My nearly teen wants a computer of his own and has saved $300 what to buy and here to get it we are in Sydney, tk
Son wants to buy a computer has $300 birthday money. Has a screen and keyboard. What to buy?
hsk on 06/10/2013 - 12:19
Comments
+1 for refurb! that build looks awesome! Tell him to buy that and then save up for a graphics card.
Tks is that without screen & keyboard? Could possibly add $100 what would he get? & where?
You referring to the Officeworks desktop? That comes as a bundle with monitor and keyboard.
Here is a custom build desktop you can consider for $319. No monitor or keyboard.
http://www.mwave.com.au/product/mwave-essential-hdmi-2013-sy…it doesn't have an operating system, so you need to pay an extra $109 to get Windows.
Total cost $428
This option is better / faster than the Officeworks deal, has more memory and the CPU isn't as lousy.
Officeworks would probably be ok for him tks
Thanks will look into that
Whats he want it for?
gaming?checkout
http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc
http://www.logicalincrements.com/if adamant about not building,
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/deals/cplonline.com.au
While more expensive, something like this http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/115142 paired with a graphics card will give u a great bang for buck machine that will last years if hes into gaming or video/image processing. It is leaps and bounds better than the officeworks pcCalculate the total cost over the years rather than initial cost
If he wont game or anything, maybe hold out for a cheap laptop deal
what does he want it for? if gaming then I have no idea. if he wants for interwebz, MSoffice, youtube, watching movies then buy a cheapo box off the Ebay or gumtree.
I don't game and all my PCs are actually hard rubbish collection machines (or found at the tip).
they are all good.
It's about what he wants to do with it.
Check out Whirlpool's PC suggestions wiki. Building one yourself is fairly easy and will save you a lot of money.
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/rmp_sg_whirlpoolpcs
For example:
$220 Intel Basic Config El Cheapo
CPU: Intel Celeron G1610 $46
Mobo: Asrock H71M-DGS $49
RAM: 2GB (1x2GB) DDR3-1333 $23
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB $56
GPU: (Intel HD Graphics)
Case+PSU: ATX Delux 6220-CA w/ Codegen 470W PSU $49 (PSU is fine for this low power rig, but highly not recommended for use in a more powerful build)
OS: Ubuntu/Linux Mint (Install using a USB drive)Total: $223
$300 Intel Basic Config
CPU: Intel Celeron G1610 $46
Mobo: Asus P8B75-M $65
RAM: 4GB (1x4GB) DDR3-1600 $40
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB $56
GPU: (Intel HD Graphics)
Case+PSU: Thermaltake Black Versa II w/ USB 3.0 and 500W Litepower PSU $72
ODD: DVD burner $20Total: $299
At this price point you're looking at buying a case with a bundled power supply (Thermaltake, Antec and Cooler Master are all good options in that price range. You'll need a motherboard with decent onboard video.
Another good site to check out is http://www.tomshardware.com/. Each month they do a "bang-for-your-buck" comparison of what is the best value CPU in each price range. They even have a $350 build suggestion there this week: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-your-own-budget-pc… If you swapped out the 8GB RAM with a cheaper 4GB option, you could probably bring it in cheaper. Being a US site some of the recommendations may be different, but most prices and options are very similar.
Building a PC will be much more satisfying, it'll be more powerful for games, and you'll be able to modify and upgrade it down the track. Plus, if any one part fails, you can replace it off-the-shelf rather than have to chase possibly expensive branded parts.
If it helps, I could supply a genuine windows XP licence code for free - PM me if interested.
Personally, $300 is low, but not too low to get a decent machine.
The post above is a good place to start - BUT - I reckon you can do better if you look at used parts, or just older pre-built computers that could be decent with a small upgrade or two.Say you find a not-too-old Core 2 Duo machine… $165 - $135 remaining
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321207251458
add an SSD from whatever store is nearby: http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=128GB+ssd&spos=…
$35 remaining…
and place a bid on a used graphics card (might have to be a low-profile card) : http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251351746456 or any of these: http://cl.ly/RmkNAnd that computer would not be too slow at all!
Thanks you guys always come up with lots of suggestions. I just got home from work so will look at these tomorrow. My son is not into gaming yet just a bit of utube watch a movie ebay and homework reasearch mostly simple stuff really.
Ah I remember when I was 12 watching "movie"s on the computer.
