upgrade IBM Aptiva or get a new PC ??

I have some friends that have an old IBM Aptiva that was top of the line ($4000) back in 1997. It has been sitting idle for a couple of years and they now would like to get back into basic word processing and email and internet access.

The machine still works, but it is one of those (now) low end machines that has only 32 meg of RAM and is likely upgradeable to maybe 128 MB or something minimal with today's standards.

So, I am wondering whether to even attempt to upgrade that machine or just go with a new basic PC suitable for email/internet access. Anyone been in this dilemma and have recommendations?

If a new PC is advised, my guess would be that the most optimal machine for the least money would be found via online "bargains ", and am wondering if anyone has any advice on narrowing the sites that might provide the least expenditure of time finding one.

ANY help would be much appreciated…

 

If all they need the computer for is word processing and e-mail then the old aptiva should work just fine. I used my 200 mhz aptiva for many years until I got my new computer. The only problem I ever had with it was it picked up a canadian radio station over its speakers and there was no way to turn it off (it happend when I wasn't even connected to the internet)...I have NO IDEA how this is possible but it's true. If I were you I'd buy some ram for it (which would probobly run you about 20-40 bucks at best buy or circuit city). If the computer doesn't run as desired you are only down 30 bucks or so, but if it does work great then you have saved yourself a bunch. If they aren't looking for a great computer online bargains are always an option but so are the computers offered in best buy and circuit city ads you could get a computer that would satisfy all their needs for around 400 or 500 dollars.

Matthew

 

Check my reply on that "other" BBS

 

keywester,

I agree with Matthew. The Aptiva that you have will work just fine for what they need. No need getting a new one. RAM is pretty cheap, especially if you can get a rebate on it. Just watch the sales. You can also pick up some RAM on eBay. I've bought a few sticks there and haven't had a problem with any of it. Yes, the system will handle a maximum of 128MB. If you know the model number, i.e. 2176-C66, then I can tell you for sure.

I have/had a couple of Aptivas, so if you need any help, just post back or email me.

Mike

 

Thanks for all the great input everyone, I am posting back for an interim update...

They have decided to keep the old system intact for a while, farm it out to use for the grandkids when visiting (so I will still upgrade it at some point, but not right now), and go ahead and get a new low end system that will be minimally optimal for internet access for themselves.

So, I was given the chore of finding that new system, and went to a marketpro show over the weekend to see about procuring one through the local yocal mom and pop shops in attendance.

But, the ads in the Sunday paper yielded a better machine for less money than the locals, an "e-machine" brand, so that looked like the way to go.

But, my problem is now that I have done some research on the e-machines brand, that I am finding grossly conflicting comparative evaluation reports on the various leading brands of PCs -- one of which, ranked e-machines very low, but conversely ranked others like Dell very high, conflicting with other "reviews" which differed considerably.

So, I am wondering if anyone would care to ventur any views or opinions on the dependability of the e-machines brand?

 

FWIW and opinion only

I just know what I read about this subject but if you are looking for an off the shelf then a Dell is the one as they have some pretty good offers as of now. Emachines have an iffy reputation as I read that they use some maybe not top of the line parts to come out with a machine that looks good in the box and with an attractive price but not quite so attractive when you look at the guts. As said IMHO only. Good luck.