Computer Buying Woes: need your opinion...

**removed** · February 27th, 2008, 3:18 AM

I've decided that I'm going to buy a new computer for my mom. I originally thought that this was going to be pretty straightforward, but then I started actually looking into things. I originally thought that I was going to spend about $400 total on this. The more I look into it, it just doesn't seem like that will stick.

I came up with 3 options:
Option 1: I can get a brand new laptop for about $550 through someone on another site. Core 2 Duo CPU, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, wireless and all that good stuff. The laptop comes out to $550 with shipping and all. I might need to acquire an upgraded version of Vista for her since it only comes with the basic one, which doesn't include Aero. Nevertheless, my total cost comes out to about $550 if I go with this option.

Option 2: I can buy a brand new system from a local computer store for about $275. Core 2 Duo CPU, 1GB RAM, 80GB SATA drive. Nice and basic, but just enough for what she wants to do. I would need to buy a new LCD monitor though. This option comes out to $275+tax for the computer. Also, add at least $200 extra for a nice LCD monitor. Comes out to $475.

Option 3: I can get a good used system for about $180 off of eBay. Pentium 4 CPU, 512MB RAM, 40GB HDD. Very basic, but still probably enough for her. This option comes out to about $180 for the computer. Once again, add at least $200 extra for a nice LCD. Comes out to about $400 after shipping and whatnot.

I'm concerned about all of these options. Obviously, Option 3 is the cheapest, but is it the best? On the other hand, Option 1 involves me spending a whole hell of a lot of money... but the computer is brand new, and my mom prefers laptops over desktops.

Buying a gift for your mom = serious business.

What would you do?

**Brandonnn** · February 27th, 2008, 3:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by removed

Buying a gift for your mom = serious business.

What would you do?

I would buy mom a mac.

**removed** · February 27th, 2008, 3:42 AM

I'm trying to buy her a gift, not a $1000 paperweight.

**Kayla** · February 27th, 2008, 3:51 AM

**Cats-Computing** · February 27th, 2008, 4:10 AM

Option 1, if it has good warranty??

**caseylee** · February 27th, 2008, 4:13 AM

That laptop is pretty powerful for someone that's only going to be using it for browsing, emails and all of that home usage stuff. If she prefers laptops over desktops, can you get a laptop with a bit less oomph for a cheaper price?

**removed** · February 27th, 2008, 4:25 AM

Cats: Yeah, it has a good warranty, which is a big plus in my book.

caseylee: I can definitely do that, but I'd end up getting a laptop on eBay. It would end up being used instead of brand new.

**Twist3d** · February 27th, 2008, 7:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by removed

I'm trying to buy her a gift, not a $1000 paperweight.

HAH! I had a mac once. It was fun for the first 30 mins and then i got bored with it and sold it.

**Twist3d** · February 27th, 2008, 8:31 AM

If it was me I would probably go with option 2 or else build the pc myself.

Laptops are just too pricy if you ask me and most times u can build or buy a pc with better specs of a laptop of the same price.

February 27th, 2008, 3:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
removed Surpass Abuse Admin Super #1 Joined in Mar 2005 Lives in Houston, TX Hosted on NONE 7,762 posts Gave thanks: 10 Thanked 276 times	Computer Buying Woes: need your opinion... I've decided that I'm going to buy a new computer for my mom. I originally thought that this was going to be pretty straightforward, but then I started actually looking into things. I originally thought that I was going to spend about $400 total on this. The more I look into it, it just doesn't seem like that will stick. I came up with 3 options: Option 1: I can get a brand new laptop for about $550 through someone on another site. Core 2 Duo CPU, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, wireless and all that good stuff. The laptop comes out to $550 with shipping and all. I might need to acquire an upgraded version of Vista for her since it only comes with the basic one, which doesn't include Aero. Nevertheless, my total cost comes out to about $550 if I go with this option. Option 2: I can buy a brand new system from a local computer store for about $275. Core 2 Duo CPU, 1GB RAM, 80GB SATA drive. Nice and basic, but just enough for what she wants to do. I would need to buy a new LCD monitor though. This option comes out to $275+tax for the computer. Also, add at least $200 extra for a nice LCD monitor. Comes out to $475. Option 3: I can get a good used system for about $180 off of eBay. Pentium 4 CPU, 512MB RAM, 40GB HDD. Very basic, but still probably enough for her. This option comes out to about $180 for the computer. Once again, add at least $200 extra for a nice LCD. Comes out to about $400 after shipping and whatnot. I'm concerned about all of these options. Obviously, Option 3 is the cheapest, but is it the best? On the other hand, Option 1 involves me spending a whole hell of a lot of money... but the computer is brand new, and my mom prefers laptops over desktops. Buying a gift for your mom = serious business. What would you do? __________________ Unofficial IRC Channel: #surpass EFNet Unofficial = No official support. Support requests can be submitted to our helpdesk.

February 27th, 2008, 3:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
removed Surpass Abuse Admin Super #1 Joined in Mar 2005 Lives in Houston, TX Hosted on NONE 7,762 posts Gave thanks: 10 Thanked 276 times	I'm trying to buy her a gift, not a $1000 paperweight. __________________ Unofficial IRC Channel: #surpass EFNet Unofficial = No official support. Support requests can be submitted to our helpdesk.

February 27th, 2008, 4:10 AM	#5 (permalink)
Cats-Computing DJ Remix Super #1 Joined in Aug 2004 Lives in The competition Hosted on Ex-Client 1,256 posts Gave thanks: 0 Thanked 0 times	Option 1, if it has good warranty?? __________________ RIP Joey

February 27th, 2008, 4:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
caseylee 4-8-15-16-23-42 Excelling Contributor Joined in Jul 2007 Lives in Australia, turn left at America Hosted on Luna & Nexus (dedicated) 775 posts Gave thanks: 36 Thanked 29 times	That laptop is pretty powerful for someone that's only going to be using it for browsing, emails and all of that home usage stuff. If she prefers laptops over desktops, can you get a laptop with a bit less oomph for a cheaper price? __________________ www.casey-lee.com

February 27th, 2008, 4:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
removed Surpass Abuse Admin Super #1 Joined in Mar 2005 Lives in Houston, TX Hosted on NONE 7,762 posts Gave thanks: 10 Thanked 276 times	Cats: Yeah, it has a good warranty, which is a big plus in my book. caseylee: I can definitely do that, but I'd end up getting a laptop on eBay. It would end up being used instead of brand new. __________________ Unofficial IRC Channel: #surpass EFNet Unofficial = No official support. Support requests can be submitted to our helpdesk.

February 27th, 2008, 3:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
Kayla Searcher Surpass Staff Joined in May 2003 Lives in Orlando 24,514 posts Gave thanks: 936 Thanked 788 times

February 27th, 2008, 8:31 AM	#9 (permalink)
Twist3d Twist3d One Super #1 Joined in Dec 2007 Hosted on pass81 1,291 posts Gave thanks: 20 Thanked 29 times	If it was me I would probably go with option 2 or else build the pc myself. Laptops are just too pricy if you ask me and most times u can build or buy a pc with better specs of a laptop of the same price. __________________ Pass81

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