Destop Sys>Low End ~$600 - Where/What?

Hey guys,

A member of my family wishes to buy a low end PC around $600. Something for a cable net connection, basic office software, family pictures or so -in other words low end minimal use type stuff, no UT '04 / video editing / graphics work etc (in case the $600 part didn't tip you off, I know how some of you THG guys can be .

I haven't been following any PC hardware as of late so I don't know what direction to send her, she can operate the software of a PC and the external basics of the hardware: mouse, keyboard etc as far as connecting / disconneting. That is to say her working knowledge of a PC is pretty basic, so she wishes to get something pretty self contained / comes with good costumer support / warranty etc.

She called up a Dell rep the other day after seeing a commercial and got them tp put it on hold (there's some special price deal / rebate, limited time) and e-mail the info/specs. I don't know if in this price range Dell becomes a viable option, I know with researching my PC back a year ago (if any of you know my name or recall my sig then its from a wealth of posts I made here at THG asking about all sorts of PC hardware related topics while researching my machine -ABS Computer Tech. thank you) that Dell wasn't going to be an option for me, but I did come to note that for low end 'entry level' machines they might be decent. Costumer service however I don't know and like I said, its best for her if she has access to good costumer support. Let me post the specs that were sent in the e-mail:

Dimension 2400 Series,Intel Celeron Processor at 2.4GHz Qty: 1 Unit Price: $698.00
>
>[462-6308] Dimension 2400 Series,Intel Celeron Processor at 2.4GHz
>[311-2074] 128MB DDR SDRAM at 333MHz
>[310-1582] Dell Quiet Key Keyboard
>[462-7966] 15 in E152FPb Flat Panel Display
>[430-3900] Integrated Intel 3D AGP Graphics
>[340-9481] 40GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
>[340-8688] No Floppy Drive Requested
>[420-1921] Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition,Service Pack 1,English
>[313-7222] Dell Application Back-up CD, Factory Install
>[412-0409] Generic Dimension Dell Support
>[310-1871] Dell 2-button Scroll Mouse
>[430-0441] Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
>[313-2279] 56K PCI Data Fax Modem
>[313-1476] 48X Max Variable CD-ROM Drive,Factory Install
>[462-7804] Info,48X CDROM
>[313-0847] Integrated ADI 1885 Audio
>[313-1874] Stereo speakers
>[412-0626] SYMANTEC NORTON INTERNET SECURITY 2004,90 DAY TRIAL, OEM
>[412-0516] Dell Jukebox powered by Music Match
>[412-0521] Dell Photo Album Standard
>[420-3224] Broadband Icon for Inspiron
>[412-0625] Dell/My Way Home Page
>[412-0587] AOL Solo
>[412-0380] Real Network RealOne Player Basic,Version 6,US English
>[412-0395] Word Perfect Productivity Pack
>[412-0551] Money 2004 Standard Version for Dimension
>[412-0555] Microsoft Enclyclopedia,2004 for Dimension
>[950-7447] 4 Year Limited Warranty
>[412-0359] Soft Contracts - Qualxserve
>[902-5190] Type 3- Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
>[900-3463] Type 3- Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, 3 Year Extended
>[980-3097] $100 MAIL-IN SERVICE REBATE 46105. Redeem within 30 days of ship at dell4me.com/rebates
>[462-7652] $100 MAIL-IN SYSTEM REBATE 46102. Redeem within 30 days of ship at dell4me.com/rebates
>[412-0519] Dell Media Experience
>[462-7782] $50 DFS MAIL-IN SYSTEM REBATE 46106. Redeem within 30 days of ship at dell4me.com/rebates
>
>Subtotal: $698.00
>Shipping: $99.00
>Tax: $0.00
>Total: $797.00


-the rebates come to make that around $600 (the $50 rebate not included) with monitor.

Processor: Celeron I don't know, again not really being used for anything that's gonna put a real load on it, but if a better choice is viable / in the price range I would rather go for that. Would not an Intel P4 @ ~2ghz / AMD 2600/equivalent be an option here?
MOBO: WTH does Dell use? Is this: Dimension 2400 Series their mobo or something, did I miss something?
RAM: 128MB DDR SDRAM at 333MHz: WTH? Seems kinda low -128mb/slow -333MHz not 400?
VPU: With this price can't I still get something other then integrated crap? What are some decent value version of ATi and nVIDIAs lines that fits this price range?

Software: After the OS it doesn't matter / doesn't factor into the decision at all.

I was able to price an ABS PC at about $600 (cheapest config I was able to find) w/o monitor, they don't seem to have any offers / rebates on it right now:

<A HREF="http://www.abspc.com/app/Config.asp?mono=1720&view=2" target="_new">http://www.abspc.com/app/Config.asp?mono=1720&view=2</A>

The monitor on her old machine is broke and she says she would like to have something soon -whether is a whole new PC or just a monitor, as she does her bills online and she also stays in touch with family overseas via emails etc.

Monitor: I have a couple posts going in the Monitor section, if you could direct your attention for a moment there as well we would appreciate it:


Monitor Input - Newer Monitors work on OLD system?:
<A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/ce/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=18613#18613" target="_new">http://forumz.tomshardware.com/ce/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=18613#18613</A>
Monitor Purchase - Cheap ~$100 -15-17" Where/What?:
<A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/ce/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=18614#18614" target="_new">http://forumz.tomshardware.com/ce/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=18614#18614</A>


-any input would be good, try to keep it simple. I don't need this running off into some Dell sux, ATi's next gen will da ownz nVidiot's crap (-which if obvious anyway) or spec sheets drowning on and on about pipeline this and front side that...

Thanks.

EDIT: You 'Other' forum guys are whores, so please post legit comments here: <A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=176596#176596" target="_new">CPU Forum POST - REPLY HERE</A>

peace,
-=<font color=blue>i3lue}{orneT</font color=blue>=-<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by BlueHornet on 04/20/04 01:47 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

the other section is not available for computer help, go to the CPU section if u need help. This place is for men to do their "man" things

RIP Block Heater....HELLO P4~~~~~
120% nVidia Fanboy+119% Money Fanboy
GeForce 6800 Ultra--> The Way we thought FX 5800Ultra is meant to be played
THGC's resident Asian and nVboy

-damn this place has gone to hell. A year ago this WAS the place to post such a think, bastards

Get your own damn beer, you a fool for following my link.

peace,

peace,
-=<font color=blue>i3lue}{orneT</font color=blue>=-