$600 PC. Is it worth getting?
Monday, 16 November, 2009
OLD QUESTION
I seen a computer in the catalogue for $599. Is it any good? Should I get it?
(Originally posted November 2005)
Frank Maloney, Carlingford, NSW
 Usually we’d have to say “not enough information” in response to a question like yours Frank, but I rather suspect that I know just what you’re talking about. I’ve seen similar advertisements recently in a number of chain store brochures such as KMart.
The answer to your question is “Yes!” IF you only need a ‘basic’ computer.
The computers you refer to are quite OK for basic home use, and very affordable. If your needs won’t go far beyond Internet access, writing up a few letters, listening to music and perhaps watching a DVD, and similar undemanding tasks then the type of ultra-inexpensive PC you refer to is a perfectly good purchase choice. At prices such as the one you’ve mentioned I’d consider that appliances such as this one basically make Internet access affordable to everyone! But you can’t expect too much of such a budget priced PC. It won’t be suitable for 3D computer games, so don’t rush out and buy any of those. It won’t be suitable for making your own DVD's or any other ‘heavy duty’ tasks. It’s suitable for Internet access and for the more basic needs of computing ‘beginners’. Let’s look at one in more detail, shall we?
I’ve a ‘Target’ catalogue in here and there’s an “icom internet computer’ advertised in it that's perhaps the very one you mention. Details are sketchy, as they usually are when chain stores sell such things, but what you get for that $599 is this:
• A VIA 800 Mhz processor. That’s equivalent to technology from around 3 or 4 years ago, and still perfectly adequate for basic home productivity work.
• 256M of system memory. That’s a little low, and will mean that the PC is a bit sluggish in operation, but more can be added rather cheaply.
• Windows XP operating system. If you purchased this separately it’d possibly cost nearly as much as that PC!
• 40G hard drive. Not big by today’s standards, but ample for word processing documents, storing photographs, and heaps of other uses.
• CD/DVD Combo drive. This drive ‘reads’ CD's and DVD's, and also ‘burns’ CD's. Blank discs are rather cheap, and you can store lots and lots of files on those also.
• 17” CRT monitor. A reasonably sized monitor, but certainly nothing outstanding. You can always replace it with something better if you want, of course.
• Keyboard and mouse.
• Lexmark Printer. A very basic and rather slow printer, with high ink cartridge replacement costs, but for someone who only uses a printer now and then it’s all you’d need.
• Software – Windows Media Player 10, Picasa 2 image editor, MS Viewers for Word, Excel and Powerpoint, Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. Nothing there that can’t be downloaded free, but add excellent free tools such as OpenOffice and AVG antivirus and software isn’t going to be any added cost!
I mentioned that ‘IF’ earlier, and I’d suggest that people shouldn’t buy a PC like this one just to save money. If you can afford better then get better. But for the entry level newcomer who is inexperienced and wants an introduction to computing, PCs like this are an excellent ‘first’ system. They’re affordable enough that even a pensioner or single mum can put one on lay-by, and the appearance of new PCs such as this on shop shelves means that so long as there’s an affordable internet service in your area, every household can afford to have a PC suitable for internet access. And after all, any old second-hand working PC system is going to cost you about that much money!
Cheers, Terry O'Shanassy
 Reader solutions
IaanPosted: 03/12/2009 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Just threw ours out. Good for a while but rubbisj now a days. FrankPosted: 22/11/2009 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Yes, i`m shocked, back to the past, i`ve still got a perfectly good working one of those still lying about somewhere and it was branded (Mercury).
Serial : PVCLE266M-L v3.0a
Rated : 2000+ (cheeky)
Real : 800MHz 133FSB
Cpu : VIA C3
Chipset: VIA
Vga : Onboard
Memory : DDR 266MHz (PC2100)
AGP : N/A
Bad Points : Everything
Good Points : basic internet
word processing
juke box
slide projector
Amazing bit of canadian ingnuity.
Mind you (shock/horror) i would never buy something like this, and it must have scared someone else too, because it was out with the cyclone cleanup junk and being a tinkerer i picked it up.
Frank n St31n
(I like the idea of a cyclone cleanup. Do you just watch the weather forecast then put your spare stuff outside when the cyclone is about to hit? I guess you get lots of new stuff that way too. What a sharing city Darwin is. -PZ) RichardPosted: 17/11/2009 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? If you can afford a $600 computer now why not save some more $ and get something that is better. As Terry said, the more $ the better the PC will be. StevePosted: 16/11/2009 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting?
