Should I get this PC?

[AuroEdge]

This guy I know at school is selling his PC. I offered $350 for it, but he might not go lower than $400. Do you guys think I should go for it? Here's the specs.:

Dell OptiPlex GX240 Tower
Pentium 4 1.60GHz Processor
768MB RAM
40GB/7200 WD Hard Drive
ATI RAGE PRO 16MB Video Card
40x CD-ROM Drive
1.44MB Floppy Disk Drive
Intel PRO Series 10/100 Network Card
Lucent 56k v.92 Dial Up Modem

Running Windows XP Professional, SP1a, Microsoft Office 2003, MS Frontpage
2003, MS Publisher 2003, Macromedia Flash MX 2004, Macromedia Dreamweaver
2004, Macromedia Fireworks 2004, Novell Client 4.90SP1a.

Black Dell Keyboard and Dell Scroll Mouse Included.

[glockjs]

really depends...do you have an OS you can load and other software already? if you do i would just build a computer, dont see anything too special bout that computer.

[redwudz]

I don't see a monitor. Without it, it's a OK price, but no bargain. No CD burner? Hate to say it, but check Dell for a refurbished model. You can do better for around $350 - $400US. If no OS, software discs, you have a problem. I feel for him, you can never recoup the cost of a PC. Usually the best you can do is 50% of the purchased value.

[808smokey]

Do you guys think I should go for it? Dell OptiPlex GX240 Tower.

NO, build your own (if you can). Dell and Gateway, compaq HP's are junk IMO

[gmatov]

Actually,the answer is no, because you can get better from the superstores, maybe a rebate involved, but with OS, with monitor, etc..

I would almost bet this machine is the same as the ones built today, integrated, meaning crippled vid card, sound card, both actually on board chips.

Probably bigger drive, also, as they are getting cheaper an cheaper.

KB, mouse, SW package.

Were i to buy a mass market maker's machine, I'd go that route.

You, of course can take this white elephant off his hands and, should I say it?, pat yourself on the back for helping your fellow man.

Cheers,

George

[fmctm1sw]

Do you guys think I should go for it? Dell OptiPlex GX240 Tower.

NO, build your own (if you can). Dell and Gateway, compaq HP's are junk IMO

I stay away from "brand name" stuff as well. Upgrading efforts are usually impossible.

[indolikaa]

No.

[Roundabout]

If you want a Dell, might as well have a new one with warranty and up to date. For example, if you go to www.techbargains.com you will find this posted today:

P4-2.66Ghz Desktop for $379:

$50 less today. Dimension 2400 desktop P4-2.66Ghz/533Mhz bus 128MB DDR Memory/Free 80GB HD, 48x CD, 6 months free ISP, 10/100 Ethernet, Word Perfect/MS Money, XP Home

$379 after $50 rebate. Free shipping, tax is charged. 2.8Ghz upgrade only +$30.
On Dell SB website, Click Featured Systems under Dimension 2400, Customize it on Middle config, Check $50 rebate/Free 80GB

Seems like a lot better deal than what your friend is offering you. The deals change almost daily, but if you keep checking that website, you'll find what you want eventually.

[glockjs]

$50 less today. Dimension 2400 desktop P4-2.66Ghz/533Mhz bus 128MB DDR Memory/Free 80GB HD, 48x CD, 6 months free ISP, 10/100 Ethernet, Word Perfect/MS Money, XP Home

you realize that 128mb ddr is SHARED

[offline]

ATI RAGE PRO 16MB Video Card

Worthless unless you just wordprocess. You can
do better for the money.





- - -
Some just don't know when to stop pissing and moaning.
Their unrivaled sense of entitlement, arrogance and shamelessness
is amazing to behold. They still refuse to accept the consequences
of their actions like a man, utilizing innocent offspring as a prop
to propagate their paranoid view of the truth. Whiner of the year!

[glockjs]

what r u talking about offline???? i have a 16m diamond viper in my puter...let me tell you something, this card whoops some major ass














im gonna go to the corner and cry now

[offline]

Oh Yeah glockjs!!

Well I have a pesky Amstrad that will rip your socks off. When my
friends see me fire her up they cry at the extreme speed of the
floppy being read. And the graphics?? 16 greyscale colours in your
face with 3d performance that you don't have to wait until next month
to see the next line, just a few weeks.

