Some neighbors need a cheap computer....

manganos · Jul 22, 2002

Some of my neighbors aren't as well off as me and my wife. Figuring the median income in my area is $16,900 I think most of you can understand what I'm talking about. After talking to many a neighbor they said they wish they had a way to communicate via email and browse the web for gardening tips, job employment, and news. I don't have enough spare money to go buy these families new comptuers. Does anyone know where I should go to try to get some computers for around $200 a piece. I'd love to get 4 of them and I'd foot the bill. Thanks !!!!

Golfgar4 · Jul 22, 2002

You might try contacting the University. In Wisconsin, every year there's a huge used office equipment sale the University sponsors. They sell everything from desks, chairs, file cabinets, etc. through computers. There are some really good deals, if a person can get there early enough and fight through the crowds! /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

The other place you might try is a through a computer repair store. We found a few "used" computers for Habitat for Humanity that the store couldn't get rid of because they were so old. The store was happy to get rid 'em for about $50.00 each. Of course, these are really basic, old (slow) machines, but they would've done what you're talking about.

Hope it helps, and good luck. That's a really nice thing to be considering for your neighbors./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

TBone · Jul 22, 2002

Try EBay - I bought my son a pretty nice Del system - 300 mgz Pentium II - 17" monitor with Windows 2000 for $280. If you watch closely you can pick up a decent used system for $200.

TBone

manganos · Jul 22, 2002

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll follow up on both of them. Believe it or not I've had some email with people offering free machines to help out. Paying for the shipping is way less then the $200 I had planned on spending per machine. I'm going to check ebay right now.....

Ozarker · Jul 22, 2002

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.qksrv.net/click-526528-1155794>Computer Surplus Outlet</A>

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 22, 2002

I've got a customer here who builds/rebuilds older PC's for that very purpose. If you want to email me I'll be happy to pass on your needs. I'm sure he can take care of you. Whatever he charges he uses to upgrade others just to keep being able to supply people with PC's. Great guy who, like you, is just trying to help out.

JJT · Jul 22, 2002

WalMart sells its barebones Lindows machine for $299, brand spanking new! Yes that's the Linux version of Windows. No monitor at that price. Certainly beats buying obsolete hardware with no warranty.

manganos · Jul 22, 2002

Thanks everyone. Just by that one post I had enough people offer me thier old machines to cover the neighbors. I really appreciate all the help. I like the idea of the Lindows machine since I use linux as my main OS but I think it would really confuse the neighbors. Thanks again! Maybe some of your neighbors could use the help?

hfd376 · Jul 23, 2002

There was a computer store in Blackstone on 460 on the right hand side just before you get to Wal-mart. Have not been down that way in a while, but they had a bunch of goverment or business lease machines in there cheap

Also, the state has a surplus depot on Darbytown rd right at Oakland rd. here in Henrico. They have auctions there every 4 weeks or so.

Doug