Buying a 370$ staples computer (Any better deals?)

[def47]

My dad wants to buy this computer: http://www.staples.ca/FRA/Catalog/ca...=&webid=935980

It would be for my grandmother and all she does is facebook and youtube, so nothing fancy is needed.

Budget is 500$ max. Did anyone see a better deal on a new computer?
no accessories needed, and no OS needed.

I told him to wait a few days before buying it, because I would try to find a better deal or at least a good coupon from staples.

Thanks a lot!

[Kwirky]

If you don't mind supporting it when it breaks this gives you a little more bang for your buck: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...94279&CatId=31 EARN CASH BACK

[DavidY]

$370 is pretty cheap pre-built with a 1 year warranty. I think that it includes a 220 watt power supply and other cheap components. But should be good enough for basic home tasks. Don't plan to do many upgrades on this system however.

List of refurbs at CC including a few under $300:

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...e=1&location=0

Dave

[Tornado F2]

If you don't mind supporting it when it breaks this gives you a little more bang for your buck: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...94279&CatId=31 EARN CASH BACK

Are you guys related? (Your avatars certainly are).

If so, don't let relatives, friends, or especially dads shop at Tiger. You'll get hit by expensive and careless shipping (usually resulting in dented cases) and mail-in-ripoffs that are never honoured. You also need to assemble the system yourself, and although the OP says he doesn't need it, the expense of Windows makes Tiger's DIY combos more expensive than basic factory-builds.

As for this Acer, it looks like a micro system, about 1/3rd the volume of a typical tower. It probably has a 100W P/S and just 1 or 2 expansion slots, that most users will likely never use anyway. It's likely more than good enough for the OP's relative's needs - so long as a French OS is okay, as it looks like that's what you're going to get. I bought a similar Acer with a Q8300 processor a couple of years back, and although it's not used a lot it has never given me any problems. My biggest issue has been finding a decent cool-running low-profile video card to complement the quad-core CPU, but to-date that slot remains unfilled and the system soldiers on with the integrated Intel graphics. No regrets over the purchase though - at a price similar to that posted by the OP.

[newgame99]

Are you guys related? (Your avatars certainly are).

If so, don't let relatives, friends, or especially dads shop at Tiger. You'll get hit by expensive and careless shipping (usually resulting in dented cases) and mail-in-ripoffs that are never honoured. You also need to assemble the system yourself, and although the OP says he doesn't need it, the expense of Windows makes Tiger's DIY combos more expensive than basic factory-builds.

As for this Acer, it looks like a micro system, about 1/3rd the volume of a typical tower. It probably has a 100W P/S and just 1 or 2 expansion slots, that most users will likely never use anyway. It's likely more than good enough for the OP's relative's needs - so long as a French OS is okay, as it looks like that's what you're going to get. I bought a similar Acer with a Q8300 processor a couple of years back, and although it's not used a lot it has never given me any problems. My biggest issue has been finding a decent cool-running low-profile video card to complement the quad-core CPU, but to-date that slot remains unfilled and the system soldiers on with the integrated Intel graphics. No regrets over the purchase though - at a price similar to that posted by the OP.

To avoid in shipping, I believe you can buy it in store (Tiger Direct). So if you live in the area why not pick it up? Of course, you need to be comfortable with building systems, but if you do then its a pretty good deal. Also, keep in mind you will need a copy of Windows as well.

[Tornado F2]

To avoid in shipping, I believe you can buy it in store (Tiger Direct). So if you live in the area why not pick it up? Of course, you need to be comfortable with building systems, but if you do then its a pretty good deal. Also, keep in mind you will need a copy of Windows as well.

True, I suppose, for those in the GTA.

It just goes to show how long I've been avoiding Tiger now. They ripped me off on far too many "rebates", charged me shipping for items that were never shipped (because they took orders for items that were OOS), etc. Eventually I realised what a ripoff they were and I've lived happily without them ever since.

As for building your own, I've built about a dozen now, all my own customised designs, with no problems encountered, other than the unpaid "rebates" and dented cases from Tiger (plus a cheapo p/s from them that literally blew after a few weeks). But if you want to run Windows on your new system you're far better off buying a factory system instead and upgrading from there (video card, etc).

[wilsonlam97]

Get a cheap computer and install Chrome OS on it. It's foolproof and there are no viruses (so far).

[gnuman]

I haven't tried Chrome OS but rather have suggest Zorin OS which I reviewed yesterday on my site, (link in my sig) it would be the best thing for her. No virus calls not DNS malware tomorrow. Looks and behaves like Windows!

[def47]

Thanks for the suggestions, but just like TornadoF2, I'm avoiding TigerDirect. I'll use it to PM but nothing more...
As for the OS, it will be windows7 because we're familiar with it and my grandmother isn't a virus magnet

I always read about how building your computer is better, so I kinda talked my dad into it.
Basically I changed his plans, we will upgrade her current computer instead.

