out of my mind

[Spazzy]

Im out of my mind, bout done with this "computer" business. I have the opportunity to build a pc for a person who gave me $400. all she wants is a system to get on the internet and that will last her about 3-4 yrs before she absolutely HAS to upgrade again. She has everything to learn first about computers and internet. As a matter of fact, she cant even type yet. BUT, you think I can come up with anything for her??? Hell no, I spend night after night looking and searching the net, so **** many decisions to make e.i., barebones or indidividual parts? ECS or Gigabyte or Epox or PC Chips? Duron 900 or XP 2000? I have NO idea which way to go. $22 dollar case with 300 watt PS or 60 case with 400 watt "amd/PIII approved" case.... etc.. you name it. Ive drove myself completely nuts with this project, and what I see in the very near future is her asking for her $$ back and gives someone else the job of getting her a basic system built. Hence, Ill lose the $$ i wouldve made on the job. Is this normal, or am I making it way harder that it should be? Who can you trust to buy from? should I but KB,mouse,speaker as a $15 set or get them individually? I have no clue what im doin and need to just give her back her money and stop driving myself nutz with this. Its been TWO WEEKS since she gave me the money, and I STILL havent ordered a single part, cuz I cant decide WHAT to get, WHERE to get it, or how much to spend for what? Anybody ever been here?

[deadkenny]

There are lot's of options, too many I guess. Given the rather low budget I would recommend that you start with a mobo like the ASUS A7N266-VM. Then get a low-end AthlonXP processor and PC2100 DDR memory. The board has integrated video and sound, so you just need to pop in a NIC and / or modem and you're good to go. Get any case that's half decent (it's a micro ATX board so you can choose a micro, mid or full tower case as you choose). BUT do make sure the powersupply is on the AMD approved list. With that board, no high end processor or video card and assuming not too many accessories running off of it, a 300w p/s should be plenty, as long as it's good quality.

[trouble]

Yeah lots of choices and it seems like your too honest as well.
If all she wants to do is surf then she doesn't need anything too flash.
An xp1200+(if that) and middle of the road mobo with onboard sound and vid or a vid card?TNT2 ,internal modem,as DK said 300W psu would be plenty.Generic memory wouldnt even bother with DDR unless price was comparable.DVD rom,small set of speakers,std keyboard and a cordless mouse.A nice looking budget case and she's a happy girl and you got a few bucks in ya pocket.

[Sterling_Aug]

Pick up a real nice 300-400 MHz laptop on ebay.com

She will be more than pleased with that given her rather LOW budget now.

[AllGamer]

get her a Dell dude

and sign her onto AOL

and away with your headaches ;)

if she needs help call AOL, and/or call Dell support

they are friendly and also at the same "skill" level as her :p so they will understand each other just fine :r

[trouble]

Droll AG very Droll ;)

[BipolarBill]

I build all of my PCs from a "base":

ECS K7S5A Pro (non-Pro is OK too)
Duron 1.1GHz
128MB PC2100
Visiontek GF2 GTS or ATi Radeon 7500 video card
Intel Ambient "HAM" modem
40GB drive (Maxtor or WD)
LG or Lite-on CD or DVD ROM
Decent $50 case w/300W PSU (look at Antec (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=7&manufactory=1516&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1))

I substitute parts depending on the needs of the customer. Still - that system costs about $350 in parts. You're going to have a hard time getting KB, mouse, speakers and monitor for that price. I would return her money. If she still wants the system, ask for another $150. You're still not going to make enough to compensate for your trouble, but you can get it done.