$500 Computers, Just To Get Started!

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I tell you, some of us are entering into the computer age slowly, only as our job security or children’s homework assignments force us into it. For some the cost kept us at bay. For others if we had extra money, we needed to spend it on more basic things like food, shelter, clothing, and our kids extracurricular activities (because we want our babies to live their dreams). But as computer prices have dropped and the information age continues to barrel forward, a computer is one of the basic needs in a home. If you are thinking of getting one and money is a serious obstacle, then consider two things:

1. BUNDLES. $500.00 can go a long way these days. Consider an entry level computer, that will let you do the basics (I call it light duty): search the internet, read and write emails, type a letter, and do your budget. Walmart, Staples and Dell.com often offer bundled packages–sets that include the computer (which is the brain and heart of the whole thing), the monitor (which is the screen, you know the face of your computer), and your keyboard & mouse (which come standard on most computers) all in one. Usually it is a decent product for a decent price. And if you are coming from no computer at all or an extremely slow one, then you will absolutely love it.

My mother bought one of these bundles from a local office supply store, and we still use it for light duty at the church to this day. Just keep in mind that the computer is the hardware and you still need some software upgrades. Most everybody (seriously) uses Microsoft Office (MS Office) on the job and at school. It is a software package that includes

a. Microsoft Word (MS Word) for word processing (typing letters and essays).

b. Microsoft Excel (MS Excel) for crunching numbers and creating budgets

c. Microsoft Powerpoint (Powerpoint) for creating digital and professional looking presentations on your computer.

d. Microsoft Outlook (Outlook) for keeping up with phone numbers and addresses. Outlook is basically a computerized address book.

This package can come with additional software in it as well, but what I listed above are the basics. The version for professionals can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 depending on the kind you choose. But, if you buy a $500 computer, then that has just doubled your price, and stressed you out. Fortunately, they created a version for families that usually sells for $150 or so and it can come with the license approval to use it on up to three computers in your home. And that’s a good deal. We have used in for personal use, our home based businesses and start-ups for years. It gets your foot in the door, so you can quit bootlegging their software from your girlfriend at work (I know what desperate feels like and it is still wrong), and begin to participate in the information age–legally.

2. OTHER PEOPLE’S JUNK. My sister has been doing this for years. She goes to these computer salvage stores, where they take old computers, parts and/or trade ins and rebuilds them to resell to the public. It is not a fancy place, and you usually buy each part individually but you can find great deals (again to get your foot in the door). The computer she uses now was a $300 purchase for just the computer (the brain and heart) no monitor. She uses it to surf the internet, create and maintain her website, and type out the lyrics to her songs. She has another one that she uses to create her music and work on her cd. It cost her about $500.00. Lots of people have fancy studios, more up to date products. And don’t get me wrong, she will eventually have that too, but you need to get started. This little inexpensive tip has allowed her to make music for years now. I’m glad that she’s savvy, because we (family, friends & church members) get the benefit of singing her songs, now.

These little tips should help you get up and going and bring your family with you. Of course, if you have a thousand dollars to spend, then we can amp it up a little. Check back for a follow up post on what to look for when you are purchasing. Computers can be complicated, but the questions you ask in order to get what you need can be real basic . . .

-J Warner-