Well back then we only had the bandwidth for "picture"s but you get the point.
LOL
back in my day……
Desktops break down too often and are such a pain to troubleshoot & fix.
I'll be getting the dell venue pro 8 tablet when it comes out. Should be fine for simple use cases like yours, especially if u plug a keyboard and monitor to it.
Meant to be US$300.
It runs full Windows 8.1!
http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/02/dell-venue-pro-8-and-pro-…
not to rain on your parade and also as a disclaimer for anyone else reading
but the venue range for dell are just el cheapo Atom tablet, albeit running the new bay trail
when bay trail tablets get released, all other manufacturers will have something on the market around the $300 price range
e.g. asus t100 which includes a docking keyboard.
however The dell has a pen inputthat being said, these are VALUE FOR MONEY and a portable solution for what your son wants. He can plug these into his KB and Monitor for desk use or have it portable
But be wary that Aton processors are weaksauce. but perfectly fine if "all" he is doing is interwebs, youtube, email etc
I wouldn't give a tablet to a kid. All that ever happens to them is that they get broken same but lesser extent with a laptop as well.
Also working off a tablet is a terrible experience. We had our sales rep pestering us for ages about getting tablets "because it would improve productivity and workflow" When we actually deployed them against my best advice apparently tablets are terrible to work off and they want their laptops back.
A tablet is a supplementary device to a desktop or laptop, it can't replace them though.
what kind of tablets were deployed at your workplace? ipads and nexus 7's are not really comparable to this. The Asus T100 is running full Windows 8.1 - i.e. what a lot of people will be running on their computers, so full access to Office Suite, Google Chrome, etc. Can't comment on the speed and performance of Bay Trail but I'd imagine it wouldn't be too shabby.
Ipads and Surface tablets.
Both the windows RT and windows 8 version of the surface tablets. They are fine for casual use but once people stat seriously working it pisses them off. Even with the keyboards (and the surface has about the best tablet keyboard around) they still aren't as good to work off as a laptop or desktop or even remotely close.
They are fine for casual use but if the kid is going to do school assignments off it I wouldn't recommend it.
Not enough (just), purely because Windows is $99. Add an extra $100 and its doable.
I built a cheap box with a G1610 + Asrock B75M-DGS R2 as the core. Whatever you do, don't get a really dead chipset (H61 or H71), B75 would be minimum (you want USB 3 and SATA 3 for any modern box) and get a decent basic PSU, something like a Corsair CX series. You cheap out on the PSU or mobo it won't last, even for a basic box.
Also, Haswell celeron's are coming soon. I wouldn't buy a crippled tablet or some cheap refurbished rubbish that belongs in the bin (come on, buying a Core 2 in 2013? That G1610 celeron is faster, sucks less power and its the most basic CPU Intel currently offers).
Keep an eye out for superseded low end laptops as well, I've seen them on special for under $400.
I agreed with Wampus.
Personally, I prefer a laptop rather than a desktop if I'm not into games.
It save a lot of space and he can take it to school/ uni.I would consider an old laptop. You can pick up a dell D600 for about $40 on ebay/gumtree. There might be better options for the money but I have one and was going to get rid of it till I seen how much they are selling them for.
Hes a kid and will probably break it, $40 loss compared to $300 is a lot more viable. If he doesnt break it and wants something faster, you can easily get your $40 back. Worse case you loose $10. Not the case with a pc you built with new parts for $300. In 6 months time you might get $220 if your lucky.
If it was me, I would try and convince him that the cheaper option is the way to go, performance is going to be crap either way but fine for what hes doing. I'd take the opportunity to teach him that just because he has $300 doesnt mean he should spend it on a rapidly depreciating item.
What? D600's can come with Pentium M's. SMARTPHONES are faster. Seriously. Waste of $40. A $300 PC at least has some room for expansion and isn't dog slow. Its far from fine. Seriously.
For what the OP has stated the youngster wants to use it for, it will be fine.
Hes a kid and will probably break it, $40 loss compared to $300 is a lot more viable
I'm sure a kid who buys a computer with his hard-earned savings would probably take very good care of it. I know I treasured my first home built desktop very much (I built a desktop after buying the AMD 64 Sempron 3000+ with savings and had to use second hand parts salvaged from school computers) and I was in high school at the time. No other kid in school probably had owned hardware as high end as I did.
