GF needs a new desktop. Doesn't have to be anything special. Can I really go wrong looking for a cheap desktop box $400 range? (Don't need monitor or any of that)

not really. if shes not doing intense apps, then she'll be fine with that. just uninstall all the bloat that usually comes with pre-packaged computers.

Sounds good, just format it if you have the time (You would probably benefit in the long run because of bloat creep). But it shouldn't really matter if it's just for websurfing.
E:Fixed.

Whaa?

Bloat begets bloat.
When my parents got their laptop, it started off fine. But eventually the amount of crap from the first install was getting in the way.

the third word in that sentence is the problem, tibs

Don't these guys make a bunch of low-end PCs, just like what you want? http://usa.asus.com/ProductGroup1.aspx?PG_ID=7dDelmkESu9DXgVB

I wish, my parents just look at houses. (No I'm serious, been over with a fine tooth comb, I found my dads porn on the old 98 PC easy enough) In the end it was a half installed norton that brought the system down.

I wouldnt settle for any $400 computer, I would avoid anything with an Atom, Sempron, or Single Core Celeron processor. Setting some basic requirements like Dual core cpu, 2+ gb ram, Windows 7 - will help reduce the impact of bloatware or clutter that accumulates overtime.

I'm not saying its impossible to be productive on a low end machine, it just requires more maintenance to keep performance at acceptable levels. Finding a decent computer for $400 shouldnt be that hard.

It shouldn't be hard at all - I bought my laptop in spring '09 for 400 bucks and it's dual core /2Gb.

You should def be able to find something better than an atom/sempron/celeron for $400 ... you can build a basic Athlon II X3 comp for around $400

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103724 $75 Proc
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186189 $44 Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227346 $83 4GB Ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033 $45 PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129069 $40 Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073 $56 500GB HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151192 $20 DVD burner

Total $363

OEMs don't mark up *that* much, especially on low-end so you should be able to find something similar (I remember seeing something similar at best buy a little while ago)

+$100ish for OS- I agree, there's not much markup on low-end OEM systems. Every once in a while a deal comes out that's pretty difficult or impossible to beat (without lining up the perfect rebate deals/etc all at the same time).

You forgot the OS. >_>

So unless he goes with Linux it'd be more like $463 for a low end Windows edition

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=windows+oem&x=0&y=0

Because of your limited budget you'd need one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116752&cm_re=windows_oem_home-_-32-116-752-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754&cm_re=windows_oem_home-_-32-116-754-_-Product

Though I prefer Professional myself you probably want to go with the low-end Windows for the low-end hardware.

I bought my wife/kids a computer from costco's web site. I think it was $500 but it included keyboard, mouse, monitor, and a printer. I like Costco because they have a 90 day return policy (we didn't return it) and they extend the factory warranty to 2 years on all computers. They probably have some decent deals on their web site... The one we got is some intel dual core w/6gb ram and a good sized hard drive.