Mark, I'm a far cry from a computer geek, but I've had a Dell, for about 3 years now, that I've been very happy with.
Here is a Dell with a 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 processor, 512 MB of memory, a 40 GB hard drive, and a 17 inch CRT monitor for $589 (after a 10%, instant off discount). If they already have a serviceable monitor, they can knock $45 off the price. There is a free upgrade from a CD Rom drive to a CD-RW drive included in the price.
It comes with WordPerfect, but for $26 you can upgrade to Microsoft Works Suite which has Microsoft Word, and several other programs. The price also includes a 2 year warranty, 2 years of in home service, and 2 years Technical support.
