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Honey, the Inexpensive Desktop Does Everything I Need,
But the Expensive One Does Everything I Want...
Technological
advances in desktops in recent years have led to two major overall
improvements: 1) your average-use computers have come way down in
price, and 2) the high-end screamers have horsepower and features
to burn. And, each year you get more for value your cash. In this
issue of HEJ, we’ll reveal our top picks for machines for
three different budgets — and a great way to protect data
on your new desktop.
All the
best,
Steven
R. Mitchell
Editor — HomeElectronicsJournal.com
Wow, That Computer
Was Economical – I Paid More for My iPod
| eMachines
T3504 - $319.99
For an
entry-level desktop, the eMachines T3504 is a great choice.
It has a 3.2GHz Intel Celeron chip, 256MB RAM, a substantial
hard drive, a CD-RW/DVD combo drive, six-channel HD audio,
and Windows XP Home Edition. A few years ago these desktop
features would have run you at least $1,000. Monitor not included.
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HP
d4650y - $899.99
The d4650y
is a great mid-range choice. It has an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86GHz
processor. That means it contains two 1.86GHz processors so
it can handle more CPU-intensive tasks at the same time, like
listening to MP3s while working on Photoshop files. You get
1GB RAM, a 160GB HD, and a CD-RW/DVD drive. You can also affordably
upgrade to a 19-inch flat-screen monitor on customizable models.
Additional options include a PCI TV tuner card, giving your
computer TiVo-like functions, and a dual TV tuner, which lets
you watch and save two shows at once.
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Apple
Mac Pro - $2,499.00
Sir,
Madam, fasten your seat belts. The Mac Pro is the fastest
Mac ever and one of the fastest computers on Earth. It has
two 64-bit, dual-core Intel Xeon “Woodcrest” processors,
i.e. four processors. The base model comes with 2.0GHz dual
processors or you can upgrade to 2.66GHz or 3.0GHz dual processors.
You get 1GB memory (expandable to 16GB), a 250GB HD (expandable
to 2 terabytes!), and a DVD-R/CD-RW drive. Connect two monster
Mac 30” monitors for extraordianry graphics and viewing
options. So whether you run a lot of beefy applications, or
just want to own the fastest Apple ever, the Mac Pro is an
electrifying new option.
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GetItBack
@Home Software - $29.95
Protect your data on your desktop — or laptop —
from cursed crashes with GetItBack @Home. GetItBack software
will restore lost e-mail, documents, graphics, pictures,
and even data from Internet forms. The Auto-Save feature
is fully customizable, with default saving of your files
every three minutes. No more lost documents — or homework
— with GetItBack.
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