I have an icom, 3.0ghz with 1.gram. Works fine, but:
doesn't seem to like AGP video cards and seems to want you to use the onboard video (64mb).
Only has one fan plug (for the cpu fan)so you'll have to use a fan that plugs into power supply.
(It would be quite old by now Steve. Perhaps it's time for a new PC that does all the good stuff. -PZ) Nobo bale Posted: 08/01/2009 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? I have that icom pc it is kind of slow and a bit low on ram and hard drive you could buy it if you want
but it won't be very good.
You could also buy it and call the company and tell them about your problem or buy it and give it to a computer fixer and he will have a solution.
you could also find a site that gives you answers about how to fix your computer.
hope that helps!!!!! from Nobo
RossPosted: 20/12/2008 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Those Min-ITX & Flex Motherboards with soldered on VIA 800Mhz & 1Ghz CPU's make excellent Carputers, File Servers and Multimedia small computers in the right case. ICOM (Jackar) put them in a standard PC case but this is not their rightful place...
Cheers Ross
http://www.reboot.com.au darren warnerPosted: 19/10/2008 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? I'm trying to find an answer to fix this slow thing myself - the kids can hardly play any games on it... was about to put it outside to sell for $100 then found the docket that I paid $599 and that wasn't even 3 years ago. The little rotters can keep it.. anyone know how to reset it to factory settings as it has no manual. DO NOT BUY DanaPosted: 20/08/2008 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? I brrought the computer also, the internal fan fell off the inside of the tower while I left the computer to download. I found that it only had a small amount of glue on it to keep it in place!!!
So as the computer heated up so did the glue and off fell the fan, causing the computer to overheat and burn out the system. Now it doesn't work!!!
My advice.....SAVE UP AND GET SOMETHING BETTER!!!! BrettPosted: 26/12/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? "i took it back to target and was told i would get a credit note that was valid for 3months i told them to shove it and i want my money back so they refunded me they asked me if everything was there i said no as half the stuff broke within 6 days of buying the computer they weren't happy but then they sold it on their damages trolley"
You are a liar. Target cannot sell these computers since the company has gone into liquidation. Any of the iCom computers which are returned to store, faulty or not are sent back to RLO. christine haenowPosted: 17/12/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? attention everybody i bought an icom computer in july of this year i had nothing but problems the hard drive and internal modem was faulty they finally put a new hard drive and modem in i think just to shut me up. there was still problems but just minor but i got fed up so rang them two weeks ago and discovered they went into liquidation in september the day i had got my computer back. so i took it back to target and was told i would get a credit note that was valid for 3months i told them to shove it and i want my money back so they refunded me they asked me if everything was there i said no as half the stuff broke within 6 days of buying the computer they weren't happy but then they sold it on their damages trolley michael separovichPosted: 19/11/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? ok basically mine rebooted
and now i have no video or sound drivers
in fact if i remember right the thing NEVER CAME with video or sound drivers.
really regretting buying this thing
no upgradability.
is loud
is slow
the only real good point about it is that its lightweight bonnyPosted: 24/10/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? i had purchased 1 of ""these computers"" back in june 06 .and i had to reformat the hard drive recently. when i tried to get into the recovery it asked for a password which icom would of had ,i rang 3 different numbers had no idea of the liquidation and was told to ring the store where i purchased it from ..i did that and was told to bring it all back and i got $500 back for it without the reciept :)i did have a fare bit of hassles etc when i 1st got connected same as rose has stated ..i am happy to say ICOM OUT OF BUISINES! lmao cheers bonny David FrenchPosted: 04/10/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? For all you poor buggers that have been subjected to these heaps of crap , the company has now gone into receivership you need to call 08 82339900 if you have sent 1 away for repairs. (this is the liquidators) ROSEPosted: 18/09/2007 re: $700 PC. Is it worth getting? purchased unit back in April this year was suppose to recieve cash back early august did not receive anything was calling afew times ever week trying to get a response either on hold for about 20min to then not be able to talk to anyone and have to leave a msg to try and get ssomeone to call back to then not have anybody call back at all this is so dodgy i recommend to stay away as they are not prompt i will have to take my matters further as this is very fustrating today i have contacted 3 different numbers i have got through on previously only to ring out nearly every day have been emailing for a response only for my emails to bounce back
(What happens when you draw it to the attention of the manager at the Target store you bought it from? And then the regional manager? -PZ) Billy YOung Posted: 14/09/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Im using one of them atm it is running fine i have had it for 6 months i brought it wih 2.26ghz processor 512mb ram and 80gb hardrive i upgraded it my self now it is running with 1gb of ram and 256 agp graphics card so not all of them are dodgy mine cost 800 dollars
Terri MifsudPosted: 14/09/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Dont Purchase it will be a waist of $6Oo I purchased one because it promised a cash back of $2o0 that was back in June and I am still trying to get the cash back money, they give excuses over and over, dont know where to lodge my complaint, not only do the sound system not work within minutes of settting the new comp, we had to take the monitor back to Target because it didnt work at all, Now looking to lodge my complaint with Fair trading, Target should do something to stop this company ripping people off. Fred ClarkePosted: 12/09/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Had this computer now for a year, (ALL TROUBLE.) SLOW??? If NOAH had used this computer for directions he would not have made landfall, NOT YET ANYWAY. Can't complain about the service as there appears to be none. All in All NOT HAPPY!! FRED KEN CROSSPosted: 12/09/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Buy this computer "AT YOUR PERIL"
Greatest heap of crap imagineable.
