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The Cheapskate
 DEALS LEFT
May 21, 2008 7:09 AM PDT

Get a Dell dual-core desktop for $299

by Rick Broida

The Inspiron 530s is nicely equipped for a $299 desktop.

(Credit: Dell)

Check it out, baby, check it out (sorry, been watching too much American Idol): Dell's rocking Inspiron 530s desktops for just $299 (plus 30 bucks or so for shipping, and possibly sales tax as well).

The configuration includes a 2GHz Pentium E2180 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and a DVD burner--all wrapped in Dell's sexy little slimline case.

Like games? Keep looking: The integrated Intel GMA 3100 graphics are more suited to Peggle than Portal. It's just as well, then, that Dell bundles Vista Home Basic, which lacks Aero, Media Center, and other graphics-intensive features.

Indeed, this is a system for grade-level students, home-office users, and others with fairly basic computing needs. That said, it's a nicely equipped desktop for the price, and it includes a one-year warranty and 24/7 phone support.

Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
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by JRockDetroit1 May 21, 2008 10:32 AM PDT
More often than not, you can also find a very comparable system in the Dell Outlet for $30 to $40 less. This is the route I took, and could not be happier. Spend that saved cash on a low-profile graphics card from Newegg and you have yourself a respectable multitasking machine for just over $300, shipped! BTW, this column is awesome.
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by edaboy51 May 21, 2008 11:02 AM PDT
"Grade-level students" beware. It's got Vista OS. Your friends will think you're as cool as a Zune.
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by silentbob343 May 23, 2008 10:02 AM PDT
dead
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About The Cheapskate

The best things in tech are cheap. "The Cheapskate" scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets, and all the other tech stuff that makes life worth living. Send your own cheapskate tips to thecheapskate@gmail.com. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

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