Build a computer for us

[Posh Tourer :P]

Budget: Under $400

We need: It all and a windows disc, and office would be handy. Must run internet and word processing but I dont want vista. How about it? An LCD screen would be nice as we are low on space on the desk too...

Is it possible?

Maarten

[ManDownUnder]

Possible... yes...

Fast? No.
Reliable? No
Legal? No
Latest SW? No

Trademe is your friend. Buy an oldun' and start from there.... you might get most of the way there depending on your first purchase

[Wasp]

yes possible, but not at normal retail prices and no lcd or office

[Street Gerbil]

OpenOffice should solve an office problem. It reads and writes MSOffice files and can be absolutely legally downloaded for free.
Linux will allow you to slash $200 off the price of the rig too.

[Ixion]

Kbuntu, Open Office, Firefox for software. Total cost $0

You won't manage new hardware and LCD for $400.

[ManDownUnder]

Ping these guys and see what they have. End of lines are good... ex rentals too. Cheap as chips, and they have tons in stock - more than the website lets on.

Ring 'em

I've bought a few bits and pieces off them. Reliable and good to deal with

[Wasp]

Ping these guys

they sell our 2nd hand ex-lease laptops

[ManDownUnder]

they sell our 2nd hand ex-lease laptops

Hope they give you good cash for 'em.

I buy end of line stuff from them personally... every now and then. Cheap, new, just not as fast as the new ones.

Now Vista is here I expect a lot more <1GB RAM machines to suddenly appear...

[GR81]

you don't want much do you?

[xwhatsit]

Budget: Under $400

We need: It all and a windows disc, and office would be handy. Must run internet and word processing but I dont want vista. How about it? An LCD screen would be nice as we are low on space on the desk too...

Is it possible?

Maarten

I'm not sure the LCD monitor would be possible. Most 17" LCD monitors are around the $300 mark. 15" ones aren't that much cheaper, and are in some cases bizarrely more expensive because of low demand, so there's not much stock out there.

Can't you just pirate Windows/Office like every other student, lol? Or just use linux like the smart, cultured and discerning BMW rider you are. Don't listen to Ixion, he talks stuff and nonsense -- get Ubuntu, not Kubuntu. KDE is a dog.

[Lias]

Ping these guys and see what they have. End of lines are good... ex rentals too. Cheap as chips, and they have tons in stock - more than the website lets on.

Ring 'em

I've bought a few bits and pieces off them. Reliable and good to deal with

I seriously do not like that company. YMMV

[Posh Tourer :P]

Had a look at those links and they dont seem to have anything right at the moment... Thanks for replying - I know I'm being ambitious, but $300 for an LCD screen???? Surely they get cheaper than that!!! I'll look around... How risky is it to buy LCD second hand?? And what are the issues?

Maarten

[GR81]

there were some philips 15" LCDs for $180 on tardme the other day.

[Ixion]

. Don't listen to Ixion, he talks stuff and nonsense -- get Ubuntu, not Kubuntu. KDE is a dog.

Well, Ubuntu is better. But Kubuntu is considered more "windows like" (and thus, by definition, closer to said dog), and therefore less frightening to those accustomed to Windows.

[ResidentAngel]

Well, Ubuntu is better. But Kubuntu is considered more "windows like" (and thus, by definition, closer to said dog), and therefore less frightening to those accustomed to Windows.

Even closer to Windows, and more reliable for digital content creation (aka audio, graphics and movies) is Studio 64 (http://www.64Studio.com). Uses Gnome by default, and Abiword, but like all Debian linux versions (which Ubuntu and Kubuntu also are) is very easy to add programs like Open Office.

Uses the Synaptic Package Manager, which is extremely easy to use, and configures and installs software automatically once you've set up the repositories (look online for Debian Mirrors).

Also, like most linux, is totally free.