Idle question for all you oh-so-knowledgeable computer geeks

[kellinator]

What's the cheapest that one can get a decent computer?

The IT department here was selling off some old computers for ten bucks apiece, but of course they ran out before my turn in line came, dammit. The professors got their pick before the staff. I'm not in urgent need of a computer, but I would like to upgrade one of these days. What are the least expensive options out there?

Comments

[dellaran.livejournal.com]

You could build a middling-quality new machine for maybe $300, a good one for $500-600, and a fairly high end machine for $1000. Generally speaking, that will be cheaper than buying a brand-name computer of equivalent power. You can find good deals at the computer shows at the Cobb Civic Center (next one mid-August), or pick up a copy of "Computer User" (or look at them online) and check out the ads for small local shops.

If you wouldn't mind a used computer, I could put one of my leftover machines together for you for less than those prices... it would be nice to find a home for one of them. This isn't a sales pitch, but if you'd be interested, just ask.

[kellinator.livejournal.com]

I may take you up on that once I get my finances a little more in order... thanks!