Need to get a cheapo PC. Advice?

[sunvalleylaw]

Laptop might be nice, but could be desktop. I do not want or need touch screen. I just need to run a few programs that are basically specialized spreadsheets for legal stuff, and a proprietary video player that some police units use. 1. EZ filing bankruptcy software, into which you put financial info, do a bit of number crunching, and produce electronic forms for filing and PDF for printing. 2. Child support software. Almost the same time of thing, though no e-filing involved. Oh, and maybe to run Quickbooks pro. Last, a program (iCops) that plays dvd's (so I do need a DVD slot) of arrests.

In the past, I used an outsourced paralegal that used her own machine. But that time has passed and it is coming in house. I have Parallels, but it is kind of a pain in the *** with some of these programs written by small companies, and to update every time the Apple OS is updated is costly, and a couple times pays for a standalone PC that does not require me to clog up my mac with Parallels and windows.

I DO NOT need to play any music, record anything, edit anything, etc. I could just call one of the local techs and get whatever they have built up used. Or order something from Amazon or Newegg.

Thoughts?

[Tig***]

Basic yet modern enough to last, eh?
There are plenty in the mid $200 to upper $300's.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st_pr...price-asc-rank

[Tig***]

Decent Lenovo laptops under $400:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_...nid=2528832011

[sunvalleylaw]

Thanks. Something like that could work. I may go with this though. I can pick up a used monitor for cheap, and there are keyboards laying around I can use too. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834258595

these are the type of system requirements I am dealing with.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
1.0 GB of RAM
Windows 7/Vista/XP
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 or higher
1.5 GB of available hard-disk space
Any Windows-compatible printer
Adobe Reader (free download) for viewing pdf files generated by the EZ-Filing software
ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Your computer should have the following for electronic case filing:

A direct internet connection
A 17-inch monitor with 1024x768 resolution or higher
Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher to use the automatic upload feature (this is a court requirement only for those districts that allow automatic upload)

[Tig***]

Any recent PC or laptop will easily handle those requirements. The newegg laptop you posted would do nicely and at a great price.

[Spudman***]

Keep looking. There are tons of good deals out there. For $3-400 you can get a larger screen, more ram (at least 8GB), and a 500GB hard drive. Asus, Acer and HP are the deals I often see that look good. But for the price it's not a bad one that you found. Be sure to get the Square Trade warranty. It has come in useful for us with refurb units.