I've got $450 to work with and my dad wants/needs:
1) a decent webcam with mic that he wants to use with Skype
2) a new flatscreen monitor
3) a tower with all the goods to handle basic surfing with high speed internet, perhaps a game or 2 (like Deer Hunter) and chatting on Skype (ie. pretty basic)
He's not computer savvy, so I'm pretty much looking for a basic system. I don't know what's in his current tower (not even ram, mobo, or cards), but it's probably old and outdated anyway.
From Dad's perspective, all he wants is to have a system that doesn't time out on him whenever he's on the internet and to be able to Skype with us to see his incredibly cute grandkids
From my perspective, shopping online (Newegg, Dell or Tigerdirect) is fine but needs to ship to Canada. The tower needs to be pre-assembled because he won't know how to take it apart and switch components. I would love some recommendations about what components are top priority to do my own searching at places that are local to my Dad's area. Input on refurbished products from these places and their warranties would also be appreciated. Finally, this is a Christmas gift for Dad, so it's not necessary to find everything right now (but that's why I'd like suggestions of what to look for so that I can do my own searches). Also, I'm guessing it's worth getting him an all-in-one deal, but if the deals are good to get a separate monitor and separate tower, that's okay too. I don't even know what processor is good at this point, so all of your input will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tracy