Expert PC Shoppers help - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jsmith · #1 08-10-2003, 09:32 AM

need an entry level PC to replace my teenager's aging PC. doesn't need to be a heavy duty cruncher so AMD or Celeron is ok. it's gonna be a glorified word processor / web surfer for schoolwork. the price range i am finding is around $600 and this includes:

-2.4GHZ Celeron
-256MB Ram
-40Gb HD
-17 monitor
-DVD/CDRW combo
-10/100Mbit ethernet
-56k modem

these are from the usual suspects at gateway/dell/hp. gateway is a straight deal, no rebates - the others all play the rebate game anyone know where there's a better deal?

BrierS · #2 08-10-2003, 09:47 AM

Have you considered a Dell/Gateway refurbished? They are typically carrying the warranty of the non refurbished.

Locally, the Staples, Office Max, etc. offer reasonable > good deals. Might have some frustrations if you need service yet I can't say I've needed any with the last six computers.

I searched online and found a distributor in Canada for my last one. Lowest price I could find and I didn't care where it came from. Best of luck. Steve

jsmith · #3 08-10-2003, 09:59 AM

the refurbs are only about $50 less and are typically a -1 generation so i would get a slower CPU etc. i've done most of my shopping online and have used a couple of aggregators to compare. so far, that seems to be the best price i've found. does anyone have any experience with emachines? they're a bit lower but i know they are a no-frills brand. i have never used any kind of support having built all my computers since the 386 came out. it's cheaper to buy entire systems now - just can't beat the prices anymore...

BrierS · #4 08-10-2003, 06:36 PM

I am certain you are correct that often the spread between the machines is not too great. However, you mentioned -1 generation with slower CPU. I cannot imagine what type of applications a student could possibly run on a desk/lap top that would even come close to challenging the speeds of these machines. I have one application that is about as deep as you can get. On a much earlier CPU it ran iterations nearly all night. The same app on the past three computers does it in a matter of minutes. Monte Carlo Simulation is not a light-weight app. Are you possibly thinking of the RAM. That is where you need some headroom. To a certain extent, the more the better (correct kind also). Luck - Steve

Botnst · #5 08-10-2003, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BrierS
Monte Carlo Simulation is not a light-weight app. Are you possibly thinking of the RAM. That is where you need some headroom. To a certain extent, the more the better (correct kind also). Luck - Steve

BrierS, what are you using Monte Carlo simulation for, if you don't mind my asking? Just curious, as I have been interested in resampling stats applied to geography. There's a pretty cool program that has a BASIC-like interpreter and a DOS-like interface. I've been very pleased with it as a learning tool but haven't done anything especially meaningful with it.

Botnst

PS I realize my post has nothing to do with the thread, sorry. Curiosity kills me.

BrierS · #6 08-11-2003, 07:17 AM

Botnst
I run Monte Carlo Simulation through PlanEase. It is a tool for completing risk analyses on investment grade income properties. I find the packaged application a very powerful tool if the user clearly understands both the property and the environment it exists in. However, the inclusion in reports overwhelms some end-users, while those that understand "future value-to-present worth" concepts not only grasp these types of analyses, they trust them. Never looked to see if there are other applications or stand-alones using Monte Carlo but I would think so. As a side note, I find it interesting that when first developed, it took University "Cray" type computers to even handle Monte Carlo. If that doesn't show how far the computer processing technology . . .
Best _ Steve

As Botnst stated, I also apologize for the side-track

jsmith · #7 08-11-2003, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 123c
I would personally go with an hp, I have had very little problems with mine in the past 2 years. Probally the best place to buy one would be at one of the office supply superstores (now is the best time to buy)...

eric,

yeah, i configured one and it's under $500 - shipped! i opted for the Athlon since it outperforms the Celerons and is lower priced to boot.

briers,

i used to mess with montecarlo sims on unix boxes years ago when i was involved in some AI stuff. although my high school kid probably won't ever have to do anything as rigorous i am curious to see how these lower end machines fare...