Advice please re P.C. for in-laws

[tommyw]

Any advice on the best way to go about getting a computer package
for the in-laws in Mindoro.
I've only managed to find one company so far where we can buy on-line and they will get it delivered to Mindoro.

Deal as follows: Home pc LCD Bonga package 18,485.00

Genuine intel motherboard

Genuine intel processor

2GB DDR2 667 RAM

Seagate 500GB SATA HDD

AOC 16" LCD monitor

DVD writer

ATX casing

PS/2 keyboard

PS/2 optical mouse

Speed multimedia speaker

AVR

500VA UPS

Add ons = Shipping charge 1,427.00

Free Webcam and bluetooth usb adaptor

Total 21,072.00

This is without software, basic Windows home is more than 5,000 pesos
extra.
I'm no expert in these matters. What do others think?
Any advice appreciated. I was going to go ahead and pay, but thought I would like to check it out first.

Regards, Tommy and Lyn. (and wee Dandan!)

[aromulus]

Too good specs for the price.... I reckon....

I built one up over here, fully loaded (XP home from ebay) including top spec webcam, and then took it all with me in a suitcase.

17" CRT monitor, keyboard, headset, printer and desk were bought in SM for a song.

While there arranged for broadband to be installed and phone line.

[somebody]

Deal as follows: Home pc LCD Bonga package 18,485.00

Genuine intel motherboard what motherboard makes a huge difference

Genuine intel processor ditto can make a huge difference

2GB DDR2 667 RAM sounds ok to me

Seagate 500GB SATA HDD sounds good

AOC 16" LCD monitor always good to have a lcd screen as generally use less power and take up less room. A tad small but should be fine

DVD writer very handy any more details on speed and make and types of dvd it writes sir?

ATX casing

PS/2 keyboard always handy

PS/2 optical mouse always handy and optical most people prefer

Speed multimedia speaker

AVR

500VA UPS thats handy in phill as power outrages far more common and can damage the hard disk

Add ons = Shipping charge 1,427.00

Free Webcam and bluetooth usb adaptor both handy

Total 21,072.00

Not really an expert on how much a pc costs as im lucky enough to just ask our I.T department to purchase as i need and we only have laptops at home. But if you can find some more details we can comment further Sir.

Like dom says sounds a tad cheap what os is it supplied with? Is it preinstalled or do they have to install it is it a geniune copy?

If you have a link I would be happy to have a butchers for you as will our pc buying experts among the forum.

One thing I have noticed or at least a few years back buying a pc or games console is very hit and miss in phill.

[somebody]

aha found the site me thinks

http://www.pcrxcomputing.com/

[bornatbirth]

just get a laptop for them with it all built in?

are they only using it for the internet?

and restoring it you only need to put the one disc in easy

[tommyw]

aha found the site me thinks

http://www.pcrxcomputing.com/

Yeah, that's the site. What do you think?
I know very little about all this.
Thanks for all the replies so far, Tommy.

[LEAHnew]

The price is good how about claiming warranty?
What if give the money to them and let them buy in their nearest computer shop well its just my opinion

[tommyw]

The price is good how about claiming warranty?
What if give the money to them and let them buy in their nearest computer shop well its just my opinion

Yes, that would be the obvious choice, but only if it was that simple.
My in- laws don't have any clue regarding computers at all.
I've looked on line for computer shops in that region that I could contact
but to no avail.
I think I found one in Pinamalayan but when I emailed them, they just
kept failing. Must be an old email address or something.
But you're right. If I can find a shop in Oriental Mindoro, I can take it
from there.
I'm open to alladvice/suggestions.

Cheers for now, Tommy.

[somebody]

just get a laptop for them with it all built in?

are they only using it for the internet?

and restoring it you only need to put the one disc in easy

Was going to say the same and handy if a black out as the battery kicks in.
Also easier to keep secure, transport and tidy up if not much room.

Although laptops get very very hot in phill if not well vented.
Also repairs are normally a little more specialist while easier to go to local pc centre and repair if no one at home has the skill or inclination with a desktop.
Keyboards are the worse culprits from experience.

[somebody]

Yes, that would be the obvious choice, but only if it was that simple.
My in- laws don't have any clue regarding computers at all.
I've looked on line for computer shops in that region that I could contact
but to no avail.
I think I found one in Pinamalayan but when I emailed them, they just
kept failing. Must be an old email address or something.
But you're right. If I can find a shop in Oriental Mindoro, I can take it
from there.
I'm open to alladvice/suggestions.

