Get a VR-ready HP Pavilion desktop for $649.99
Normally $800, this compact PC has ample horsepower for anything you might want to throw at it. Plus: Lego PC games for under $4 each! And a $5 fix for backseat complainers. Yep, you heard me.
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It's been a long while since I shared a deal on a desktop. Why? Because I continue to feel like no one wants or buys them anymore. But then everyone's all, like, "What? I totally want a desktop! Stop hating on desktops, desktop-hater."
I will say that if you're itching to buy an HTC Vive or Oculus Rift VR system, you're going to need a powerful machine. And as someone who occasionally dabbles in video editing, a fast processor and high-end video card are a must.
To that end: For a limited time, HP is offering the Pavilion 560-p015HVR desktop for $649.99 shipped when you apply promo code HVR200 at checkout. Regular price: $799.99. Oh, and don't forget to investigate your cashback options. Ebates, for example, offers a 4-percent rebate on HP purchases. That would bring your effective total down to $623.99.
It's hard to tell from the photo, but the Pavilion stands just 14.3 inches tall and measures 6.5 inches across -- so it's extremely compact. Indeed, this tower is probably better suited to living on your desk than below it.
Despite its size, the system packs some impressive hardware: a Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 128GB solid-state drive and a 1TB hard drive, and, of particular interest to the VR-minded, a Radeon RX480 video card.
Also included: 802.11-all-the-letters Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, oodles of USB ports (including one USB Type-C!), and even one of those DVD-burner things. Here's a full rundown of the specs.
HP bundles a wired mouse and keyboard (blech), but otherwise this strikes me as nicely equipped system for the price. Indeed, it's still pretty rare to find a VR-ready desktop for under $1,000.
Your thoughts? Are you still in the market for desktops like this one? If so... why?
Bonus deal: Calling all parents! Do your kids a solid and snatch up Lego Avengers (for Windows) for $3.79 and Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (also Windows), also for $3.79. Both are sold by CDKeys.com, both result in digital keys you'll redeem on Steam. Prices on Steam proper: $39.99 and $29.99, respectively.
These games are action- and puzzle-oriented, with lots of clever jokes and zero blood. And, hey, your new desktop will run them without breaking a sweat!
Bonus deal No. 2: I like simple, inexpensive solutions to big problems. Like the person in your backseat who needs to charge their iPhone or iPad -- but your charger cord won't reach.
For a limited time, and while supplies last, A4C has an MFi-certified 2.1-amp Lightning cigarette-lighter car charger for $4.95 shipped. Why this charger over countless others? Simple: It has a 9-foot coiled cable.