If you find this computer suitable to your needs you don't need a computer.MY friend has one and I spend a great part of each day trying to figure it out. Not possible!!! don't try ringing for service or warranty this is worse than the computer KEN rosePosted: 16/08/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? I bought one of those icom things two weeks ago and found instead of having 512 mb of ram it only had 256. So I rang them and asked what was going on here. Not only that, it was running very very slow.I sent the tower for them to add the extra memory , still waiting for it to come back and very curiuos to see how it will run. Will let you know later.
(I'd be surprised if the basic speed will be much different with the extra RAM. That's a relatively slow PC. -PZ) MelissaPosted: 15/07/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Ive had one of these computers for 2yrs and the only problem ive had with it is the slowness of programs opening, other then that ive been able to use PaintShop Pro, a scrapbook program and many others... popPosted: 05/07/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? These ICom PCs are cheap hard ware which are not even capable of running XP. With the new CORE 2 DUO out, Pentium D s are very cheap at around 120 (Sheckels) on staticice and a good mobo would be the asus. the one that costs 85 at centrecom.com.au. Add some ram and x300se and blah blah and youve got a system for 450 (Krone). chuck in a 17inch lcd for around 250 (Dong) of crts are on the street for garbage collection now and then.
get ubuntu and off u go.
Other good places are pcexpress, ti computers, baddog, centrecom, landmark and computerworld. these places all have sub 600 computers, including all phepherials.
anyway, what is a via cpu and where do u get them?
oh yeah, u could get a faster second hand p3 or p4, or celeron, faster than that 800mhz stuff for less on ebay.
Honestly, if u get that system i suggest a windows nt 4 or 2000 would suffice, it won't handle xp too well
KayPosted: 06/03/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Kay. Your answer is on the www.pcuser.com.au home page KayPosted: 01/03/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? My brother bought one of these computers and has been using for approx 11months, being a 1st time user of a PC it suited his needs, that was up until 3days ago when he bought a headset/mic so that he could chat to me via Yahoo, well it wont work, there isn't a prob with mic cos he ran the usual tests and were all OK, needless to say he is quite frustrated by this and so am I cos we he lives interstate,I have googled quite a few diff sites in regards to this prob and Sound Card keeps cropping up. Has anyone else had this prob and could it be because of the Sound Card.
Many thanks
Kay
(Answered in full elsewhere. -PZ) TonyPosted: 03/02/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? a friend got and the printer driver would load
(That makes a lot of sense. NOT. -PZ) eckPosted: 30/01/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? My dad bought one of these and now we are having trouble getting in touch with icom. Is there any way of getting in touch with icom other then the phone number that they wont answer. Ta
(Well, you could ask Target or wherever you bought it. -PZ) David Posted: 09/01/2007 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Dont waste you time and money DavePosted: 19/11/2006 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Could anyone tell me where I could download the drivers from for these's computer plz
cheers
Dave
(Hi Dave. Google for icom computer site:au and you'll find at least one of these computers. There might be another brand now. -Paul Zucker) PeterPosted: 12/11/2006 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Kathy and anyone else that needs support for their Icom.
The helpline no. is 1300363912,
for warenties and hopefulle hardware related info.
