[oldsailor55]

While looking for a new desktop (mine is 11 years old), I came across refurbished dell computers for $158 and up, windows 7 home premium installed and one year warranty.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Dell-Refur...ngMethod=rr#rr

[deck993]

Thanks! Ordered one for my sister a few minutes ago.

[Palm.Coaster]

Just so you know, there are limitations to this PC. It comes with the 32 bit version of Windows 7, not the 64 bit so there is no reason to ever increase the RAM past 3.2 GB (the rest would be wasted at a 32 bit OS cannot access it). Also, with the built in graphics, I would not try to do hardcore gaming (Call of Duty type games) on this computer, the game would drag excessively. For getting on the Internet, emailing, and word processing, it should be fine.

[oldsailor55]

Some of the units don't include monitors. Read all the description. Still a great deal for a basic computer, especially if you use just it to surf the Internet and email. I think it will work for pictures,

The computer experts will be giving an evaluation, I am sure.

[quitumbe]

Before getting one of these computers I would like to talk to our friend J Dibella; does anybody have his phone number?. thanks.

[Palm.Coaster]

Some of the units don't include monitors. Read all the description. Still a great deal for a basic computer, especially if you use just it to surf the Internet and email. I think it will work for pictures,

The computer experts will be giving an evaluation, I am sure.

Exactly. whether a computer is great or not great only depends on how you want to use it. For my mother, this would be a great computer. For me, it would suck. Yes, this will work fine for viewing pictures. While it could do the job, it would not be a great computer for altering pictures with such memory intensive programs as Photoshop.

[jdibella]

After reviewing the specs on this computer, here's my thoughts (which are very similar to Palm.Coaster's):

• The system is using an outdated Pentium 4 processor. For the average user, this will get the job done but anything more than checking e-mail, web browsing, simple card games, etc will push this computer to the brink.
  
• Windows 7 runs well on older systems (much better than Vista did on older systems) even if they don't have much RAM. For 32 bit operating systems, the minimum RAM requirement for Windows 7 is 1 GB.
  
• 250GB hard drive is sufficient for most people. Unless you are storing large amounts of pictures, videos or music, this should be able to store everything you need to store.

I see this particular system offers a 1 year warranty. This is important. Many refurbished systems only carry a 90 day warranty. There is nothing wrong with purchasing refurbished. In fact, many great deals can be found with refurbished systems, but the warranty plays a big factor. I would always suggest finding a system with a 1 year warranty. While most issues will come to light in the first 90 days, it's very nice to have a full year not to worry about the system breaking down on you and having to shell out money to repair it.

Overall - this system is not a bad deal, but it depends on your usage. Based on it's specifications, this system is already out of date. The Pentium 4 processor was introduced in November of 2000. I would suggest this system for anyone who has a system that's over 6-7 years old or for someone who is looking for a budget system for a light user (like a child).

I hope this helps!

[akimity]

Also check www.slickdeals.net and www.fatwallet.com for good deals that are user driven.