| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Desktop Computers) |
| $ | For less than $500, expect to find a single-processor desktop PC that is adequate for Web surfing and running common business applications. These models have smaller hard drives, around 40GB, and limited connectivity. You’ll get a basic graphics card, a CD-R optical drive, and 512k of RAM, which can be upgraded later on. Good Pick: eMachines T5088 | |
| $$ | In the $500 to $1,000 range, processor speed and memory increase exponentially. You’ll get 1GB of RAM and hard drives up to 100GB. Dual-core processors are common in all models at the higher end of this price range, and DVD-R optical drives can be found in desktop PC models over $600. Gaming and multimedia editing are possible on these desktop PCs, but not at the highest levels of performance. These desktop PCs are ideal for most users. Keep an eye out for new model introductions, as the older models are often discounted to clear out inventory. Good Pick: Apple iMac Intel Core Duo |
Compare prices at 3 stores $249 - $700 |
| $$$ | For $1,000 or more, you can own a multimedia powerhouse that supports advanced graphics resolution and high definition multimedia editing. Intel Core Duo chipsets with fast speeds can be found, along with models sporting 2GB of RAM, HDMI connectors, and hard drives up to a terabyte. Gaming-specific desktop PCs with top of the line graphics cards can be found, but most models still require the purchase of a separate graphics card. These machines are built for multimedia professionals and hardcore gamers, so they may have more power than an average user will need. Good Pick: Sony VAIO(R) VGC-LS31N |
Buy now at Ecrater.com $1,269.99 |
Tony C.
Austin, TX