I've seen some dell systems for $999.00 P 4 but don't know any more, might be ok, or if your having driver problems than maybe somewhere like Driverguide.com or similar sites can do free scans for you and fix or install on line. malcolmPosted: 08/11/2006 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? thanks very much we were going to get one of these for our kids but now will look into something else,saved us buying a lemon PeterPosted: 07/11/2006 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? If you have a p 3 than use that, as the target Icom of which I'm usins now is one of those Target specials you're refering to, though this has an 80 gig hd 512 RAM We are on optus ADSL there is some lag pent 3 speed, the speakers dpat the dummy so they'll need warenty, for students probably a lap top would be better, we live with our bargain and it's ok for us, as we are novices, xp is good the choice is always yours. ScottPosted: 28/08/2006 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? We are a PC repair company and we see the ICOM PC come in all the time. They are slow and unreliable. We have now made it policy not to even assess an ICOM PC because in most cases repairs can be almost impossible due to the obscure hardware that they use. Where exactly can you buy a VIA processor anyway!
Basically you would be better off buying a used Pentium III. It will cost a lot less and probably perform better. lindsay esendonPosted: 25/08/2006 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? I've one of the above mentioned Target ICOMS...40 Gig ..but the speed is undeniably the worst in the world. Suitable for documents and watching DVD's ect no good for VOIP...because the delays and drop outs due to it's lack of speed are unbearable.Even on cable it's an impossible machine to tolerate so god knows how the poor dial up victims are faring out there? I'd like to get a bigger faster processor to drop into it but I'm unsure of where to find one and whether it's throwing good money after bad? Luckily it's only a second p/c, one couldn;t stand it if it was main p/c in the house. DON'T BUY ONE KathyPosted: 12/05/2006 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Wouldn't bother. My friend brrrought one and after it was connected to the interent, she ended up with lots of spyware/trojan problems so eventually we reformatted the computer only to find that no driver discs are with the computer. Not even drivers for the audio and video. So now we are trying to work out what brands have been used in these machines so we can use a suitable driver. As far as I am concern, these computers are a waste of money and time. KatePosted: 02/05/2006 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? I bought one of the computers two days ago. Its to be used as a spare computer in our house. I unpacked the box and it states Manual (with a picture of a manual)
Well the manual wa snot in the box. The only manual is the Windows XP manual. target and Icom are insistant there is not another manual to go with the computer. Is this correct?
(Hopefully some other users will let us know Kate. =- Paul Zucker) mariaPosted: 01/04/2006 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Pentium computers for around this price (or lower) at
www.ticomputers.com.au
(Hot TI P4 Office Pack)$685
(no monitor, no operating system)
www.graysonline.com.au
(new, used, factory seconds-new with faults, resealed, reconditioned)
Some include operating systems + monitors.
- Depends on auction listings at the time you look at the web page. Auction listings change frequently.
Dealsdirect.com.au (I think $599)(no monitor, no operating system)
Apus.com.au - $699 pentium (with monitor)
Cwsydney.com.au ($699 with operating system, no monitor)
In other words, you don't have to settle for a celeron computer, you can get a pentium for the same price or a little bit more.
Note- some do not include monitors, operating systems.
I think that you would probably get the 'best deal' i.e. the cheapest priced computer from the graysonline.com.au auctions.
I do not know what the computers are like as I have not purchased from them.
If you want a 'good deal' go to the small computer shops as they seem to have better prices. Larry JentzPosted: 13/11/2005 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? Personally i think these old systems should be given away to charity organisations instead of trying to sucker in people with little or no computer knowledge. They should advertise as OLD TECHNOLOGY not suited to todays high end games and graphic applications so people know it is basic. That said as Terry said buy better if you can as a good celeron 2.5 ghz system or AMD system can be purchased for around $900 to $1200 and has much higher ability and more upgradeable for the future. benPosted: 11/11/2005 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? find out if you can re pack the laptops battery
after it gets olq.some batterys can not to be re
loadet.so it will cost you some $$$.to get new battery.ben anon E mousePosted: 10/11/2005 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? take a look here, cheap customisable computers.
http://www.cheapestpc.com.au/
Lee McGinleyPosted: 10/11/2005 re: $600 PC. Is it worth getting? I have a funny feeling that Frank is referring to a PC that is carried by Target.
http://www.target.com.au/html/catalogue07n5/07n5e06.htm
If I'm right about it there's a few questions I'd like answered.
First and foremost "What the hell is a Via 200+ 800Mhz processor?"
My wife and I have seen it a couple of times in Target's advertising material and often wondered about it's value in respect to our pre-secondary school son's impending needs. I'm inclined to view it as useful in the short term but am a touch concerned about how it stacks up in a slightly longer term view.
I suppose a second question would be, "Should I scrounge up the extra cash and go for a very basic Athlon system with a better upgrade path?"
Cheers
Lee |