Really really cheap computers

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 14 Apr 2004 10:21 am

Is there a decent source for something pretty bare bones? I want something primarily to load with BIAB and nothing more. No modem, nothing but a small monitor and a sound card , I guess. Is there a reliable source for used gear? How cheap could I get this done?

George Wixon · Post by **George Wixon** » 14 Apr 2004 12:57 pm

Checkout Tiger Direct.
I know they have a web site and plenty of bare bone systems to choose from.
George

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 14 Apr 2004 2:14 pm

Thanks George. With an infinite list of things to learn and a finite amount of time to do it, I don't think I will opt for the true "bare-bones" method of assembling a system (and worrying about whether I've adequately done my homework and am doing it right) but I can see some promise in getting something "off-lease" from them. Looks promising.

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 14 Apr 2004 6:52 pm

How cheap is cheap? I have a nice old Toshiba laptop loaded with BIAB that I'd sell for $400.

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/Hotb0b.gif" width="96 height="96">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6),
Roland Handsonic, Line 6 Variax

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 15 Apr 2004 2:13 am

Hey Bobby---I think I'm interested. I've gotta run but when I get back in later today I'll be in touch.

John Gretzinger · Post by **John Gretzinger** » 15 Apr 2004 9:46 am

My local hardware supplier has a basic machine running a 2200+ AMD processor - 256Meg of RAM and a 40Gig HD for right around $300 - no operating system at that price, but XP home is $100 and Pro $150 (oem versions - completely legal). It is a slim line case, so full size cards will not fit, but obviously he does have full size boxes as well.

He will ship all over the US. The web site does not have the latest price, but it's close, and the laptop price ($999) is correct.

Give Roger a call at 818-347-1100 (Canoga Park, CA) or see the R-Tech web site.

I've been dealing with Roger since 1989. He does good work.

jdg

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MSA D-10 w/Nashville 400
'63 Gibson Hummingbird
16/15c Hammered Dulcimer
[This message was edited by John Gretzinger on 15 April 2004 at 10:48 AM.]

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 15 Apr 2004 1:22 pm

Thanks John. But I'm really talking cheap. $79.95. Just kidding. But add the OS and a monitor to your guy's deal and I'm over budget. Otherwise, that looks like a real good source.

Bobby's offer looks especially good to me because of space limitations and I'm looking real hard at it right now.

b0b----I sent you email.

Wayne Morgan · Post by **Wayne Morgan** » 15 Apr 2004 8:46 pm

Hi John, the sound card has a lot to do with the quality of music you get,, I found that out when I bought an older IBM laptop and installed BIAB,,not very good sound, I ended up buying a newer, better laptop to run my BIAB.
With the old laptop,, i tried stand alone sound cards and never got it satisfactory.
Hate the plastic sound of a poor sound card.

Wayne

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 16 Apr 2004 2:01 pm

If you use Virtual Sound Canvas, you get Roland's instrument sounds instead of the default MIDI instruments in your sound card. Big difference! Many sound cards use that ubiquitous old Yamaha chip for MIDI. It sounds horrible, but it's cheap.

------------------
<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/Hotb0b.gif" width="96 height="96">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6),
Roland Handsonic, Line 6 Variax