E machine pc, buy or not buy?

Originally Posted by Vampiro

Good example of that: Dells. It's not that it's a shitty product, but you can definitely tell they cut a lot of corners. It's actually quite needlessly difficult to upgrade anything more advanced than RAM.

I wouldn't say so. Never tried an eMachines computer, but from what I've heard, they're less than stellar. I'd go with a Dell for a reliable, cheap machine.

First of all, most PCs that have a label on them (Dell, HP, Compaq, eMachines, whatever) have custom motherboards and cases that prevent huge overhauls on the computer. Installing graphics chips, RAM, CD Drives, Hard Drives, etc., are very easy on these computers regardless. The hard part comes when you want to upgrade the Processor or the PSU. That might be difficult.

They don't exactly cut corners, they just assume that you're not a PC elitist who takes apart the computer and roots around the computer regularly. That being said, if this is a temporary computer (2-3 years) go ahead and take the eMachines computer because it is EXTREMELY cheap, even cheaper than Dells. But if you want a cheap computer that will last longer, go Dell. If you want to be able to upgrade EVERYTHING, you gotta find a custom built PC or build one yourself.

I own a Dell Dimension 4600 right now. It's decent. It came like 3 years ago as a 2.8GHz Pentium 4 Computer with 256MB RAM and integrated graphics chip. That will suit you fine for just surfing and stuff. But I also game on my computers. So within the 3 years, I've increased it once to 512 MB RAM and then again to 896MB RAM just recently. No Problems there. I popped in a GeForce 6600GT last year, no problems either. Soon after, I added a Sound Card (Sound Blaster Live! 24-bit). No problems either. Probably the 3 most common upgrades on a computer. All work fine, VERY reliable. Still running great.

How ya doing, buddy?