Computer geeks, help me out

[hitman13]

Need to get a new desktop. Primary use: Homework for my kids (8 and 6, both go to a tech savvy charter school and already use computers for homework), wife and I. Secondary use: Kids gaming, itunes, picasa for photos, etc.

My budget is around $600, so this is what I am looking at getting:
LINK HP tower. 8GB RAM, 1TB harddrive. Runs windows 7 (a must to me, don't want win8). Refurbished unit, not sure how good or bad this is, but it brings the cost down. $380ish

LINK Acer 23" LED flat panel widescreen monitor. $160ish

LINK Logitech wireless keyboard / mouse. $40ish

If I get that tower, I'll buy it at bestbuy. The monitor, keyboard, mouse I can shop around on amazon for a lower price maybe. Still need to find some speakers too I guess....



Anyways, the MUST HAVE list: win7, decent ammt of USB ports, 23" flat panel monitor.




So, is this a good idea / good plan?

[Merc1138]

You need to define "kids gaming" better than that. Are we talking about farmville, or battlefield 3? There's a difference.

edit: To clarify, I'm not saying that an 8 and 6 year old should be on facebook to play farmville, or battlefield 3 for that matter. But you need to define "gaming" by what games you intend to run on it. Some simply require more "horsepower" than others.

[hitman13]

kids gaming = playing on disney.com and pbskids lol

[hitman13]

No one in our house plays PC games, except for my occasional online poker lol

[sandman21]

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=FDDAST12h&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=566643&acd=10550055-4485850-LkTAGDg-EeKDvMr2W9izew0_QT.I3_0_0_0

Apply ?FP6M6MDVHJRDV

add 23" monitor
= $579.98

you can also use this to save even more money

https://dell.cashstar.com/gift-card/buy/?delivery=EM&ref=dell1

Yes, its Win8 but I am sure you can buy or find Win7.

[bigbearbear]

If you want something fun and funky, try this PC-in-a-aquarium kit:


Its a little expensive but its got a very cool design, submerging the entire PC (except things like harddrive of course) in mineral oil.

From this vendor:

http://www.pugetsystems.com/aquarium-computer.php

[Laythor]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883256337

check out newegg's refurb list. you can search by price range

or go to tiger direct.

Only other way to hit that price point is to build your own.

[BIGCHRIS]

you should really check out Frys.com or is you have a Frys located by you go in there.

[BIGCHRIS]

I have never had a problem with Frys and they match Internet prices...

[billofrights]

Someone else wanna help me out on this one? I don't think it is right to just put MY experiences in here...

As a business, Fry's is a POS, but the products they sell are from some great companies and hey, at least if you get a turd you can return it near-indefinitely. I worked at the Manhattan Beach store for nearly a year and while the staff and management are clueless, you can still find good deals there if you know what you're doing.

[NorCalXJ]

Just build one. It is easier than building an AR, and cheaper.

[Firerescuebatt07]

for 50 more you can get a brand new HP with an AMD quad core, and you get a free Nook with the purchase... Heres a link... I am not a fan of refurb... HP has lots of desktops that will fit your needs starting at 299...Heres a link to that quad core for $459 http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/hom...120-Desktop-PC good luck with whatever purchase you decide to make