Save on your next computer purchase

[DannyGBWI]

1. Linux boxes. If you're willing to try something other than Windows, you can get a good deal on cheap computers sold with the Linux operating system. Or build one yourself (see above tip) and then install the free Linux operating system (Ubuntu is a popular version of Linux that's easy to use). The great thing about Ubuntu and other Linux brands is that they often come with lots of great software that's open source and free, including office software suites, browsers, games and much more.

2. Mac Mini. For those who are into the Mac OS for its aesthetics, simplicity, and lack of viruses, the Mac Mini is a great deal. It comes in at a little over $500, although you'll have to get peripherals such as monitor and keyboard separately. Although this is a bare-bones Mac system, it's perfectly usable for the average user, and you can always upgrade with more RAM if you'd like. Plus, it looks cool and it's so tiny that it takes up very little space on your desk.

3. Build it yourself. If you have a little technical know-how, or are willing to put in the time to learn, you can buy a "bare-bones" computer for $50, and then add in a motherboard, CPU, RAM, and hard drive to get a computer for under $300. Then you can look around for a free monitor and peripherals, and you've got a bargain-basement deal.

[MaskedMarvel]

That's a great idea but the average computer use don't know anything else than windows. I personally use Ubuntu and I love it. Computers these days are so cheap so I don't know if people will go through the hassle to build one instead of buying one.

Just my 2 cents.

[RedCentMan]

this is easy for the tech savy. Most people have trouble with controlling a mouse.

[Broken Arrow]

Yes, I don't disagree that you have to be somewhat tech savvy to take advantage of alternative operating systems like Linux.

On the other hand, a lot of distros (versions) have gone a long way to make things super easy for average users. Here's a simple formula, and it's one that I use so I can vouch for its relative reliability:

1. Get an old Intel PC. I am using a Pentium 4 with a little over 1 Ghz. Nothing special. In fact, you might even be able to get one for free via freecycle.org.

2. Install a nVidia graphics card. Again, nothing fancy. I'm running on a 6000 series card, which I bought at TigerDirect for $30, but I'll bet you can find an even cheaper or even free one now. In fact, if it's already got one that's supported by Linux, then you can skip this part entirely.

3. Burn or buy an Ubuntu CD. If you take the freebie route, you'll have to burn your own CD. But once that's done, popping in the CD alone will make Linux run.

4. Once Ubuntu is running and it looks fine, you simply click the icon on the desktop to install it into the hard drive.

And... that's it! Enjoy your new Linux box! Even with hardware this old, it runs buttery smooth. Of course, it's not good for anything heavy like gaming or running molecular simulations, but it's awesome with basic stuff like email, web, documents, and so forth.

It'll may also require a bit more know-how to do minor tinkerings to get certain things to work, such as wireless networking for example. But I also remind myself of the price I am paying for a decent PC box, which is not a whole lot at all.

If all that is still a bit too much, but if you're willing to pony up more money, you can buy a pre-built Linux box for as low as $200!

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I tried Linux about a year and a half ago but had some problems. However, as a Christmas present, my son set me up with a "new" computer he bought for $15 from his university's auction. He gave it Linux and Ubuntu and now I'm happy as a lark. Hey, I raised a frugal geek and now I am reaping the benefits.

[GrimJack]

I had a friend buy Windoze from the Company Store for $45 then built my current games machine from scratch (frye's and the internet). I keep thinking about converting to *nix - had a bad experience back in the day. Should probably look again.

For both try OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite

[Multima$tery]

Boy I sure wish I was tech-savvy then I'd definitely mine, because I know that's the key to saving the most money on computers!

[ravravrav]

I think it's a good idea to figure out what you want to do with your computer - you don't always need the latest spec PC. What with the credit crunch, you can pick up a cheap netbook and put GoogleOS on it and you're on your way.

[spacecadet610]

I love my mac mini.

Another thing great about macs are that they hold their resale value a LOT better than PCs.

If you can get a good deal on a mac, it's not necessarily more expensive than a PC

[kork13]

Another thing great about macs are that they hold their resale value a LOT better than PCs.

In computers, I never consider 'resale' value... I only plan to drive them into the ground. my family has gone through multiple computers this way. we make it last 5-10 years, then when it can't sustain itself, it's finally time for a new one, and the previous goes to meet the great microchip in the sky.... or the dump, whichever comes first...

[spacecadet610]

to each their own, i guess. i like to upgrade every couple years. For the past 5 years or so, I've gotten such great deals on my macs that i've been able to sell them every 1-2 years close to or above the price i paid.

but yeah, if computers are a tool for you, just use them til it breaks! Just like cars.. save a lot of money by keeping it for 10-15 years.

In computers, I never consider 'resale' value... I only plan to drive them into the ground. my family has gone through multiple computers this way. we make it last 5-10 years, then when it can't sustain itself, it's finally time for a new one, and the previous goes to meet the great microchip in the sky.... or the dump, whichever comes first...

[lroberts]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful tip. I personally the build your own thing. I buy parts of the computer and assemble it in that way I can have the specifications I want and in a cheaper price.
I also buy second hand like my LCD monitor I bought it in a garage sale of my neighbor.
I suggest try that you might find a good buy

[ezme]

I think the younger generation go through computers a lot quicker than others. My dad has had the same PC for around 5 years now because it does everything he needs to do. But my little brother has been through 3 computers in 2 years (2 PC's and 1 mac).

I advised him to get a mac because of their resale value, so every time he upgrades it should be a lot cheaper!

[frito833]

You could just do an engine swap. What I mean, just buy motherboard, CPU, RAM combo sales on NewEgg and keep everything else like case, power supply, drives and sell the outdated parts on eBay. Sometimes I get a great upgrade for $50.

[MonkeyMama]

We just installed Linux for a project at our house. I had no idea it was so user friendly. We are pretty impressed.

It definitely takes more tech savvy to build a computer but if you want some real power it is significantly cheaper than buying a "ready to use" computer. We've built 2 or 3 computers and got way more than we could have justified paying for otherwise.