GB, 5400RPM,Western Digital VL40
Module,Modem,Data Fax, Software,Don Julio,Dell Americas Organization
Module,Compact Diskette,48X, IDE,No Sound,Samsung,8100
Module,Compact Disk Read WriteInternal,48X,Hitachi LG Data Storage,2nd,Dimension,MidnightGrey
Module,Compact Diskett,Dell- Apps,Backup,English
Module,Software,Dell Support- 2.0,Generic,Dimension
Module,Software,Wordperfect Productivity STE11,English, Dimension
Module,Software,RealOne PlayerV9,Basic
Module,Software,Quicken- New User-Edition 2002,English
Module,Software,Paint Shop ProTry and Buy,English,DAO, Dimension
Module,Software,Music Match 7.1X,Basic,Rev
Module,Software,MCAFEE-COM, 90 Day,Original Equipment Mgfr,Dimension
Module,Software,Internet Service Provider,OOBE,CTZN
Module,Software,Internet Service Provider,AOL8.0,DAO, Asset Recovery Business
MOD,SW,INFO,NTFS
Module,Software,DOTNET, Framework
Module,Kit,Compact Diskette, AOL8.0,Buddy ROM,DAO
Module,Software,Dell Image Expert 2000,Standard,English, DAO,Dimension
Module,Software,BRITANNICA 2K3,English,Dimension
Compact Diskett,Driver, Documentation,Resource for a CD
Module,Keyboard,104,US, Dimension,Silitek,Midnight Gray
Module,Mouse,PS2,S69, Logitech,Dimension
Information,Refurbished- Equipment
Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
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wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 75
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 5:00 pm: |
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Oh forget all that buy new stuff. I have one I could just give to you if you're interested. It is an old Compaq 486 (ie, pre-pentium) machine. I'm not quite sure at the moment what it may be capable of, but simple web browsing and word processing, etc should work just fine. It will depend what OS you want to put on it (I think it has Win95 currently which you would undoubtedly want to upgrade if possible).
If he wants to be geeky he could most definitely load it up with Linux and go the open source route. Could be a cool learning experience. Otherwise you might want to think about what OS he's hoping to run and see if this machine would fit the specs.
It's sitting in the attic and not being used. I could pull it out, turn it on, and send you the specs if you're interested, because I don't remember how much memory, HD, etc.
I also have a old Mac Performa. This thing is pretty ancient at this point, the CPU runs at a blistering 75 MHz! But you're welcome to it.
Also I have a Sun Sparc-2. Again if he's geeky there could be some fun involved in trying to get maybe a flavor of Linux running on this thing or something.
Each of these have respective monitors, keyboards, mouses, etc etc associated with them.
Also hope you're not in too big of a hurry if you are interested, because it might take me a little while to pull it out of the attic and fire it up. Privateline me...
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sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 871
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 6:37 pm: |
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When we needed a "new" computer for our four year old (we had loaded so many of his games on our computer we chose to buy a new one for us and for him) we opted for a re-conditioned computer from ecost.com. We wound up with an HP pavillion with 80G HD, cdr, dvd, 512ram, 2.4 Pentium 4. We didn't need a monitor and only paid $499. That same machine now is probably around 300. We hope that this machine will last him through at least rollercoaster tycoon 10. |
sbenois
Citizen
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 10656
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 8:56 pm: |
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Sounds like you paid about $250 more than you should have.
---> Brought to you by Sbenois Engineering LLC <-
Hey, it also wouldn’t look good coming out of a motel with your wife’s best friend saying you were just planning a surprise birthday party for her husband...- Arturo November '03
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sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 873
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 8:11 am: |
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S - at the time we bought it (about a year ago) it was a good deal. Far cheaper than a new computer and a good $100 less than a re-conditioned Dell. It has worked flawlessly since then and he is happy. Too me that is worth more than a lousy $250. |
Derek
Citizen
Username: Derek
Post Number: 30
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 30, 2004 - 10:46 pm: |
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I've got a 386 gateway that has dial-up, microsoft word and internet explorer. The monitor is 17" and I'll even throw in a scanner I'm thinking of ebaying. Make me an offer.
www.etopps.com
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jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3429
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 31, 2004 - 11:23 pm: |
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Wow, Given all the cheap hardware out there in this town, I think I will take my ThinkPad and form a Maplewood group, connect them all and donate the processing power to CETI.
Any takers?
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.
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michael
Citizen
Username: Michael
Post Number: 464
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, February 1, 2004 - 4:00 pm: |
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Thanks everyone for your generous offers and advice. Unfortunately, MY main computer broke down (which is why I have not responded for so long) So, I'll worry about a second later. A new Dell looks like the way for me to go right now.
Thanks again !
Michael |
magmasystems
Citizen
Username: Magmasystems
Post Number: 208
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, February 1, 2004 - 5:07 pm: |
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I just ordered a new Dell for my father. If you go to
http://www.dell.com/tv
there is a desktop system for $399 (actually, $499 plus a $100 rebate). It runs XP/Home, and comes with a 17" monitor. Shipping is free!
I sprang for an additional $70, and upgraded the memory from 128MB to 256MB.
Full computer systems are now being priced like television sets, and many times, it is cheaper to buy a new one than to replace an old one.
Marc
www.millburnweb.com
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bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 4503
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 1, 2004 - 5:50 pm: |
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Marc, you are a cheapskate. You should have sprung for teh extra $17 for Microsoft Works to get Word.
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jmfromsouthorange
Citizen
Username: Jmfromsorange
Post Number: 47
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 2, 2004 - 8:29 pm: |
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if those offering the 'free' computers stil have them and are looking to get rid of them i'm sure a friend of mine wwould be interested. she's looking for a new job and no longer has access to a computer. thanks! |
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