And how do you break a desktop anyway?
Some people underestimate how much some kids take care of their own pc's…..I had my own laptop when I was around 10-11 years old and I still works now (too obsolete tho, win ME on it.) I was very careful with it and I self-taught myself on how to use it. These days kids are even MORE tech-savy…… But I do understand the caution tho…
P.S I had/have the sempron 3000+ aswell, it just got retired but it did a good job!
People seem to forget what it feels like to be a kid sometimes…
Okay, when I was 7, I did delete the whole Accessories folder, but it was easily fixable. By the time I was 10-11, I had a much greater appreciation and knowledge for computers. Bessie, kids these days grow up with technology and are much more savvy about systems, compared to a kid about 20 years ago who might have not been interested in building a computer at all.
a kid that saved 3 yrs of pocket money to buy something will take better care than a kid who got their parents to provide for them…
still got the Atari 1200 I bought from saving up my pay from delivering the local weekly paper.
This was 2 years ago was it? ;)
I tried installing DDR 1 ram into my first computer that took DDR 2 ram and fried the motherboard.
Although as a child I had 2 garbage bags full of toys I had pulled apart in the corner of my room at age 6-7, so maybe I am an exception.
Let him build his own I did when I was 11/12
For that money you're looking at a basic Pentium/Celeron.
Tell him to keep saving! So some chores, get to $400 and then you're talking.
Chrome book is awesome value @ 279 plus you'd be able to buy it from jb and get b & m warranty.
Good value is debatable. It's not powerful enough, even for HD Youtube and multi-tabbed net browsing. Owned one for a month and gave up on it. It only suits certain types of usage scenarios.
I'm going to say this is a bad idea. Chrome books are for web browsing and that's about it. When he's asked to create a Microsoft Office doc and his only source of office is google docs I'm sure his teacher will be less than understanding.
Google docs can export as docx. Pretty much the only thing I use Google Docs for was school assignments and group projects.
I know it looks all well and good but unfortunately when it's opened in Microsoft Office it quickly becomes apparent that Microsoft doesn't like "standards" and prefers that others can't become compatible with their products.
with that amount to spend, you need to start with something that can be upgraded.
I would opt for a barebones system,
eg. Shuttle XS35GS V3 @$310
http://www.pacstarcomputer.com.au/index.php?productID=8937
Shuttle is a premium brand for micro-desktop systems, you just add 4GB DDR3 RAM ~$20-30 and a Hard drive 500GB ~$50, under budget and plenty of upgrade options, (unlike a tablet/laptop or Dell/HP/Compaq computer).or look at a really bargain-price starter like AMD SOHO AM3 @$269
http://www.pacstarcomputer.com.au/index.php?productID=8937The AM3 SOHO system is a bad choice. Why would you get a Sempron single core for $269 nowadays when $299 gets you a dual core Intel G1610 for $299? The AM3 socket is pretty old too … at least with LGA 1156 you can have the option to upgrading to Ivy Bridge.
DOn't get the Shuttle PC either, the Atom series is a locked down option and cannot be upgraded later on. Also have to think terms in terms of full upgradability — you want a computer to last longer (say 3~4 years) you should buy a computer that is fully upgradable, mainly the CPU and motherboard.
Thanks
Give the kid another $50 to get a half decent one. Cant do much with $300. You can get a laptop for that price though.
Why is everyone so adamant that this kid has Windows???
Spend the cash on a good system & install Linux Mint 15 (Mate)—-> for FREE!
http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2366
It will run circles around 8, and you won't have the constant virus issues that plague Microsoft.
Everything stated that the child needs is more than covered with Mint.
Run it from a live DVD to check it out first- I think you'll really be impressed.
Cheers!!! :)
A Linux Mint fan for years!
I've never had any "virus issues"?
What a silly suggestion. What about the learning curve required for Linux? The child is going to want something he is familiar with, and that can run Office etc for school. OP, ignore the person above this post. Get him a Windows PC.Linux is great! But only if you want it and are up to the task of getting it set up. Using basics like Internet and Office suit software is easy. Trying to get every peripheral and specialised software is another thing alltogether. (I have to say you became really crafty by using it tho.) Stick with windows or whatever the kid himself uses. :)
You've (matt & For) obviously not tried what I suggested?
