Recommend a computer... or two

[Skiz]

My Dad was looking to buy two new PC's and wanted some idea of what he should go after. He'll likely have a computer guy build whatever he decides on, as that is what he has done in the past. Both of his current setups are Shuttles and I know he prefers those, but certainly not a requirment.

Money is not a factor but there is no need to be wasteful either.

The computers will both be used for equivalent purposes, none of which would include gaming or anything graphic intensive. His uses will solely be Internet, email, Office, etc...

Must haves are pretty basic:

"DVD burner- what's good? Network card. 4 USB ports"

Suggestions?

[Acid_death69]

well seen as he's only using it for something like that you can get away with a pretty cheap system.
Are you wanting a fully built system then or a list of parts?
Just thinking will the bloke who puts the pc together (if built in parts) will he charge for labour?
Just thinking if that's the case price wise it may be equal.

[db_la_23]

i think he can go for an AMD anthon dual core 6000+ Asus mob 2gb ddr2 800 mhz ram 250 sata WD hdd LG sata dvd wtiter 19 inchs viewsonic mont.

[clocker]

What OS will be installed?

[db_la_23]

xp r vista

[clocker]

32 or 64 bit?

[Skiz]

Whoops. Windows will be the OS.

Vista I suppose will be the version.

32 or 64? I dunno? Recommendations? Pros/Cons? What's the "standard"?

As for RAM, I'm thinking 4GB for sure.

[ryan20021982]

Whoops. Windows will be the OS.

Vista I suppose will be the version.

32 or 64? I dunno? Recommendations? Pros/Cons? What's the "standard"?

As for RAM, I'm thinking 4GB for sure.

I have xp 64bit and its ok I had some problems with programs not working with 64 bit, but eventually found other programs that worked.

The main problem was my printer wont work on 64 bit so had to buy another printer.

Its nice to use all 4 gig ram but dont think I would do it again

[Detale]

Skizo for your pops 32bit would be the way to go so there would be no compatibility issues.

What kind of budget are we working with here as that is usually the best place to start?

Will this be his main rig or a seconsary/backup machine?

I'd say get something barebones and go from there. Tiger has this one on sale now:

Lenovo IdeaCentre K210 Intel Desktop Computer - I

ntel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz,

3GB DDR2-667, 500GB SATA II, DVDRW,

Intel GMA3100 Graphics,

Flash Reader,

Windows Vista Home Premium SP1

$499

There are cheaper options out there but OI figure this would be a quick easy solution

On the other side if you want a better computer for him here is something I put together a few months back for a friend for just under $700. See why we need a price point homie

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5

GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600

EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT

CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX

G.SKILL 4GB 1066

You could always play around with the pieces to drop the price a bit, like the PSU or even the video card without much harm IMO.

[db_la_23]

well c2d is better if u can afford it. go for 2.66 2 gb ddr2 ram DG 35 intel orgni mobtherbroad Lg sata writer 250 gb sata wd hdd 19 inchs view sonic mont and 8800 gtx graphics card if u ant