Whirlpool

Am looking for a 'branded' desktop + monitor for under $999 (for a friend. I want to keep things simple, don't want to build something)

Seems like a good deal (especially for a retailer like Officeworks, was on website)

Specs:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz (Quad Core),
2GB (2 x 1GB) ram
320GB SATA HD

+ 19" lenovo monitor.

Is this a good deal?

I'm not sure about the warranty it comes with. (probably 12 months?)

Well you could always get a PC shop to build one for you. that generally gives better value.

Does it have a graphics card or is it integrated graphics? It would certainly be cheaper to build it yourself, you could probably even charge your friend $50 for building it and he'd still save a tonne of money.

It does not say whether integrated graphics or not. here is the link:

http://www.officeworks.com.au/owbd/b2c/mainFS.jsp

From the Lenovo site looks like they are either integrated ATI or Intel graphics.

Either way no good for gaming. It's actually not a bad deal considering you get a windows license as well.

You could get this and a 9600GT or something to make it a decent gaming build without hassle.

Why not get a Dell machine? Cheaper, comes with Windows Vista (basic) and offers support?

If you go with this there is nothing wrong with it, it will do everyday tasks without trouble.

thanks for the quick comments guys.

It won't be used for gaming (user is elderly) just the basics like email, net, windows games and word. but want something noticeably faster than the one they are using (a very old HP)

It certainly looks better than the very high prices on the official Lenovo website.

Wow quad core for email? :)

Why the quad core then if for such minimal use?

Just get a cheap, basic desktop PC.

Good deal @ Dell atm:

go to:
http://www.dell.com.au/business

then click the E-Value Code link (up the top) and enter "R221122AU"

$370 bucks including 19" monitor for a more than adequate computer!

Working at the time I posted this...

Marcellinus writes...

go to:
http://www.dell.com.au/business

then click the E-Value Code link (up the top) and enter "R221122AU"

$370 bucks including 19" monitor for a more than adequate computer!

wow that's an awesome deal! that's probably about $100 cheaper than you could get in a computer shop

the only thing is that because it's a slim case, you wouldn't be able to put a graphics card in

nerdman writes...

the only thing is that because it's a slim case, you wouldn't be able to put a graphics card in

Yep, that's the only reason I didn't buy one..

Yeah fair point. re: maybe I am spending more than I need to. I will look at this Dell deal. thanks for the advice.

thanks guys – I've gone with the Dell suggestion. I can't argue with that price or your advice (I was too focused on getting something I would like rather than what is suited to this person who it's for)

I did go with a few extras:

20" screen instead of 19"
260GB instead of 160gb

All up: $425 incl-GST – order placed!

I just placed an order for the base system as is, and found a 5% disoucnt code to boot....

$350 delivered – so cheap!

Bugger – I missed out on the extra 5%

good work. where do people find these discount codes?

I just googled it.....

I ended up biting the bullet and buying one... too good to refuse lol. The offer has now been pulled by Dell so we were all lucky :)

Marcellinus writes...

The offer has now been pulled by Dell so we were all lucky :)

Aww just missed it, was ready to grab one too :(

Marcellinus writes...

The offer has now been pulled by Dell

Now we play the waiting game to see if they accept it... im kicking myself for paying DD though as if I had used my amex and they had taken the money straight away, they would have formed a binding contract... interesting to see what the story would be seeing as I have transferred the cash already..

But fingers crossed they'll just ship it...

two different dell reps. on two different forums reckons it won't be honoured

This Lenovo bundle is also available from Harris Technology.
It comes with Vista Home Premium.
Not a bad deal, only 1 year warranty.
It will not come with a good graphic card. From memory, it is integrated graphic card but there is an option to get a dedicated graphic but it won't be anything good. You are better off getting your own card.