Get a dual-core Windows 7 desktop for $319.99
Usually the systems I see in this price range have crummy Celeron processors. This one's above-average, spec-wise.
Like many people, my parents are in the market for a new PC to replace an aging Windows XP desktop. Today's Woot.com deal looks just about perfect: a refurbished eMachines ET1331G-05W dual-core tower for $319.99, plus $5 for shipping.
Like all Woot deals, this one is available today only, and there's always a chance it'll sell out. (The site's nearly as popular as this one ;). Thus, let's get right to the highlights and lowlights.
For an everyday home user, I think the ET1331G-05W (wow, that just rolls off the tongue) packs more than enough horsepower: an AMD Athlon II X2 250u dual-core processor (1.6GHz), 4GB of RAM, a 750GB hard drive (roughly 10 times what my folks need), and, of course, a DVD burner.
The Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE graphics are integrated, but there's a PCI slot in case you want to install something more game/video friendly. And if you decide to trick out the system for home-theater use, you'll appreciate the onboard 7.1-channel audio subsystem.
Though I was worried this refurb would be slumming it with Vista, it runs Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. However, as with most refurbs, the eMachines does have a 90-day warranty.
In short, it's a simple, no-frills, but plenty powerful tower--just about right for home users looking to replace an aging Windows XP desktop.