Expert, (or non-expert), Computer Advise, please

Computer Dummies Network | 5/22/2005 | Sir Thomas the More

[sirthomasthemore]

Feeble minded, at least when it comes to computers. (I know- those who have read my posts consider me feeble-minded, generally)

I use a PC for basic word processing and Internet. My only other interests would movies and music.

I’m looking at Emachines T2984; Celeron Processor 2.93 Ghz, 512 Ram to 2GB; 8o GB HD, Intel Extreme Grphics; 16XDVD; CD-RW 48X; 8-1 Media Mgr;5 USB 2.0; 1 serial; 1 parallel; 2 PS/2 ports;1 VGA External; 10/100Mbps Ethernet; Windows XP-

It’s about $500.00. Is it a good buy? Will it suit my needs? Any other recommendations?

Any help appreciated. “Put downs” and criticisms graciously accepted. :0)

[sirthomasthemore]

I hope this appears in chat section- But, don't know how to get it there. Fellow Christians; it's the Lord's day- be merciful. :)

[MikefromOhio]

if that is all you are doing, it will get the job done...

but I would still get a MAC, even though it costs more....

[sirthomasthemore]

Thanks, Mike. Knew I could count on you! :o)

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

I have great luck with my emachine T1840, it is old but it gives good service.
Price and quality of emachines are hard to beat.

[MonroeDNA]

You will be more than happy with your choice. Great price, too.

I'd go for 1 Gb of memory. It will make your movies run smoother.

Don't forget Norton Internet Security Suite. Also get a router, for a hardware firewall. Linksys 4-port is around $70. It will make your computer "invisible" to hackers.

[MikefromOhio]

no problemo :)

[puppypusher]

Yea! it should work fine for you as long as your only doing word processing and surfing the internet that should be just fine.

If you were it to graphics intensive applications I would go for a unit with a more powerfull graphics subsystem. Other than that I think you'll be happy.

[rdb3]

You can beat that price, especially with an Intel Celeron or AMD Sempron CPU. Where are you shopping, and is a monitor included?

If I were near you and you put $500 in my hand, I'll get you more than what you stated here, plus change back.

[AgThorn]

I don't know, for $500 these days for a desktop PC, you should be able to get a better brand than emachines, i.e. more meaningful warranty, etc. (e.g. Dell, HP, IBM).

[MonroeDNA]

Worth looking at http://www.tigerdirect.com/

[AgThorn]

For example:

ThinkCentre A50
8085E1U
2.80 GHz Intel® Celeron®, Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition, Tower, 256 MB, 40 GB, No security subsystem, Integrated Intel PRO/100 Ethernet, Integrated graphics Intel Extreme Graphics 2, CD-RW/DVD-ROM
Availability**: Within 4 weeks
$659.00 web price*
$593.10 sale price*

granted, that's not 2.9Ghz and the next faster (sticking to Celeron) on IBM desktop is:

ThinkCentre M51 New
8104BMU
3.06 GHz Intel® Celeron®, Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional, Ultra Small Form Factor, 256 MB, 40 GB, IBM Embedded Security Subsystem, Gigabit Ethernet, Integrated graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, CD-ROM
Availability**: Within 2 weeks
$949.00 web price*


So, you can look at these as a comparison. I just pulled them from the IBM.com website. Probably some good comparisons from Dell, HP as well out there. Also, compare the warranty - often times the most important feature!!

William

[cloud8]

Is this machine brandy-new, or refurbished?

How long is the warrenty, and can you call the help desk for free advice, or take it down the street for free repairs under warrenty if something breaks down?

I didn't see a monitor listed. Invest in a good one, flat screen.

The price is right...good luck.

[MonroeDNA]

COmpare here:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?keywords=emachines&image1.x=6&image1.y=16

[MonroeDNA]

19" flatscreen $260: http://www.tigerdirect.com/email/wem891.asp?CMP=ILC-FPM02

[cloud8]

warrAnty

[sirthomasthemore]

Hi Cloud_

Standard WarrantyEvery new eMachines PC is protected by a standard One-Year Limited Warranty from date of purchase. The standard one-year limited warranty offers:One-year guarantee on Parts and Labor.One-year technical support via telephone*.Our Customer Care representatives are available 6:00 am to 10:00 pm (PST) seven days a week:United States 1-801-401-1419* Canada 1-604-637-1419* *Long distance charges may apply, depending on your calling area.

Thanks-

[sirthomasthemore]

Veteran, Puppy, Ag-

Thanks much. You guys are great. :)

[sirthomasthemore]

Monroe,

These are refurbs? Are they ok?

Thanks

[sirthomasthemore]

Shopping at Walmart (ugh)- But advanatge is they don't expect payment for 6 months- so if I'm dissatisfied, it gives me some leverage. No monitor, though.

Thanks

[sirthomasthemore]

Shopping at Walmart (ugh)- But advanatge is they don't expect payment for 6 months- so if I'm dissatisfied, it gives me some leverage. No monitor, though.

Thanks, RDB