Since you specifically ask for a recommendation, then, based on my 20+
years reviewing PC hardware and software, at this time I would make
two recommendations based on price and quality/reliability.
First, eMachines have the low end of the market sewn up.
The main Web site is:
http://www.e4me.com
There are many resellers who handle these very inexpensive computers
or you can order online. With the purchase of two or more computers
you get free shipping. The T1220 with this configuration:
CPU Intel® Celeron® Processor 1.20 GHz (w/256KB L2 cache)
Chipset: Intel 810e Chipset
Memory: 128 MB SDRAM
Hard Drive: 20 GB HDD
Optical Drives: 48x Max. CD-ROM Drive
3.5" 1.44MB FDD
Video: Intel Direct AGP 3D (810e shared)
Sound: AC '97 Audio
Modem: 56K* ITU v.92 ready Fax/Modem
Peripherals: Keyboard, Mouse, Stereo Speakers
Dimensions: 7.25"w x 14.125"h x 16"d
Internet: AOL service included, click here for details
Ports/Other: 4 USB ports (2 on front), 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2,
Audio-In & Out, MIDI/Game port, Mic-In & Head Phone jack on front, 3
PCI slots (2 available)
That computer AND a 17-inch (16-inch viewable) monitor will run
$519.98 complete with XP Home.
But, as I say, this is a bargain computer.
For a PC Magazine look at the eMachines, see this page:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,8220,00.asp
At the other end of the computer spectrum is the world’s largest
computer maker, Dell. There is an excellent reason that Dell sells the
most, they have the best combination of quality components, support,
and price.
ANY Dell computer costing less than $1,000 would be a good choice for
running the programs you specify and surfing the Web. Despite the
commercials with that annoying kid, Dell makes great computers.
Dell Computer Corporation’s home page is:
www.dell.com
Given just the requirements you specified, then go with the cheapest
Dell Dimension available at the time you check prices. If this is for
a home business or even an office machine, I would say that the lowest
price Dell would make a fine computer and will probably be capable
even of playing games and more. If you can afford it I would also opt
for a CD-R (CD Recorder) for backup and offline storage.
I would probably go with the Dimension 2200, as shown at:
http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/model_dimen_1_dimen_2200.htm
For a top business machine with plenty of power, move up to the 8200
which starts at about $1100.
http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/model_dimen_1_dimen_8200.htm
That is much more computer than you need for what you want to run but
it will probably remain useful a bit longer.
As you can see, there isn't all that much price difference between a
low-end Dell and an eMachine, other brands mostly fall between these
two extremes.
I hope this answers your question, there is no need to spend a lot of
money these days for a very powerful computer unless you are playing
games or doing intensive graphics work. Unless you are really strapped
for money or this is a second or third machine I definately recommend
that you steer away from the eMachine and buy the Dell. There are
dozens or hundreds of other decent choices, but given your needs, who
look further than Dell in this price range? I have personally tested
both eMachine and Dell computers recently and hundreds more over the
course of years.
Search strategy:
Google Search Terms:
emachine computer
://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=emachine+computer
emachine computer review
://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=emachine+computer |
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