This is computer builders' busy time of year (kids these days!).  I
recommend you don't go for low price, but go for best bang-for-buck.  AMD
K6-2 450 chips are well under 100 now.  Get 64MB RAM minimum, most
universities offer discounted OS (win98) and/or office suite (whatever they
use on campus) so check in to it (call book store and IS people)...sometimes
virus software, too.  Used CDROM is fine to save money...you'll only really
need it to load software.  You could actually borrow a CDROM drive just
during software loading.  8.4 GB hard drive is only a few $ more than 6.4,
so why not?  Remember, no modem is needed if living on campus with data
ports in the rooms (just the NIC), so you can save $ and hassles there.
Before getting a printer you think is "cheap", check ink cost (generic
brands of ink are typically fine) and reliability.
Martin Kurr
email [log in to unmask]
> From:         Mike Curtis[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Subject:      [PCBUILD] College computer for freshman
> I have been asked by a friend to help buy/build a computer for her
> daughter
> starting college this fall.

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