[Nightmyst]

I will be moving away from home for the first time in a month. I will be taking my computer with me and would like to purchase a "simple" desktop computer for my parents. They know very little about how to operate a computer so those fancy power machines are lost on them. I'm reading the PC World article about "Top 10 Budget Desktop PCs" but I'm not sure what all those details mean when you start looking at internal components. I was hoping someone here could point me in the direction I need to start shopping if I tell you what the computer needs to do. I'm not even sure if one of those budget computers will suffice with wanting to use Skype.

My Dad will be the only one using the computer (Mom's scared to touch it). He will use it for basic web surfing, email, and writing letters using Word (I already have that disc). I would like to set them up with Skype so that we will be able to talk as much as we want without running up phone bills. Occasionally, he might try to watch a dvd he checked out from the library on it. Other than those things, the computer won't be used. He doesnt listen to music, no ipod, no digital camera, and doesn't play any games. Therefore, he will not need a huge hard drive.

Another added question, is about making sure the "simple" computer can access the internet. We have cable internet with a wireless router. The new "simple" computer will need to be able to access the internet without being plugged directly into the modem (because my computer is already plugged in). Is it standard for computers to be wired for wireless already?

Thank you so much in advance for any direction you can point me in.

[compnovo]

Nightmyst, on 04 August 2010 - 01:56 PM, said:

I will be moving away from home for the first time in a month. I will be taking my computer with me and would like to purchase a "simple" desktop computer for my parents. They know very little about how to operate a computer so those fancy power machines are lost on them. I'm reading the PC World article about "Top 10 Budget Desktop PCs" but I'm not sure what all those details mean when you start looking at internal components. I was hoping someone here could point me in the direction I need to start shopping if I tell you what the computer needs to do. I'm not even sure if one of those budget computers will suffice with wanting to use Skype.

My Dad will be the only one using the computer (Mom's scared to touch it). He will use it for basic web surfing, email, and writing letters using Word (I already have that disc). I would like to set them up with Skype so that we will be able to talk as much as we want without running up phone bills. Occasionally, he might try to watch a dvd he checked out from the library on it. Other than those things, the computer won't be used. He doesnt listen to music, no ipod, no digital camera, and doesn't play any games. Therefore, he will not need a huge hard drive.

Another added question, is about making sure the "simple" computer can access the internet. We have cable internet with a wireless router. The new "simple" computer will need to be able to access the internet without being plugged directly into the modem (because my computer is already plugged in). Is it standard for computers to be wired for wireless already?

Thank you so much in advance for any direction you can point me in.

Hi, and welcome to the forums,
From what you're describing you could just go into Walmart or Costco and purchase one of the boxed PCs you find there; probably any HP with an included flat panel monitor will do nicely. I prefer Costco because of their excellent return policy.
One thing you might not be able to find is a desktop with built-in wireless but you can buy a USB-type wireless antenna (also available at Walmart) you can easily install yourself.
Hope this helps.

This post has been edited by compnovo: 04 August 2010 - 03:16 PM

[Nightmyst]

Thanks, it does help with a start. Unfortunately we don't have a Costco where I live. We have a Sams and there are a few models I was looking at there.

HP Pavilion p6547c Desktop 2.80GHz, 640GB
HP Pavilion Desktop 2.80GHz, 500GB, 20"
HP Pavilion Desktop 2.70GHz, 500GB, 18.5"

I would appreciate it if someone would look at those 3 links and tell me which would be best for what I need. Its a foreign language with processors, chipsets, cache, bus, and ram. I just want to make sure that the computer will be good enough to handle Skype video calls with my parents as well as the basic internet use. Thanks.

[asiafish]

Nightmyst, on 04 August 2010 - 05:14 PM, said:

Thanks, it does help with a start. Unfortunately we don't have a Costco where I live. We have a Sams and there are a few models I was looking at there.

HP Pavilion p6547c Desktop 2.80GHz, 640GB
HP Pavilion Desktop 2.80GHz, 500GB, 20"
HP Pavilion Desktop 2.70GHz, 500GB, 18.5"

I would appreciate it if someone would look at those 3 links and tell me which would be best for what I need. Its a foreign language with processors, chipsets, cache, bus, and ram. I just want to make sure that the computer will be good enough to handle Skype video calls with my parents as well as the basic internet use. Thanks.

Spend a little more and get them an iMac, that way you don't need to worry about every email attachment being a virus and excellent support by a real person in front of you is available at any Apple store.

[coastie65]

Hi Nightmyst, This one has the best overall specs: http://www.samsclub....&navAction=push , although unlike the other two, doesn't come with a monitor. All would probably be fine for what he will be using it for. As for the above mentioned iMacs, Don't bother spending the money on those overpriced things. They are fine for some folks who have the money to spend and as for the emails, never had a problem with my Windows machines. They do have room for future upgrades which is good, if it is desired.

[LiveBrianD]

[quote name='Nightmyst' timestamp='1280959019' post='388013']<br />I will be moving away from home for the first time in a month.  I will be taking my computer with me and would like to purchase a