What about a grunt computer? You know, to carry my other computers' bags and stuff.

[Sergo]

I'm currently using my Celeron 400 machine to do all the computer dirty work around here so that my game machine stays relatively clean. But it's not doing such a hot job anymore, and I was thinking of replacing it with something brand new, but very basic and not at all Vanguard-worthy. Is my best bet for a reliable, featureless, cheap machine to go with Dell? Local big box retail? What are your thoughts on this?

[soronil]

cheapest new computer you could get would probably be an emachine. as low as 400 or so from retailers like best buy and compusa.

AMD sempron 3100+ with 256mb ram and a 100gb hd for 389 before rebates at www.bestbuy.com (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7438374&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat60700050016&id=1124431830387) right now.. the ram might be a tad low but easily upgradable.

[Alodar]

Heck, at Walmart, you can get an 3200 or something X2 to handle the dirty work in an EMachine for like 599 or so, that comes with a flat panel even.

[Sergo]

Okay, my priority is to spend the absolute least amount possible, so I'm thinking the Dell that's advertised for $299 after rebate is the way to go...

Please... :) don't tell me I could spend "just a little more" and get a so-and-so with a such-and-such in it. All that "little more" is going into the savings account with the words "Vanguard Dream Machine" written on every bill.

[Fozzik]

I guess my only question is... Will the $299 system you're looking at be any better than the one you have now? If it isn't, then even $299 is too much money.

[Sergo]

Fair point, Fozzik, but I think the answer is yes... it's a 2.5 GHz machine instead of a 0.4 GHz. My current grunt machine crumples under the weight of a modern version of Norton Antivirus. It's also istbar-infected, running on Windows 98, locks up once or twice a day, and just generally a pain in the hinder. Looking at the eight year old monitor is like rubbing gravel on my eyeballs.

If I do get a new computer to handle most of my family's web surfing, I'll start off right by getting an alternative browser and mail client.

[Slide]

If it's just for surfing a Mac Mini might be suitable.

[Razorwire]

I've had an emachine before and it wasn't a bad box. If you are just using it for generic tasks they are fine machines.

[Sergo]

AHA! Now the bull**** comes clear. Dell wanted $100 for shipping on that $299 system. If that's industry-standard now, please correct me, but I know I payed $50 on the system I bought two years ago from ABS.

Going to watch the Sunday inserts and see if any of the big box stores have a cheap system.