Btw- I do IT repair & instruction for a living. I can assure you that many, many, many (most) people have a LOT of trouble with viruses/spyware/malware. If you have not- good for you! But you do not speak for the majority on that one (hence the plethora of anti-virus software available for Windows).
If one insists on paying (again) for a Microsoft product such as Office (& the security issues which surround their products)- rather than using the free & exceptional LibreOffice (which comes included/preinstalled with Linux Mint)- the child can run MS Office in Mint, if they so desire.
Peripherals that I have personally used in Linux Mint (webcams, printers, USB devices of all sorts, cameras, card readers, etc, etc…) have all simply worked without issue just by plugging them in. The same cannot be said for Windows 8.
HSK- download a copy of Mint 15 Mate & have it burnt to a DVD- then boot from it. Take it for a spin- it won't install unless you decide to install it (there will be an icon on the desktop that launches the install). You have nothing to lose & a LOT to gain.
Cheers!
I use linux alot these days so I do understand what you mean and yes viruses are a problem on a Windows system. I was just adding that some hardware does require fiddling around (even if the driver is in the kernel a.k.a me and my bloody tv tuner!!!) and we don't know if the kid wants to play games or not. Not everything is perfect on Playonlinux or WINE.
P.S I have 3 Linux media centre's, 1 dual boot plus all my phones and tablets are android. I wasn't being ignorant, just it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. But I agree with you, he should test a live CD on their current pc before any big decisions. :)
"My son is not into gaming yet just a bit of utube watch a movie ebay and homework reasearch mostly simple stuff really."
Basics. No tuners, no gaming. If the kid gets into gaming later, then they can get address that then. In the meanwhile, they have a fast & virus-free computer.
Probably the biggest lie in computing is the one where you can "future-proof" a PC. The reality is that whatever you buy, today, will be superseded nearly immediately with something that will likely have an architectural change (which renders any true future-proofing impossible unless you're handy with a soldering iron). Most motherboards have a graphics card slot- so that avenue is going to be available, if required- & Mint does an excellent job in that respect, too.
I really am surprised when someone who uses Linux not only doesn't promote it but actually tries to dissuade new users. It isn't command-line any more. In fact, I have reinstalled recent Windows 8 laptops with Mint on request- as the owners despised Windows 8. Worse- was that Microsoft made it impossible to load a purchased copy of 7 by depriving the end user of proper drivers. Linux Mint, to the rescue!
The funny thing is how few people understand that Linux underpins nearly any computer system that really matters in the world. It is inherently more secure & more stable than Windows could ever hope to be.
I hope that the OP does try Mint. It's a highly polished operating system with a fantastic user-supported forum & IRC channel (something you don't get with either Apple or MS).
Cheers!
….This seems to degenerating into an argument when their should'nt be….I did say "But I agree with you, he should test a live CD on their current pc before any big decisions. :)"
So why do you insist I'm fighting you? I just stated my opinion and things to consider! I never said your viewpoint isn't/wasn't valid, but the same goes for mine.
I also realise the qualms about 'future-proofing'…… But a pc will generally work after 3-4 year?
My 5+ year old core 2 duo still works and can play games, can install any operating system on it and find drivers. Considering original cost was under $900 and a graphics card update 2 years later I believe I did well for me without breaking the bank.
(P.S You made mentions to Windows 8 which I didn't actually allude to. My personal preference being Win 7 still… I'll agree that their metro/modern UI is Counterintuitive. I use a start buttom program on my win 8 laptop.)
No, not an argument at all- this is simply more info that the OP ought to have when they make their decision- it's not about you, I'm merely keeping the reply inside the thread it started with.
The OP will probably purchase new- & as such, will likely end up with 8 (as others are advising, while I promote Mint)- hence my writing about that.
The OP is being advised that there is a way to "future-proof" a computer purchase- & that's really a matter of luck & timing. If you were one of the unfortunate a few years back, you bought an AGP slot PC the day before they released the new standard PCI-E. RAM changes, protocols change, etc, etc…Hence, I wrote that future-proofing is not truly possible.
The OP should buy the best hardware they can with their dollar using this site as a way to find/source it. Linux is not only a viable alternative, but from a money standpoint, the best choice.
Imho, as always.
Cheers
why not go hackintosh?
once you go Mac you'll never return.
why not go hackintosh?
