I am currently preparing to buy a new (but cheap) computer sometime by early January and am looking for some advice. My current system is an emachines T1115 that has been upgraded from 128 MB of RAM to 512 MB (the max that it can handle) and a high speed internet connection through a box provided by my cable service (the original 56k modem was removed because it was interfering with the new hardware, which my Device Manager calls a Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Ethernet NIC). The most intensive thing I use it for is to surf the internet using multiple open Internet Explorer windows, and I'm having problems with slow page loading and choppy youtube videos.
My new computer must be a tower set up for someone who is only marginally tech savvy, it must be compatible with my internet connection and it has to allow me easy internet surfing. Since I was a big fan of the original Starcraft game and plan to eventually get the sequel, it should also meet or surpass the recommended settings for Starcraft II and should probably have available expansion slots for additional RAM (the only upgrade that I feel confident performing myself). I don't need a monitor as I have a perfectly good Flatron L1942T.
I hope to spend under $500 if possible, as I'm mostly living off of my savings and am using all of the x-mas money I expect to get to help fund the purchase. Any suggestions on a model or on where or when to purchase the computer?
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"Anyone can be a winner if their definition of victory is flexible enough." - The DM of the Rings XXXV
My new computer must be a tower set up for someone who is only marginally tech savvy, it must be compatible with my internet connection and it has to allow me easy internet surfing. Since I was a big fan of the original Starcraft game and plan to eventually get the sequel, it should also meet or surpass the recommended settings for Starcraft II and should probably have available expansion slots for additional RAM (the only upgrade that I feel confident performing myself). I don't need a monitor as I have a perfectly good Flatron L1942T.
I hope to spend under $500 if possible, as I'm mostly living off of my savings and am using all of the x-mas money I expect to get to help fund the purchase. Any suggestions on a model or on where or when to purchase the computer?
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"Anyone can be a winner if their definition of victory is flexible enough." - The DM of the Rings XXXV