Hey, I am looking for a cheap usable PC for my parents, they will only use it for dial up, and my dad who is legally blind, is getting software to help he see a few things.. (macular degeneration) I found this on craigslist and its close, so may work, I'm pretty short on money and will still need to find him a 19 inch monitor for his program.. thoughts? I would have to wait awile if I wanted to buy them a dell, and this is here and now.. previoulsy they were using the old Pentium 166 I gave them, but it is way too slow now.. I know I'm not real impressed with emachines and wally world (yes I know) has one new for $495 w/o any fricking rebates... what do you think???

Emachines Microsoft Windows XP
-120 GB
-512 MB
-10/100 Mbps ethernet
-6 USB ports
-2600+ AMD Athlon XP Processor
-2.8 gh
-DVD/CD Player

I do not have any of the reboot CDs,

For $200 I'm also throwing in a great Hewlett Packard Printer in excellent condition. Again, no CDs with it, but it's in perfect condition.
So for $200 you can get:
-17" flat screen monitor
-Keyboard
-2 great speakers
-Guts of computer
-Printer

Honestly, you still cannot beat this deal from Dell:

http://dealnews.com/deals/Dell-Dimension-5150-Pentium-4-3-GHz-Desktop-w-19-LCD-for-579-after-rebate/109340.html

Now, that is a cutting edge Pentium 4 system AND a free 19" flat panel. Either you buy it and sell them your computer or however you figure it out, it's a plus for you.

BUT be sure to include a 3yr warranty! It will cost ~$80 xtra but it's worth every dang penny.

DO NOT get a Celeron processor (it shouldn't be one using that deal).

If that deal expires (as they do from day to day), here are some more:

http://dealnews.com/categories/Computer/PC-Systems/PC-Desktops/48.html

Pick and choose what's best for you. I just cashed in on the $579 deal for my g/f's mom and she freaking loves it, the 19" flat panel is so much easier on her eyes..

PS - a few more pearls of wisdom -

If you buy from Dell Home, shipping and tax are normally waived if I remember right (shipping is almost always free).

If you buy from Dell Small Business, you will pay shipping and tax. You've been forewarned, watch this closely.

Be sure you make a note of whether the computer comes with a CRT (big bulky monitor) or an LCD (nice, skinny monitor) or no monitor at all. :)