WAHM Forums

I'm not entirely sure that this is the best place to put this, but better here than no where lol

I have 3 younger siblings, the oldest of which is 15. She leads a very... high stress/deprived life. Don't get me wrong, I understand that teens need a bit of guidance, but the truth is that she is overworked (in terms of helping my parents with the other two children, cooking and housework as well as taking advanced level classes) and under rewarded.

I remember what it was like when I was in her situation, and I want to do something for her to make life a little more bearable and keep her from being so socially stunted. I actually had a working computer at that age and time in my life which made life a little more bearable, but that computer has since gone to the big technology graveyard in the sky.

Currently the only computer in the house is my mother's laptop and she refuses to let anyone use it, not even for school. My parents can't afford to get my sister a computer and probably wouldn't even if they could, and since she's not 16 yet she can't buy one for herself - so I am toying with the idea of purchasing her one for her and having her pay me back for it over time. I'm also considering getting her a domain name and setting her up with a little anonymously run teen site so that she can start using SwagBucks and other sites that are 13+ to gain a little bit of an income for school accessories throughout the summer.

Naturally, since she's young (read: stubborn and defiant) I don't want to get her a laptop because I can guarantee that it would be lost, stolen or broken so I'm leaning towards a desktop. The most affordable thing I've found is the Inspiron Zino HD 400 at around $230 (not including monitor). I'm not entirely sure whether it would be suitable or not, I've read good things about it for the most part though.

All I really need is an incredibly affordable computer that can run the internet, word processors and some online games for her without being incredibly slow loading or laggy.

Input on the Zino 400, or any other computer would be appreciated. As would references for sites that kids 13+ can use to earn a little side income.

Thanks in advance!

I work as tech support and I am not a big fan of dell. But for all she would need it for, yes it be ok. Another option is to check compusa.com for reburbished. You can get a really nice refurbished computer that offers a lot more for a good price usually.
Another option is newegg.com. They usually have really good prices. You can also usually pick up a decent desktop on craigslist for less than 100. That might work for a first pc. Just make sure you get the disks that come with it if you go that way.
I know you don't want a laptop, but a netbook is another option.

Sarah

Thanks so much... I checked out both of those and didn't see anything amazing... Most of the computers that seem to be under $200 or in that area are HPs or IBMs and I've never been a big fan of either. They also have 1/2 the ram and memory of the Zino so I worry that they might not be quite as high quality and productive over all.

I'll keep checking both CompUsa and NewEgg though for deals.

I did browse around on CL a bit also, but I actually live about 1100 miles away from her at the moment which complicates that lol. I don't want to invest in a dud and I'm positive that neither of my parents would be willing to make the time to pick up a computer somewhere for her. I'm definitely keeping my eye on CL though just in case something amazing pops up!

Thanks again :)

The Dell might be an awesome computer. But Dell is so integrated they are a pain to work on. But most people don't look at them the way I do. I myself like hp. I also like gateway.

The Dell might be an awesome computer. But Dell is so integrated they are a pain to work on. But most people don't look at them the way I do. I myself like hp. I also like gateway.

Haha that could be true. I've had (mostly) good experiences with dell outlet computers, but I myself am not technical in the slightest. The most I ever did with one was add more memory.

Is there any particular HP or Gateway model you'd recommend, if so I'll check around online for deals and compare what I find.

Let me see what I can find. Any preference on the version of windows?

Let me see what I can find. Any preference on the version of windows?

Not in the slightest, I've never cared what version I end up with as long as it's not prehistoric and the same applies for this situation with her lol

The Dell isn't a bad choice. We've been a loyal HP family since a very bad experience with Dell and a laptop we attempted to purchase from them. But I've used Dell machines at work and they're just fine.

WHATEVER you do .....avoid anything made by eMachines. They're junk, and will give you nothing but grief!