Suggestions for a desktop between range of 500-600.00 (laptops, hard drive, games)

[energygrrl]

Hi
I am NOT a techie but want to replace my sons old Dell Desk top with a new computer system. I was going to go someplace like Best Buy, QVC or BJ's.
Does anyone knowledgeable here have a suggestion for me within this price range.
In other words the best buy for the money.
He would mainly use it to surf, listen to music and watch movies, play some games ETC Maybe download some pictures(he is not a techie either)

I appreciate you taking the time out to respond.
Thank you very much!

[Charles]

outlet.dell.com

[mensaguy]

Pretty much any computer can do those things, except there is one caveat. Play what games? If you mean he wants to play Freecell, no problem. If he wants to play World of Warcraft, it would be important to make sure the processor and display adapter have enough power to work well.

[NJGOAT]

The first items you listed as uses are very common and any computer can do those things. However, the games is where it becomes an issue. As mensaguy said, exactly what kind of games are we talking about? Simple web browser games are one thing, but if he wants to play something like Call of Duty or World of Warcraft, it is going to require a more capable video card. Also, can you re-use the monitor, mouse and keyboard? That will provide some nice savings and make it possible to buy a more powerful computer for your budget.

[energygrrl]

Hi thanks for the responses.
Try Freecell. hahhah... No intense games.
To NJgoat: We need to replace everything!
Is this called :"All in one" when I see advertisements?

[Narfcake]

Since your needs are pretty modest ...

Start here:
Vostro 230 Mini Tower Desktop Computer Details | Dell

The $450 (it's on sale right now - how long it'd last, I don't know) configuration comes with an Core 2 Duo E7500 processor, 2gb ram, 250gb HD, DVD/RW, Windows 7 Home Premium, and the really nice part - a 23.6" Samsung that by itself is around $200.

Click customize ...

Memory - select 3GB (+$35). It's slightly more expensive here than adding it yourself, but since neither of you are techies, this is the much easier way.
Optical drive - dual drives (+11). It's cheap, and makes it much easier when doing disc-to-disc.
The hard drive is on the modest side, but if you need the additional storage, adding an external drive is better (more affordable) option.
Warranty - one year is standard. 2 years (+$40) or 3 years (+$68) is available if you feel it's necessary. Pro support is probably unnecessary.

Total - $495 (save $248). Add to cart.

The keyboard and an optical mouse are included. Speakers are not - it's cheaper to buy from elsewhere like Amazon ...
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-S220-...5614480&sr=1-2 (and buy something else for free shipping)

[energygrrl]

I am sorry to be such a dunce, but can you recommend anything from Best Buy or one of the office stores within that price range? I do not have a BJ's card but I think they have guest passes.
I am due to drive back to NYC in a few days and hence ordering online is not really an option.

[Narfcake]

That ... I can't, because local inventory vs. what can be seen on their internet site aren't always the same.(*) So any I can pull up here may be a moot point ... not to mention, most likely wouldn't be that good of a deal.

FWIW, I don't bother with local stores for computers/laptops because often times, anything that's on sale at a decent price has limited quantities. So it involved trudging out early in the morning and waiting for them to open in hopes that you amongst the very few. Not worth it, when with a few clicks in the comforts of a chair, I can get one online, shipped to my door for the same price or less.

Edit:
* - my past experiences of order online, pick up at store hasn't been favorable at all.

[NJGOAT]

Originally Posted by energygrrl

I am sorry to be such a dunce, but can you recommend anything from Best Buy or one of the office stores within that price range? I do not have a BJ's card but I think they have guest passes.
I am due to drive back to NYC in a few days and hence ordering online is not really an option.

Given what you need the computer to do, you are pretty much wide open as far as what to get. I would advise against getting an all-in-one unless space is a major issue. This way you can always upgrade down the road and will just have to replace the tower as you will have the monitor.

I looked on Best Buy's website and if you got to computers and then select desktop package, they show you all the various models they have. Anything in the $500-$600 range will do what you need it to.

Something like this is at the top of your price range, but will do everything you want it to and it includes a printer to boot:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+Essentio+CM1630-06+Desktop%2C+20%22+LCD+Monitor+%26+Wireless+3-in-1+Printer+Package/9999147300050002.p?id=pcmprd147300050002&skuId=999 9147300050002 (broken link)

...or something like these, the only difference is the monitor size, 20" or 23":

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+Slimline+s5610y+Desktop+%26+20%22+LCD+Monitor+P ackage/9999147300050000.p?id=pcmprd147300050000&skuId=999 9147300050000 (broken link)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+Slimline+s5610y+Desktop+%26+20%22+LCD+Monitor+P ackage/9999147300050000.p?id=pcmprd147300050000&skuId=999 9147300050000 (broken link)

I wouldn't suggest this personally, but even something like this will do everything you need it to, though it isn't nearly as powerful as the others. This is about as basic as a computer gets:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/eMachines+EL1850-01e+Desktop+%26+18.5%22+LCD+Monitor+Package/9999133000050001.p?id=pcmprd133000050001&skuId=999 9133000050001 (broken link)

I know you specified desktop, but there are also a TON of laptops you could easily get in that price range as well.

Something like this is a little above your price range, but is a darn good laptop:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Satellite+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+/+16%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Slate/1269529.p?id=1218245812861&skuId=1269529 (broken link)

Something like this is within your range and while not as robust as the desktop will do what you need it to:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Satellite+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+/+15.6%22+Display+/+3GB+Memory+/+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Helios+Black/1271351.p?id=1218245811462&skuId=1271351 (broken link)

This strikes a decent balance between price and power:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+L...&skuId=1257145

[NJGOAT]

Originally Posted by Narfcake

That ... I can't, because local inventory vs. what can be seen on their internet site aren't always the same. So any I can pull up here may be a moot point ... not to mention, most likely wouldn't be that good of a deal.

FWIW, I don't bother with local stores for computers/laptops because often times, anything that's on sale at a decent price has limited quantities. So it involved trudging out early in the morning and waiting for them to open in hopes that you amongst the very few. Not worth it, when with a few clicks in the comforts of a chair, I can get one online, shipped to my door for the same price or less.

Very good point. I provided a list of links from the Best Buy site, but that doesn't guarantee that those models are available in the store for that price. At the very least, you can print out the specs and have something with you when you go shopping.