Need recommendations for a cheap desktop for web browsing.

Pavel Pokidaylo · Oct 15, 2014

Hello. I want to get my father a desktop. He is currently using my old Toshiba laptop but it is very slow. He doesn't need anything fancy, just something to browse the web. I don't need it to come with a monitor as I have plenty of those I can use.

I'd like to spend around $200 if that is possible. Also, it would be a big plus if it had the capability to upgrade to an SSD.

Thanks

Brunostako · Oct 15, 2014

What are the specs of the Toshiba? Core 2 duo, old pentium, atom? DDR2 or DDR3?

If it's a core 2 duo, DDR3, you could just upgrade it with an SSD and more RAM. You will love the results.

canadianvice · Oct 15, 2014

Pavel Pokidaylo :

Have you considered installing a lightweight linux distro on the laptop? That could give it a new lease on life.

Pavel Pokidaylo · Oct 15, 2014

I'm not sure on the specs, I could take a look. I don't really know how to upgrade a laptop

What is lightweight linux distro?

I have not even tried reinstalling windows, maybe I should start with that lol.

But if I do need to get a new one. I think he would prefer a desktop. Any recommendations? Or where I can look? I checked Dell and they have a desktop for $250, not sure how good it is. I also checked Newegg and they don't seem to have anything below $300?

boosted1g · Oct 15, 2014

For $200 you are not going to get anything new, it will have to be used.

You can find off lease computers online from newegg or tiger direct but they are really not going to be any faster better.

Your options are to either upgrade the laptop with more memory and an SSD drive (reloading windows would probably also go a long way to maing faster agian), or try to find a decent used computer locally off of craigslist or something.

IrnMan · Oct 15, 2014

Pavel Pokidaylo :

I'd go for Mint, its interface is very similar to Windows.

I don't know about desktops for $200 but I recently bought a Chromebook for my father as he just uses it for web browsing. Its quick, lightweight and easy to use. This is the one I bought.

Brunostako · Oct 15, 2014

Maybe a tablet?

Pavel Pokidaylo · Oct 15, 2014

No clue what mint or linux or any of that is

What is a chromebook exactly? That looks like a laptop in your link and it's a good price.

It doesn't have to be exactly $200 but ballpark yes.

This the one on Dell website...

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-3646-small-desktop/pd?oc=fdcwnt7101

Brunostako · Oct 15, 2014

Not a bad option. But that CPU, J1800 is very low end, so get ready for some slow downs.

Pavel Pokidaylo · Oct 15, 2014

Naw he needs a desktop. He can barely use the Moto G i got for him for his birthday lol. He was using my old Motorola Razr from like 10 years this whole time

Pavel Pokidaylo · Oct 15, 2014

Hmm, so where should I expect slow downs exactly? Boot up? Web Browsing? I'm not familiar with the CPUs =/

If it will hinder the speed so much maybe I can choose a better CPU there

logainofhades · Oct 15, 2014

This would be sufficient for just web browsing.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883280103&ignorebbr=1

This is the cheapest I could really come up with for a built system.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI AM1I Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard ($36.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Zeus Yellow 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($43.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill RS-MI-01 BK Mini ITX Tower Case w/250W Power Supply ($39.98 @ OutletPC)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $259.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-15 14:26 EDT-0400

Pavel Pokidaylo · Oct 15, 2014

Thanks Lego. Do you think that one is better than the Dell?

IrnMan · Oct 15, 2014

A Chromebook is a small laptop, about the size of the old netbooks. It runs Chrome OS and pretty much everything is done within a chrome browser. Its downside is that it requires a persistent internet connection but if it just being used to check emails or browse the web then it is more than suitable for the job. Also the prices of these things are fantastic.

Pavel Pokidaylo · Oct 15, 2014

That's not a bad price lego for the built PC.

So these Chromebox work the same as the chromebook I take it? http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100019096+4017&IsNodeId=1&name=%24100+-+%24200&Page=1

If it can browse the web that's pretty cool. It's very small heh.

Newegg also has a bunch of refurbished desktops here under $200 even http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100019096+4017&IsNodeId=1&name=%24100+-+%24200&Page=2

I just have no clue how well they work.

I can spend up to $300 really but all he does is browse the web so if I can get him a desktop that can do that for $150 why pay $300? Just my thoughts I dunno.

I do want it to boot up quick and browse the web quick though. That's why I want to add an SSD maybe.

Also, I think I just want to buy one that's already put together.

menetlaus · Oct 15, 2014

If you have never used linux and your dad has issues with new tech - stay away from any linux distribution. A system for your father is NOT the place you want to learn how to setup, run, and manage a linux box.

For the system for him - I would seriously look for a used core 2 duo (or newer system from Intel or equivalent AMD) for cheap with 2 (or 4GB) ram. I would get a 60+GB SSD for the OS and leave the existing hard drive for storage.

If there is no CPU or GPU intensive tasks that will be done on the system - you don't need to look for something new. Any Core 2 Duo box with an SSD will seem quick and snappy to browse the web.

Pavel Pokidaylo · Oct 15, 2014

Hey Menetlaus thanks for reply. Is the CPU in that Dell I linked better or worse than a core 2 duo? Here's the link again http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-3647-small-desktop/pd?ref=PD_Family

Newegg also has a bunch of refurbished desktops and they start at $100 lol. I think they also have some core 2 duo.

Another thing I'm considering is this chromebook https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=chromebook_samsung_wifi
It would be really fast which is great.

I have to find out if he actually needs a PC with Windows or if he just wants to browse the web. If he doesn't need any of the windows apps that chromebook might be the ticket. But if he does want a windows I'll need to find something else.

Need recommendations for a cheap desktop for web browsing.

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