Cheap Computers - Really a Bargain?

You’ve seen ads in the paper or online, showing a “killer” computer system for only $199.99. This sometimes includes a monitor and a printer, and is seemingly a good deal. How do computer manufacturers sell this stuff for so little? Don’t believe for one second that “buying in bulk” is the only way a computer system can cost less than a good computer chair or computer desk. There are other ways manufacturers skimp to get a new computer into your hands for so cheap: slower processors, less memory, shared video memory, smaller hard drives, less upgradeability, more noise, and the list goes on.

The real question you need to ask before you consider buying a bargain basement computer is who will use it and what for?

If it’s for your sweet old grandma, and she’s not a hardcore gamer or a 3D modeler, the bargain computer is going to be perfect for her. As long as she can send out her daily email newsletters and print out her shopping lists.

Don’t fall in the trap of purchasing a cheap computer for your Mom or cousin or wife’s friend’s husband, thinking that they’ll never need more power. You never know when they’ll get scrapbooking or digital photo album software, or a free copy of Deer Hunter 7 that requires a behemoth of a processor and equal helpings of RAM.

If you have children in school, a cheap computer is a good solution, as long as they’re not learning about server clusters or designing the school newspaper layout. The bargain computer isn’t powerful enough for them to play games on, so that should help keep them on task. They’ll be able to research papers and write reports, which is all most kids need, especially if they have a nice console gaming system already.

Just think about the intended uses of a bargain computer before you buy. If you need a computer for anything more than word processing, emailing, and surfing the web, then cheap computers aren’t that much of a bargain.

So you have an idea of what kind of computer you need? Read our expert reviews on anything from Economy-class to Ultimate Gaming Computers, and you’ll find the right one for your needs.