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zaptor

745 posts

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#150844 5-Aug-2014 11:19
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Firstly, apologies for the spam, as this is not what I would consider a bargain - IMHO.

It's a 1-day PC offering (I know, I know - 1-day, what do you expect... they do have the odd decent deal every now and then).

Anyway, today it's this:
http://www.1-day.co.nz/onsales/LSIDEEVHP#

Price: $349

These are the relevant specs (italics are my own edits):

 

  • Perfect home entertainment / office / student PC
  • Small Form Factor Desktop PC
  • Nippy Dual Core 2.5GHz processor (AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5 GHz)
  • 4GB RAM
  • Built In DVD Drive
  • Massive 1TB SATA HDD
  • Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium pre-installed w/CoA
  • Integrated ATI Radeon 3100 graphics
  • 12 Month Warranty
The price does not include a monitor.

Now, admittedly one could argue the Win 7 license and 1TB HDD - while they are post end-of-life upgrades - add value. So, if making an apples vs apples comparison against TradeMe, one could argue these units are a 'bargain'.
Bear in mind, NZ schools have a fairly comprehensive licensing agreement with Microsoft (or used to), so the Win 7 COA is negligible for school purchases.

But, the rest - especially something like an ATI 3100 (using shared memory), seem rather underwhelming. Even taking into account the price.

What's interesting is that stock levels are actually low - which implies some people are actually buying these (!?)

So, I'm just curious. Is there some mysterious spec that I'm mis-interpreting here.

Is this is actually a deal/bargain?

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Coil
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  #1102460 5-Aug-2014 11:21
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Don't bother. Usually tired ex lease stuff. That's quite an old CPU.



freitasm
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  #1102463 5-Aug-2014 11:22
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You wouldn't want this as a HTPC for sure. That GPU wouldn't be able to handle our HD content.





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  #1102467 5-Aug-2014 11:24
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PB Tech has better ex-leased PC deals than this one. 



sep11guy
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  #1102473 5-Aug-2014 11:29
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slightly off topic but a question


to use a cheap pc as a htpc - mainly to do 2 things 1)  play youtube,  2) play movies divx avi mkv vob files


what kind of processor Minimum should one consider, and future proof it reasonably 3-5 yrs


thanks

  #1102477 5-Aug-2014 11:32
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I would look for i5 with 4GB ram. 
Preferably a SSD if possible. 

However, if the movies are small files / not 1080p or similarly large ones then you can settle with i3 processor or cheaper. 

It really depends on the budget. If you decide on a budget you can look for options within that. 

sep11guy: slightly off topic but a question


to use a cheap pc as a htpc - mainly to do 2 things 1)  play youtube,  2) play movies divx avi mkv vob files


what kind of processor Minimum should one consider, and future proof it reasonably 3-5 yrs


thanks

Jaxson
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  #1102479 5-Aug-2014 11:32
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sep11guy:  future proof it reasonably 3-5 yrs




That's quite a forecast period in tech terms...

macuser
2120 posts

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  #1102480 5-Aug-2014 11:33
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Check Grays Online, usually way better deals. I picked up a Dell Optiplex 740 for $19, it was made in 2010+ and only has very very minimal use judging by how dust free it is.
 
Dual Core 5000B 2.6Ghz
4GB RAM
160GB HDD
6150LE NVidia
DVD Writer
It has a PCIE-16x port too.  The case is low profile though.

Still an old PC, but far far cheaper. Total bill was around $36 including delivery.

 
 
 

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).
zaptor

745 posts

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  #1102504 5-Aug-2014 11:48
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Okay.

Without the Win 7 license and 1TB HDD, it seems a fairly lame 'deal'.

The curious thing is that if we look at purchasing those items separately (new), it comes to about $200. So, if the unit had it's original HDD (80GB/160GB ?), and OS license (Vista Business or XP Pro), it would be something like $149.

I guess in that instance the kicker is the 12 month warranty for a 5-6 year old PC.


xpd

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  #1102510 5-Aug-2014 11:56
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Released 2008.....
Rather spend the money on new parts and use old cases etc to put them into. 




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Inphinity
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  #1102515 5-Aug-2014 11:59
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Far too big for an HTPC for my liking, something like a NUC, Brix, VivoPC, Chromebox etc would be far nicer size imo.

Dynamic
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  #1102550 5-Aug-2014 12:34
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I used their Live Chat feature to advise I was underwhelmed by the huge omission that the machine was 3+ years old.  Am awaiting a return email from the person responsible for the deal.




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  #1102640 5-Aug-2014 14:17
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PB Tech has a 12 hour stocktake sale tomorrow. 

Link here 

You can probably get this for a HTPC. 

richms
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  #1102685 5-Aug-2014 15:51
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There is a nice SFF core2quad at PB which they often special for well under that. 250 or 500 gb hdd but 4 gigs and seems a good solid box. i bought a couple to replace old geriatric p4 machines with xp.




Richard rich.ms

macuser
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sdavisnz
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  #1103029 6-Aug-2014 08:11
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maxeon: PB Tech has a 12 hour stocktake sale tomorrow. 

Link here 

You can probably get this for a HTPC. 


Starts today i think, heard it on the radio and there is a core 2 duo 3ghz for $99, would be my pick.




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