CASE: current
HDD: current (500gb)
PSU: current (5 months old 500W)
CPU: i3-2120 (107$ after PM at ME http://www.hookbag.ca/product/H3C06KSV9)
MOBO+RAM: GA-Z77M-D3H MVP + 8GB DDR3 (130$+ship http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...s&promoid=1015)
CD BURNER: LG SATA 24X (17.50$ after PM at ME http://www.hookbag.ca/product/H3C06MUQ9/)
GPU: I guess the intel hd 2000 integrated graphics should be enough for hd videos on youtube... ?

we're looking at about 255$
I'm still looking but any comments on these parts?

[DavidY]

Thanks for the suggestions, but just like TornadoF2, I'm avoiding TigerDirect. I'll use it to PM but nothing more...
As for the OS, it will be windows7 because we're familiar with it and my grandmother isn't a virus magnet

I always read about how building your computer is better, so I kinda talked my dad into it.
Basically I changed his plans, we will upgrade her current computer instead.

CASE: current
HDD: current (500gb)
PSU: current (5 months old 500W)
CPU: i3-2120 (107$ after PM at ME http://www.hookbag.ca/product/H3C06KSV9)
MOBO+RAM: GA-Z77M-D3H MVP + 8GB DDR3 (130$+ship http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...s&promoid=1015)
CD BURNER: LG SATA 24X (17.50$ after PM at ME http://www.hookbag.ca/product/H3C06MUQ9/)
GPU: I guess the intel hd 2000 integrated graphics should be enough for hd videos on youtube... ?

we're looking at about 255$
I'm still looking but any comments on these parts?

IMO, get a cheaper motherboard....Z77 would be overkill since you won't overclocking or need the latest features. How about H61 or H67? Do you really need an i3-2120? A Pentium Gxxx should be fine....Tom's Hardware has a $500 budget gamer build based on a Celeron which is slower than a Pentium.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1155

Dave

[def47]

IMO, get a cheaper motherboard....Z77 would be overkill since you won't overclocking or need the latest features. How about H61 or H67? Do you really need an i3-2120? A Pentium Gxxx should be fine....Tom's Hardware has a $500 budget gamer build based on a Celeron which is slower than a Pentium.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1155

Dave

I know z77 is overkill, but that bundle with 8gb of ram comes to 130$!

You're right, I should go for a lower board. I'm currently looking for an H67 + RAM for less then 100$. If I can't find any, I'll stick with my 130$ bundle.

If I'm not mistaking the H61 doesn't come with a SATA III port. So I'll try to go for an H67, because I plan to add an SSD for her OS, maybe on the next boxing day.

[Tornado F2]

I know z77 is overkill, but that bundle with 8gb of ram comes to 130$!

You're right, I should go for a lower board. I'm currently looking for an H67 + RAM for less then 100$. If I can't find any, I'll stick with my 130$ bundle.

If I'm not mistaking the H61 doesn't come with a SATA III port. So I'll try to go for an H67, because I plan to add an SSD for her OS, maybe on the next boxing day.

I thought you were looking for a budget build. I doubt that she'll need an SSD, especially in a desktop.

And on the CPU/Mbd front, I've not looked in a while but you can probably find a nice AMD-based combo on Newegg or NCIX.

[DavidY]

Since the OP is looking at integrated graphics only, why not go with an AMD A8-3850 or A8-3870K which have much faster integrated graphics (HD 6550D) than Intel CPU's? Either of these is around $105-$110. FM1 mobo is as low as $40. 8 GB DDR3 $40-$45.

Dave

[def47]

I thought you were looking for a budget build. I doubt that she'll need an SSD, especially in a desktop.
...

She doesn't need it. but for less then 40$ on boxing day, I think I'll be able to find a sataIII 60gb SSD. It will be a nice addition for a budget build, and not too expensive.

Since the OP is looking at integrated graphics only, why not go with an AMD A8-3850 or A8-3870K which have much faster integrated graphics (HD 6550D) than Intel CPU's? Either of these is around $105-$110. FM1 mobo is as low as $40. 8 GB DDR3 $40-$45.

Dave

I don't have any experience with AMD CPUs so that's why I didn't look into it.
But I'll start looking into those MOBO you gave me, sounds interesting.. if the price is right I think we have it.

EDIT: found a 110$ A8-3870K, refurb I think but it will do. http://www.directcanada.com/products...anufacture=AMD
I'm still not sure, and I'll keep on reading about it.

[rahzel]

If this is still just for your grandparents, the 3870 is kind of overkill IMO. I would either just get a G530 or G620/640 Intel with an H61 motherboard and 4-8GB of RAM, or an A5-3500/3650 Llano with an A55/A75 motherboard and the same amount of RAM. It's not like processing power or GPUs make a big difference when you're just browsing the net and playing videos.

AMD's iGPU's are better, but Intel's CPU's are better. A G620 would be faster than an A6-3650 and costs quite a bit less, but the AMD 6530D is MUCH better than the HD 2000.