Looking for a decent desktop

[shaiju_o_thomas]

Hi!

Wanted to get a new laptop for mom. She has been insisting on one. It could have been my 3 year old Toshiba had it not been for the damaged display; dad (unknowingly) sat on it. Oh dad!

I guess a desktop would be better for her. She does not travel, will use it for basic computing like email, chat, surfing, webchat and printing few docs.

Saw some rather expensive Dell, Sony and Lenovo models at Vijay Sales. I thought desktops were inexpensive. So out here posting for some valuable suggestions.

I liked:
Inspiron 620/620s Desktop | Dell India

Mom is non-gamer, non-media person. I can buy the processing unit and display separately (Samsung / LG 22" and like). Planning to pack the rarely used Edifier C2 to Kerala so that can be plugged for music.

Thanks guys,
Shaiju

 

[ShutterX]

youre on the right track. go for a cheap assembled setup. basic motherboard with onboard graphics, a simple display, etc. you will have to go to the local IT market and ask around. the whole thing should be possible for 20k. but remember to get a UPS too...

as far as branded desktops go, i wouldnt go there. anyways, all the parts you buy for the assembled PC will have warranty anyways.

and i do suggest that you do buy windows 7 originial tho.

 

[dillihifi]

Better buy a branded one it looks much sleeker.

 

[avidyarthy]

Consider looking at Lenovo B300 Ideacentre ..... towerless design with wireless mouse and keypad.

Paid 28K in Delhi. Classical non-clutter design, with Windows 7 Basic loaded, 2 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Disc and Intel Core 2 Duo Processor. Great VFM.

 

[baijuxavior]

If your mom needs only basic computing, then you can look for a netbook which are available for as low as 15K. You could also look for entry level laptops from toshiba, acer etc in a price range of 20K.

If you want desktop, then you can assemble one in 20K. The advantage with assembled ones is that each of the components have independent warranty. One of my colleague bought a dell pc and after one year the memory went kaput. He had to buy another memory as the warranty was over. This would not happen in the case of assembled pc as memories have a warranty of atleast 3 years. But remember to include a good quality power supply. The ones coming with the cheap cabinets are the main culprits for pc damage.

 

[anuragn]

I think 15K upper limit is good enough for an assembled desktop with atleast 17" TFT.
And the components are still branded ones when you assemble. Only thing do not compromise on cabinet and power supply.
I feel desktops are easier to use (disounting the portability), especially for senior citizens.

 

[shaiju_o_thomas]

So how does this branded look for about INR 31,000?

Dell Inspiron 620s Desktop, E-Value Code: u240508in8

• Processor 2nd Generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2100 Processor (3.1GHz, 3MB Cache)
• Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Basic 64-Bit
• Memory 3GB DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz
• Hard Drive 500GB3 SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
• Video Card AMD HD6450 1GB DDR3 Graphics
• Monitor Dell IN1930 18.5" Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor
• Warranty 1 Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis

 

[deba]

Presently the component quality of laptops have become very inferior to make the price competitive , therefore one can built a desktop with much better quality component as per ones budget.

 

[anuragn]

Presently the component quality of laptops have become very inferior to make the price competitive , therefore one can built a desktop with much better quality component as per ones budget.

+1 to deba.
I would also advise to buy laptop only if mobility is required.
For purely home use, desktop is a better option - cost & quality wise.
Batteries (in case of laptop) have a limited life and start dying in 3-4 years And laptops, in general ,have lesser life than desktops.

 

[vaibhavyagnik]

Intel e5700 - 3000 INR
Intel BOXDG41WV - 2550 INR
RAM: 2x2 GB DDR3 1333 Mhz - 2000 INR
Hard disk: WD 500 GB blue - 2050 INR
FSP SAGA II 300W - 1500 INR
Cabinet: Generic 1500 INR
Logitect mouse, keyboard - 600 INR
Samsung 21" Full HD - 9800 INR
Headphones - 250 INR
Total: 23250 INR

 

[shaiju_o_thomas]

Vaibhav - thanks.

That's something to give me a headstart if I decide to go down the assembled path.

 

[kernelpanicpopcorn]

id suggest going for the lenovo idea centre, as suggested by someone else. yes, its slightly more expensive, but it will give you and your mother peace of mind, and you won't have to keep going back to repair stuff.

and in case you go for an assembled setup, don't skimp on the screen, mouse and kb. we bought my nani a netbook, and we are regretting it. it seemed good in theory, but never worked out practically...