>Do you mind if I ask you why desktop and not notebook?
>
>1 reason...price.
>
>If you have a desktop and a laptop that have the same amount of memory, same processor, and same drive speed (7200 rpm), the laptop will almost always cost more.
>
>And even if the machines are otherwise the same, but the laptop has the "standard" less expensive 5400 rpm drive, the laptop will still probably be faster.
>
>Just generally speaking, if you have a desktop for $600, trying to get the same specs in a laptop will usually run a few hundred more.
>
>The person I'm trying to help is a student on a limited budget, but wants to run the database tools that I've been teaching.

Used computers will be rock-bottom cheapest. However, they have no warranty and you don't know what you're getting - there may be intermittent hardware problems, or the machine may be infested with viruses/spyware etc. Almost always, the software will be incomplete - it may have Windows and Office installed, but the seller "lost the CDs" - IOW they want to reinstall the software on their new computers. If you have your own software and are willing to do a bare-metal reinstallation that may not be an issue for you.

Refurbs are probably the best realistic bet for rock-bottom price. You get a short warranty (enough to get past the DOA stage), the HD is clean and you get software media and legit licenses. Refurbs can be hard to find, though. They are offered from time to time on Dell and other tier-one mfr sites, sometimes on major online retailers like TigerDirect and NewEgg, sometimes at brick-and-mortar stores like Best Buy.

For new machines:

- local white box/generic makers usually offer ranges of machines, one or more of which will fill the "student" niche. The disadvantage of white box is software. If you want Windows and Office on it, you have to pay full OEM prices. If you do need Windows and Office, the bottom-line price will often be the same or lower if you can get a Dell on special

- Wal-Mart used to sell eMachines boxes at rock-bottom prices - don't know if they still do

- Some of the flyer or online specials you see for Dell are pretty good deals. This is especially true if you want Windows and Office on it - Dell gets those for about 1/3 regular OEM price from MS, so they pass some of those savings along. You'll need to stick strictly to the exact builds/specs that are on special, any deviations (like extra RAM) cost way too much from Dell. Dell takes up to 10 working days to deliver (IME usually 6 to 7). You also have to make sure you get a "free shipping" deal or they hose you for an extra $125 or so.