Very troublesome I've heard — especially system and software updates.. nightmare to troubleshoot too. You either go Mac or Win. Halfway is a pain. Apple can't help you either since it's not an Apple PC, so the only place you can get help with is internet forums (hardly a friendly place for newbies)
They are pretty straight forward to set up. I've got 3 rigs running iDeneb.
Previously I had 2 macs and they both died and needed to recover all my info from them at a cost effective price. setting up a pc to run iDeneb 10.5.6 was relatively straight forward. I don't update them and the PCs they run on are pretty old school. though they run smoothly and do what they need to do.
admittedly my mac and pc experience goes back 25 years.
Best for the kid to use the OS that his/her school is using, makes learning much more easier.
If you don't mind refurbished units, consider the Acer Veriton S670G from Reboot-IT for only $99
This is a pretty good built
It comes with Vista, either downgrade to XP (be aware XP supports expires next April)or buy it from Budget PC for $159 which comes with Win7. Although they sold it for $99 previously which was popular in OZB
Specs:
Pentium Dual-Core E5200 or E5300
160GB HDD
Q45 Chipset
2GB DDR3 (You can upgrade RAM)
DVD-RWThis looks very usable. At some point he might want a RAM or HDD upgrade but by that point we're probably talking playing games, etc. and you'll be better off getting something then rather than trying to 'future-proof' on a budget (as prices always drop over the timescale of years, or at least you get more for your money)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c… - 309 if you can't build a PC and don't want refurb. Something brandnew. Need a spare 9 Buck and extra bit of your money for shipping.
Intel NUC's do not come equpped with:
RAM
MSATA drive (yes, only MSATA is supported)
Operating systemSo no, it needs a minimum of around $200~240 extra to actually make it from a barebone to a usable system. That's $309 + $200 = $509 (waaay out of budget!!)
People think it's cheap, but it reality it is the opposite — not cost effective at all. A miniITX system that's self-built would serve the purpose better, but I strongly doubt the mom wants a self built option anyway.
First off the bat, no it doesn't only support MSATA, you could plug any HDD into one of the USB slots (I know I'm assuming it support USB boot but what modern computer doesn't?) and run a USB hub off the other for KB/Mouse/etc. Secondly DDR3-SODIMMs are dirt cheap, I've even got a couple DDR3 2GB SO-DIMMS I'd post down to him lying around from Dick Smiths clearance $1 sale on them.
Yeah NUC's are barebones mate! But thanks for the link :) Ive been looking at them for using as a media pc. Just gotta figure if the intel graphics will be enough (probably tho.) Cheers.
Just gotta figure if the intel graphics will be enough
They are. All intel HD graphics can do 1080 h264 video.
I use my media pc for video AND some light games. But thanks for the reply Bruce
I have the i3 NUC for OpenELEC and it runs beautifully.
Why not get a Quad-core tablet + protective case and a OTG cable to plug the keyboard in it.. if the monitor has a HDMI port you can get a mini-hdmi cable. You might even get a mouse + keyboard if you go with a passive usb hub (unpowered)
You have money left over for a laptop cooler that can keep the tablet nice and cool. (Plug this into the power point via a active (powered) usb hub.)
The whole setup should cost you less than $250.
You have access to free office software that can do things a non-IT student would need.
Why not get a Quad-core tablet + protective case and a OTG cable to plug the keyboard in it..
Because the kid wants a desktop, not a tablet. A tablet is not productive for work either (unless it can run Windows)
The OP also wrote:
My nearly teen wants a computer of his own
If you go to a restaurant and want a steak, and your mom says no hun, here's a beef kebab, are you still happy with the purchase? Of course not. It's his money. He has a say in what he gets. He worked hard to get save up for a desktop for school work, and spending it on a tablet that isn't suitable for school / uni work doesn't make much sense.
why not just get a raspberry pi?
He'll still have money left over however its not very fast so don't expect to see large amounts of performance.Don't think you can run Windows on them
Acer Aspire Touch V5-431P-997B4G50Mass touch screen laptop
CPU: Intel Pentium Dual Core 997 1.6GHz
Windows 8 64bit
RAM: 4GB DDR3
HDD: 500GB SATA
Graphic: Intel HD Graphics
Integrated VGA
Screen: 14” Touch LED Screen
1yr WarrantyDVD WriterUSB3HDMI*Bluetoothmsy.com.au $359.00 or to their shop
Sell your screen for the short $59.00HSK
To summarise, it looks like $300 is not quite enough to get you a machine that is 'futureproof' or upgradeable. You will obviously be able to get slightly better refurbished or second hand machines through ebay or gumtree but there are additional risks such as the lack of warranty, and longevity of your purchased product.
