Desktop for 5 year old

[blisstwins]

I think I want to get my children a computer for Christmas. They love being on line, but their banging around on my computer makes me nervous. My work was selling old computers for $100, but the tech guy was all crazy telling me that they are 4 years old and could break anytime, yadda yadda. Said he would never buy one, but he may just be a single tech guy with unrealistic standards! He said there are a lot of inexpensive new computers out there (I need a keyboard and monitor), but everything I am seeing is close to $600, which is much more than I want to spend. Any ideas?

[egoldber]

You can easily get a new desktop computer for less than $200. And I agree that if they are going to be playing games and on-line, they need a newer computer vs an older one. For a younger kid, I don't think it's an issue, but you'd be surpised how memory intensive even some of the nickjr.com games are.

If you need a monitor and keyboard too, then you could be looking at $300-$400 for a package.

Did the $100 include a monitor and keyboard? What about software (Windows, basic word processing, etc.)? You would also not get any support, so that is worth something in case there is an issue.

[blisstwins]

It included the monitor and keyboard + word for an extra $10. I thought it was a good deal, but the tech guy was really steering me away. Still, big difference between $100 and $400. I don't know. WHere can I find packages for $300-400. I have been seeing them for more like $600.

[egoldber]

Do you get an actual hard copy of Word and Windows with that $110? In which case, it would be worth it just for the monitor, keyboard and software. (Mouse?)

Do you have a local electronics/computer super store? Even a Best Buy type place? They almost always have a bargain computer deal in their weekly ad.