I have a couple of friends whose birthdays are coming up, and neither one of them has a computer. I’d like to explore some cheap options of getting them basic setups. Is there any way I can get a setup (monitors, speakers, etc) that doesn’t totally suck for $100-200? Is it cheaper to buy parts and put them together yourself? I know how to install a hard drive and RAM and CD drives and such, at least in a desktop. I’ve never done that with a laptop.
This wouldn’t be a gaming PC or anything, just something that wouldn’t take forever to boot up, connect to the internet, play music and such.
Also, can a system run with no internal HD? I have a spare external that connects to a USB port. I assume it’s the same, but since I’ve never tried doing that I thought I’d ask.
The other problem here is that I’m in Japan, so if I do need something shipped it’s going to jack up the price. Not outside the realm of possibility, but a wrinkle in the plan.