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Budget beginner PC
(November 17, 2004)
What would you recommend as a first computer for a 60-year-old woman? All she wants is to do with it is send e-mail, browse the Web, and print. It needs to cost less than $1,000.
Submitted by: Chip M., Indianapolis, Indiana
Matt Elliott
Senior editor,
CNET Reviews |
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For the most basic tasks, such as e-mail and Web surfing, today's budget PCs have more than enough power. Our current favorite is the eMachines T3256, which costs $599 (a monitor will add to the bill).
eMachines, which has joined forces with Gateway, focuses strictly on budget PCs and knows what it's doing. In fact, the T3256 is its top-of-the-line budget PC and includes midrange features such as a DVD burner.
Other options:
- eMachines T2862
If you don't need such luxuries as a DVD burner, take a look at this entry-level PC, which costs only $399 (after a $50 rebate).
- Dell Dimension 3000
Dell's budget PC might also fit the bill. We don't like it as much as what you get from eMachines, but it's configurable online, and Dell often runs deals that make it an attractive buy.
Monitor Dell's site for special offers or, better yet, choose a budget PC from eMachines.
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