Desktop Computer Packages

What kind of desktop computer should my father-in-law buy?

Can anyone make a suggestion about this? My father-in-law only does chat, email, some internet surfing, listens to CDs, and uses the basic Windows office suite to do stuff like use excel to keep track of his assets. I think he may not like windows Vista if the change in interface is too dramatic, but there may not be any solution to that. He wants to spend like 350 to no more than 500 dollars. Is this even possible? Should he get a refurbished computer, and if so, what kind? (not a mac -- that wouldn't work for him). Are there any good sales or promotions that anyone knows of (am also checking cnet and dealnews)? He doesn't need a printer, I don't think. We are getting him DSL, so I guess he needs an ethernet card (right?). Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Public Comments

1. If you get a great deal, you can get a pretty nice computer for only 500 with a little bit of searching and patience. Check this one out http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113025 For the things that he does, I'd say he needs these basics. 2 GHz processing clock speed 160 GB hard drive 1 GB RAM 128 MB graphics card Ethernet cards in computers are pretty standard now. As for the vista info: I'd say that he can stay on XP if he likes it. Vista hasn't released it's first service pack yet, so there are still some bugs in it. The menu's are rearranged a bit, so if he doesn't wan't to make the switch, he doesn't need to. XP is still great and MUCH less resource hungry. Check some of the sites below for some decent deals on desktop computers. EDIT: On a side note, however, you may want to consider looking ahead. Spending a bit more money on a nicer computer will make it more future proof, and you may save money in the long run. For instance, the computer you're looking to buy may only meet minimum standards for 2 or 3 years, whereas a nicer computer will last even longer.
2. CHECK OUT DELL OUTLET IF YOU WANT REFURBISHED COMPUTERS http://www.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/dimen?c=us&l=en&s=dfh&cs=22 Click the Type of computer you want then click view inventory.
3. if your father-in-law only does the basics of computing, then i will strongly advise NOT to get a vista. it is such a resource hog and doesn't really offer anything more than xp for basic computing needs. you can always go for a core2duo based desktop as your high-end model and as low as pentium 4. i wouldn't suggest a refurbished model though as it may break down early and you might spend more than just buying a warrantied model.
4. go buy a newspaper that has parade magazine in it (personally I hate this magazine, but it usually has a promotion /advertisement for a cheap dell on the back cover) edit: if you want to save money, use linux because it has about half the system requirements so you don't need as expensive of a computer to do the same stuff.
5. For that amount of money, go to www.dell.com and look at their new, outlet and refurb comps. You might also find XP Pro as opposed to Vista.