Which PC manufacturer would you advise for Mom?

[Bob151]

Mom wants a PC, but has little money, same thing with me (money-wise).

Hardware doesn't have to be outstanding, no game playing, DVD/CD ripping, warezing by mom. I have told her that whatever she gets will work better with 512MB DRAM as opposed to 256MB, preferably 1GB.

However, I am getting very tired answering, and providing on-site service for all my relatives. The context of the on-site service is always related to software, mis-understanding of use of programs, spyware, viruses, programs designed for Windows 95 installed on XP, etc.. Since my recommendations aren't frequently followed to utilize both anti-virus and anti-spyware and renew licenses so auto-updates continue automatically, I want less exposure to fixing things.

Would any of the larger, cheaper hardware manufacturers offer good support for people like mom?

She wants to spend a few hundred dollars, she doesn't need a monitor, she will be using the 17" CRT I gave her a while back.

Which would you think, Dell, HP, CPQ, eMachines(GASP!)?

Thanks

 

[Eureka]

Actually, eMachines has one of the best-rated customer service departments... so if that's what you want, try that, even if their machines are absolute crap (then again, you're not talking about a gaming rig in the first place).

Norm

 

[secretanchitman]

i'd say dell, but cevilgenius has a point, emachines has pretty good customer service. i heard hp isnt too bad either...

 

[The J]

Actually, from my limited experiences eMachines computers are pretty good nowadays. Sometimes they'll be on sale at Costco.

 

[imported_fx]

For people like your mom, you might want to go with cheap computer like Celeron D or Sempron with 512mb, at least 40gb hard drive, and combo drive. There are various of different good computer companies that provided good customer support and warranties.

Dell B110
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/...g.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DB110A&s=dhs

HP Pavillon a1200 series
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopp...s/hp_pavilion&storeName=computer_store

eMachine T3504 (add another 256mb if needed)
http://www.e4me.com/products/products.html?prod=T3504

If you want to build one for your mom for less than 300 bucks..

Celeron D 331
ASRock 775i65G (Support Conroe)
G.Skill 512mb RAM DDR400
Western Digital 40GB HD
Combo Drive
Antec Solution SLK1650 w/ 350watts PSU

Total=$280

 

[Bob151]

Thanks, I never new there were good things to say about eMachines. My last close exposure to them was about 6-7 years ago, and it wasn't my PC personally.

I've often liked HP's support, but it is mostly with their printing products. I haven't professionally managed desktops or servers for 5 years, but I liked HP products when I did.

 

[John]

Your mom will most likely have to pay extra for the 3rd party support. I'd go with a cheap Dell w/ on-site service + Dell on call.

 

[mechBgon]

You might consider starting Mom off with a Limited account too. They're a strong antispyware/antivirus defense that never expires, never needs updating, and never turns off (unless someone logs on with the Admin account). They protect the antivirus software, they protect the Windows Firewall from tampering, they're great as a foundational start to your security strategy.

There are gotchas to Limited accounts, but my mom's rig is set up that way and works fine for her needs.

One other remark: with WinXP Home Edition coming relatively close to the end of its support life, it might be worth it to wait for Vista or else jump up to WinXP Pro, which has a longer support life. XP Pro also opens the door to additional security tweaks like a Software Restriction Policy.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Alienware all the way!!!
I bet your mom RoxoRz!!

 

[Bob151]

mechBgon, yea, I've already started down that limited account road, it has helped since the last time I rebuilt her OS install. In fact, I no longer run on an admin account on my own PC. I only run admin for installs, games and such.

BTW, you say that XP Home was announced for EOL, I did not know this.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Bob151
mechBgon, yea, I've already started down that limited account road, it has helped since the last time I rebuilt her OS install. In fact, I no longer run on an admin account on my own PC. I only run admin for installs, games and such.

BTW, you say that XP Home was announced for EOL, I did not know this.

Basically, support for XP Home expires two years after they release Vista. Support for XP Pro goes another 5 years after that, or at least out to 2013, if I remember my facts right. Checking... ok, from the full listing, here is WinXP Home Edition's support lifecycle.

"Mainstream support will end two years after the next version of this product is released." Which means Vista. For more info on what the difference is between Mainstream support and Extended support, here's a good page that explains it and also shows it graphically.

 

[Blain]

DELL...
eMachines will never be good enough to overcome their history of pathetic parts.

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: Blain
DELL...
eMachines will never be good enough to overcome their history of pathetic parts.

so basically you're saying you're an ignorant fool.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Blain
DELL...
eMachines will never be good enough to overcome their history of pathetic parts.

so basically you're saying you're an ignorant fool.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm say. Thank you for clearing it up. :laugh:

 

[thescreensavers]

ether gateway or HP or eMachines they all use AMD so its good

 

[halfadder]

Dell + Onsite help, so they can come to her rescue instead of you having to fix it for her all the time.

 

[acegazda]

dude, were getting a dell!
If they come out with a cheap c2d pc, that would be gr8.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: halfadder
Dell + Onsite help, so they can come to her rescue instead of you having to fix it for her all the time.

One thing to keep in mind is that on-site service is only to replace defective hardware after the initial troubleshooting over the phone.

 

[acegazda]

And dell employs cheap indian lababorers to deal with customers... still, they are a decent value.

 

[excalibur3]

I would definitely get a mac. I don't want to come off as one of those fanatics but for someone who doesn't know too much about computers they are very good at not getting infected, spyware-inated, and she wouldn't have permissions to delete any files that she could screw up. If she has a monitor she could get a macmini for about $600-$700 and it would be loaded with ilife (photo, movie, song stuff) and she could buy office for $150 I think (or use neo office which is free).

 

[L00ker]

I second the Mac, there is an old saying which still holds true and it goes like this "If you want to work on a computer buy a PC if you want to get work done on a computer get a mac" I have been working with computers for 12+ years and the only computers I have worked with that required VERY little maintenance was (and still is) the mac, no compatibility issues (it's either mac or it's not) with hardware or software and it's designed to be reliable and intuitive. Although I am not a personal fan of Mac's it's what I started on in computing. I have never heard people complain about their mac not working the way they intended, they are just simply a computer for non-computer people.

 

[chusteczka]

Just like my mom cooked my meals for me until I left home and my dad supported the home, I find it my responsibility to ensure my family is properly set up with their computers. When they need help, I am there to help them. Additionally, I make sure to set up the computer properly, with the appropriate applications, and take the time to teach them the basic operation of the computer to minimize their need to ask for help.

Edit:
I make sure all my friends have their computers set up properly in a similar manner. It is really not that difficult and it often provides a reason for friends to keep in touch through our busy schedules.