I'm talking raw power here, not some sissy Viper from Diamond Corp.

SO there!


- - -
Some just don't know when to stop pissing and moaning.
Their unrivaled sense of entitlement, arrogance and shamelessness
is amazing to behold. They still refuse to accept the consequences
of their actions like a man, utilizing innocent offspring as a prop
to propagate their paranoid view of the truth. Whiner of the year!

[andyp1]

Hard to say who is more foolish

Him for wanting 400 for it

or you for offering 350.

[Hardcoreruss]

Hard to say who is more foolish

Him for wanting 400 for it

or you for offering 350.

[shoozleboy]

Running Windows XP Professional, SP1a, Microsoft Office 2003, MS Frontpage
2003, MS Publisher 2003, Macromedia Flash MX 2004, Macromedia Dreamweaver
2004, Macromedia Fireworks 2004, Novell Client 4.90SP1a.

It would be worth it for the software alone - IF it's all legit and has the licenses' and discs..... which at that price, I doubt.

[Jayhawk]

shoozleboy makes a good point about the software. IF it's all licensed that's well over $500 in software, especially if they aren't upgrade packs. Nothing else special except the Optiplex is the higher end "business machine" unlike the plastic "dimension series". Memory is good and processor speed isn't bad, especially for a surf / word processing machine. Video card needs help but that's only $50 or less to get 64M. It would probably not be ungradeable as most Dell motherboards have very limited upgrade potential.

[glockjs]

I'm talking raw power here, not some sissy Viper from Diamond Corp.

SO there!

did i forget to mension it's a TNT, oh i think i did..yup somebody has a diamond viper TNT, and i think that somebody would be me...yeah thats right buddy you know whats up now.

[AuroEdge]

This PC isn't going to be my main machine which I'm going to build myself. All it's gonna be is a work PC, server, and anything else my two other PCs won't be doing.

[Capmaster]

This PC isn't going to be my main machine which I'm going to build myself. All it's gonna be is a work PC, server, and anything else my two other PCs won't be doing.

1.6GHz and 40GB seems a bit anemic. You can do better.

[stiltman]

I have that same box right next to me (at work)
The video card is not built-in
The sound card is, but it's not that bad
I got more RAM.
My HDD is larger and removable

Over all it's not a bad computer. Does just fine with ACAD and Photoshop

However, I would go HERE and pick up a Dimension for the same price that is more current/faster/warrenty

[glockjs]

warrenty

very very good point

[flaninacupboard]

let's not start another bitchy grammar-fest.....

[glockjs]

i was being serious. so what if its spelt wrong. too lazy to type, thats why its a quote(cut n' paste is lovely)....

puters can be weird sometimes...working today, r.i.p. tomorrow...warranty is important, specially if your buying a dell

[AuroEdge]

The guy would be giving me his warranty he has. It covers all parts, and next day servicing. If I can really get a computer as good or better for the same price, I won't get it then. Please link me to a comparably priced computer ($350-$400) that tops it.

[808smokey]

The guy would be giving me his warranty he has. It covers all parts, and next day servicing. If I can really get a computer as good or better for the same price, I won't get it then. Please link me to a comparably priced computer ($350-$400) that tops it.

I can build you one for 350-400 that will blow that dell outta the water

[AuroEdge]

I made my mind up that if I can't get it for $300 (minus the monitor) that I won't get it. I already have a pc about half as good for my server and plan on building my monster machine. This would just be a replacement for my current server pc or a divx etc. type deal.

[AuroEdge]

*Update* The guy said he'll sell it to me for $300. Only thing is, he'd take the 512MB RAM stick out and give me a non-dell mouse/keyboard. I'm not really desperate for this computer. Should I go for it now?

P.S. He's including the remainder of his warranty which is about a year. It's a really good onsite warranty plus I get lifetime technical sport (not that I need it )

[glockjs]

if your gonna build a beefed up system pretty soon then i wouldnt waste your time with that one. put the money towards your new puter..

[gmatov]

If the software came pre-installed, with restore disks, they will only work with a Dell machine.

That's why you don't have to enter an install code when you redo Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc. PCs.

No bargain there, then, if it can only be used with that, or another, Dell machine.

Cheers,

George

[gitreel]

You could build you a decent computer between 300 and 400 dollars, that you could customize to your hearts content. Why go for a prebuilt one, when it limits your expandability and upgradeability?