Laptop or Desktop?
I'm unsure as to your son's school requirements and whether he needs to bring a laptop to school. If a laptop is not required, I suggest that you invest in a desktop with a decent sized monitor (19' seems the bare minimum for desktop LCDs). As your child gets older, less time squinting at laptops will likely mean better eyesight. I didn't need glasses until I studied for uni :S
Second hand options
Where possible, use paypal or a credit card and don't do bank deposits. You can raise disputes easily with the first two methods of purchase, but it is very hard to recover monies from the last method.
Not into Gaming..Yet?
If your child suddenly decides that he wants to become a hardcore computer gamer, then you will be looking for a computer that costs approximately $750-$1300 depending on where in the gamer machine spectrum your son would like to be in.
In terms of cost vs performance of PC's and consoles, PC architecture advances fairly rapidly, and gaming pcs are currently more powerful than the current generation of consoles (PS3, xbox 360), and are also currently more powerful than next generation consoles that are yet to be released. But just remember, a gaming PC will also be more expensive as an up front cost. e.g. $900 PC v $399 console + controller. Games however, depreciate in value more quickly on PC titles compared to console titles so a AAA gaming title (e.g. Bioshock Infinite) may go from AU89.99 down to AU25.00 in a relatively short period of time.
There are also further price reductions, or the online market where you can buy these games damned cheap.
I've tried to fill in what's not been said in this thread so far, and I hope it helps.
how about 2nd hand/ refurbished lenovo X200?
Business grade laptop , light and good for working/ university but can't really use it for games.If he can handle the wait, best deals to be had are Boxing Day through to New Years.
So basically he needs to save up another $100 ^^ if he wants a NEW computer.
If you can find someone who knows how to build and set up a computer and get them to walk your child through it you will be doing your kid a world of wonders. A friend/employee of the family business helped me through purchasing/building/setting up the first computer I bought with my own money when I was about 10. In the 12 years since then I've built over a dozen PCs for myself, friends and family. All that's needed is one person to set aside a few hours of their time and your kid will have an invaluable skill for life.
Then they can join ozbargain, see the computer builds regularly posted that cost less than purchasing the parts separately. ;-p
Chromebook - HP 11 is only $279
Thanks so much good information son is still thinking desk top for the moment he does't need to have it at school Will check out some of your leads
most laptop could display on monitor.
good condition x200 on ebay with express shipping around 150-179
Good thing about x200 is it was so popular, there are many third party battery around 30-40 dollars than end of life laptop battery cost 100-200 dollars
with SSD…… it's an "uni-mate" to students
i'm using the 1.86GHz version with 5400 rpm (slow) and 2 gig ram on Win7 pro
pretty fast for my working purpose. remote access etc.
Why don't "son i want you to bring me $300 and 3A." This will drive him to study harder for a $600 computer.
8 - 10 Rasperry Pi's for a Beowulf-cluster supercomputer if he is really keen to learn. No HDD or SD cards included.
So with Moores law thats:
7Ghz ARM 11 CPU
5Gb of RAM combined VRAM
2.5Ghz GPU
20 USB ports
10 Ethernet ports
10 HDMI outs for multi monitors
only 35W power at 7ampshttp://cdn-static.zdnet.com/i/r/story/70/00/015831/raspberry…
best bang for your buck :P :D :)
I have not read the comments but if you live in Brisbane, I have an older desktop that my Son used, he can have it for free.
So when you say computer you mean PC/desktop or any computer with screen and keyboard? If the latter, a chromebook would fit the bill. Computer. check. Screen. check. Keyboard. check. Can get less than 300. check.
see: http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Samsung-Chromeboo…
I'm surprised no one mentioned a chromebook yet..
That's not big enough of a budget to cover a desktop. A second hand one or a refurbished one, perhaps, but a brand new desktop usually starts above $400.
Custom builds are certainly out of the question as you would need to spend a min. of $100 to get Windows OEM, and there is also an assembly / labour fee involved.
Anyway here is a full Intel Celeron G465 (sandy bridge) + Win 8 desktop for $379 via Officeworks. It's very basic, so don't expect performance out of this thing.
http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Com…