Cheap new computer

**mom-from-missouri** · 07-23-2012, 10:18 PM

How cheap? I just bought my daughters a new one today at BestBuy for $329.00 4gb dual core, windows 7, 14 inch screen.

I have not had good luck with used ones-bought 2, one from a company and one from a friend. Neither lasted long and no warrenty...
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**disneysteve** · 07-24-2012, 05:06 AM

I would not bother with a used computer. Computers are cheap. The one I'm typing on right now, a Toshiba Satellite, was $350 at Best Buy a year or so ago. This is the computer I used every single day at my office and bring home with me and use for travel. It does everything I need it to do and more. You have a very nice selection of options with a $500 budget.

**bjl584** · 07-24-2012, 06:32 AM

I'm with Steve. Go with a new one. Computers aren't expensive like they were even just a few years ago. You can get one brand new that has everything you need for $500 or less.

**JoeP** · 07-24-2012, 08:34 AM

Originally posted by tmauch View Post

My hard drive just died and I need to buy a new computer. I want one for less than $500 that will still be a good quality piece of equipment. I don't do anything too crazy - surf the web, listen to music and watch some videos. Is it possible to find a cheap computer that actually runs well? Has anyone had any success buying a used computer?

Hard drives fail, even in newer computers. If your current one is otherwise sound, and supports what you are using it for, I'd suggest getting a new hard drive. I've had some luck finding new ones on craigslist.

If you really want to replace it, then follow the advice given by others regarding new computers.

**tmauch** · 07-24-2012, 03:30 PM

I had thought about buying a new hard drive, but my computer is almost five years old. Also, the prices I was seeing were round $300. While cheaper than I would likely spend on a new computer, it seemed a high investment to make on a computer that's kind of old. Would you still recommend a new hard drive, though?

**disneysteve** · 07-24-2012, 03:56 PM

Originally posted by tmauch View Post

I had thought about buying a new hard drive, but my computer is almost five years old. Also, the prices I was seeing were round $300. While cheaper than I would likely spend on a new computer, it seemed a high investment to make on a computer that's kind of old. Would you still recommend a new hard drive, though?

Nope. No way I'd put money into a 5-year-old computer. That's about the lifespan of a computer IMO. As I said, my computer cost $350 and is very nice. I'm on it right now at home (was on it at work earlier).

**JoeP** · 07-25-2012, 05:10 AM

Originally posted by disneysteve View Post

Nope. No way I'd put money into a 5-year-old computer. That's about the lifespan of a computer IMO. As I said, my computer cost $350 and is very nice. I'm on it right now at home (was on it at work earlier).

LOL! I'm rocking an 11 year old 1.7 GHz pentium 4, 1 gig of pc133 ram, an ancient nvidia card, and stone age IDE drives. Still works for me.

IMHO, some people replace their computers way too often, as some do with their cars or cell phones. Again, if the computer is otherwise sound, an inexpensive hard drive can give you another 3-5 years.

After all, this board is called "Saving Advice" so this response is offered as a way to save money.

**disneysteve** · 07-25-2012, 05:24 AM

Originally posted by JoeP View Post

LOL! I'm rocking an 11 year old 1.7 GHz pentium 4, 1 gig of pc133 ram, an ancient nvidia card, and stone age IDE drives. Still works for me.

IMHO, some people replace their computers way too often, as some do with their cars or cell phones. Again, if the computer is otherwise sound, an inexpensive hard drive can give you another 3-5 years.

After all, this board is called "Saving Advice" so this response is offered as a way to save money.

How much is a new hard drive? OP said he looked around and they were $300. I wouldn't spend $300 to fix a 5-year-old computer when for $350 (or less) I could buy a brand new one. If, however, they are a lot cheaper than that ($50 or so) then I might think about it.

**JoeP** · 07-25-2012, 05:39 AM

Originally posted by disneysteve View Post

How much is a new hard drive? OP said he looked around and they were $300. I wouldn't spend $300 to fix a 5-year-old computer when for $350 (or less) I could buy a brand new one. If, however, they are a lot cheaper than that ($50 or so) then I might think about it.

New hard drives start around $70 for a decent amount of space (source). If the OP's failed hard drive has an IDE interface, you can find overstocked and reconditioned IDE drives on ebay for less.

Also, you can extend your computer's storage with an external hard drive. When you eventually buy a new computer, these can be migrated there with little effort.

**disneysteve** · 07-25-2012, 06:03 AM

Originally posted by JoeP View Post

New hard drives start around $70 for a decent amount of space

That might be worth considering. I've typically found that after 5-6 years, the processor is just too slow to keep up with current computing demands. Web pages get more and more interactive and processor-demanding and the older computers just can't keep up.

**Max G** · 07-25-2012, 08:59 AM

Definitely go with a new computer. If you have monitor you can buy a pretty good one at Dell or HP for under $400. Even with a monitor it would run you under $500. Also think through what exactly you need computer for anyways. Maybe something like an IPad that would be good enough and you have an additional flexibility to carry it anywhere. I have both (PC & IPAD) and for basic functions surfing, music, movies, games I prefer an IPad to a computer

**disneysteve** · 07-25-2012, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by Max G View Post

Maybe something like an IPad that would be good enough and you have an additional flexibility to carry it anywhere. I have both (PC & IPAD) and for basic functions surfing, music, movies, games I prefer an IPad to a computer

This is a whole separate discussion but I don't think an iPad is a substitute for a computer. We love ours but it definitely has limitations. The lack of a keyboard is one, though that's easily correctable. Not running Flash is another big drawback as there is a lot of web content you can't access.

The new Microsoft Surface looks promising. That might turn out to be the hybrid everyone has been waiting for.

**9symphony9** · 08-11-2012, 06:30 AM

I would never buy a used computer. The most important thing when you get another one though is the ram. I have a high speed Internet connection but my computer is slow because of lack of memory. Get like 6mb if you can. At least 4mb.

**ella101** · 08-16-2012, 09:01 AM

Purchasing new computer

No to used computers! Used computers are high in maintenance cost.

$500 budget is good for a new computer. Just make sure you have the correct understanding of the warranty and specs that you need for your specific use of this computer.

Computers may be expensive or not, you just need to take care of it to last long. Like what I am using right now, I got a 4years old computer but it's still working great. I just upgraded its memory and it works well like the new ones.

Cheap new computer