• On TV.com: Sexy summer bodies photo gallery
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.

Originally posted at The Cheapskate
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.
Recent posts from Crave
Apple iTunes App Store turns one
Top 5 iPhone guitar tools
Amazon hooks up wireless store
The Real Deal 169: Travel tech tips
On the road with Autonet in-car Wi-Fi
Grazing robot would run on biomass
Concept Android phone features OLED buttons
2010 Jaguar XJ launched
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
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.
Reply to this comment
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.
Reply to this comment
by silentbob343 May 23, 2008 10:02 AM PDT
dead
Reply to this comment
(3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

About Crave

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

Add this feed to your online news reader

Crave topics

With Chrome, Google reignites the OS wars

roundup Google Chrome OS, due in 2010, underscores the Web giant's cloud-computing ambitions and opens new competition with Microsoft.
• What Chrome OS has on Windows that Linux doesn't

Laying a guilt trip on military robots

q&a Georgia Tech's Ronald Arkin aims to configure armed robots with a built-in "guilt system" to help them avoid civilian casualties.

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right