Cheers for now, Tommy.

Are there no nephews/nieces or cousins or family friends with a intrest in computers? As you say many in phill from older generations simply have never dealt with pc's. Many local towns i have seen have a pc shop. If its just for internet, video and skype then it maybe better to ask them to get a pc savvy trusted person to go with the parents and purchase locally so if any problems easier hopefully to deal with.

To simply go online as you know nothing to serious is needed.

Hopefully a member who lives nearby will have a good idea or suggestion

[tommyw]

Are there no nephews/nieces or cousins or family friends with a intrest in computers? As you say many in phill from older generations simply have never dealt with pc's. Many local towns i have seen have a pc shop. If its just for internet, video and skype then it maybe better to ask them to get a pc savvy trusted person to go with the parents and purchase locally so if any problems easier hopefully to deal with.

To simply go online as you know nothing to serious is needed.

Hopefully a member who lives nearby will have a good idea or suggestion

We can't think of anyone in that area who is good with pc's, but we need to find someone I think.
There's not a computer shop within many hours of that place.
If you visited there, you would understand!!
I was advised that laptops were prone to overheating and VERY expensive for repairs compared to a home pc.
Thanks, keep on with suggestions. Tommy.

[bornatbirth]

to stop the over heating get a fan to blow straight on it,i have even seen the casing on desktops taken off blowing directly on the pc.

my wife as a older laptop and gave it to her mom without any problems!

the only trouble you will have is getting them to know what there doing with it,so a laptop with it all built in will cut out and problems.

why not try getting a reconditioned one sent to them and see how it goes?

[tommyw]

to stop the over heating get a fan to blow straight on it,i have even seen the casing on desktops taken off blowing directly on the pc.

my wife as a older laptop and gave it to her mom without any problems!

the only trouble you will have is getting them to know what there doing with it,so a laptop with it all built in will cut out and problems.

why not try getting a reconditioned one sent to them and see how it goes?

You've all gave me a lot to think about now. Maybe laptop is the way to go?

[somebody]

to stop the over heating get a fan to blow straight on it,i have even seen the casing on desktops taken off blowing directly on the pc.

my wife as a older laptop and gave it to her mom without any problems!

the only trouble you will have is getting them to know what there doing with it,so a laptop with it all built in will cut out and problems.

why not try getting a reconditioned one sent to them and see how it goes?

Taking the casing offf all about airflow surely. Just hope one of the kids in the house doesn't move the fans

With a laptop we have found the best way is to use them with a docking station if you have one to hand or simply a cheap usb hub so you use a seperate mouse and keyboard. Then when a coffe mate or ice tea end sup on the laptop you have the laptops and can buy a new one for not a lot when possible.
Many of our work laptops look pristine as most are just slotted in and out of a docking station and only occasionally used as a portable laptop.

You can get little stands on which laptops can sit (or just make one) get a cheap electric fan and a frame lifting the laptop of the table and hey presto.

The heat won't knock out a laptop straight off but you may get it cut out if a thermal protection device is tripped, hard disks don't like to much heat in particular as do all the parts of a pc. Many laptops fan outlets and inlets are at the bottom part of the unit so if raised on a stand with good airflow they operate far cooler. I know my dells heat my trousers a tad to much on 07.18 some mornings

Also in general laptops use less power than desktops. With phills having less devices this can make a bigger difference to bills.

A laptop if only used now and then may be a good idea as it can be locked up when not used and hidden if needed. Also you dont need a dedicated area, the dinner table can be used etc.

[doonat]

the only thing that catches my attention are the 500 gb seagate hdd and 16" AOC lcd monitor. the rest sounds generic and

and oh, did they give you an assurance that all parts are brand new? or refurbished? this is a very common fraud advertisements, they post affordable computers only to find out those computers are scrap from big companies like call centers and they just reconditioned it to make it look good.

[Mrs.JMajor]

OR cant they just wait for you to have holiday and buy for them herein,that way you can check everything if it genuine tommy as doonat says,its like recon mobile ,that you thought is all brand new but some pieces are bought only in second hand ,IMHO tommy
remember pinoy are smart in imitating

[tommyw]

OK, points taken.
I think I'm putting it on ice for the time being. Really glad I posted as I'm now thinking
with a much more open mind.

Thanks for all your help. Tommy.