Need a new computer for the kids. The Dell is going back. Should I buy a emachines C6537 from Costco?

Question

The kids just need internet access and MS Office. They also need a video card so they can play Lego Star Wars and Cars.

Costco has an emachines C6357 complete system with a nVidia GeForce 6100 for just $499 (flat monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse, RW DVD and CD). It's Vista compatible, but I don't really care about that right now. It's got a 2-year warranty and Costco will take it back up to 6 months.

We bought a Dell 6 months ago and it's been nothing but trouble and their customer service and tech support is complete CRAP. If money was no object, I'd take a sledgehammer to it.

Remember, I only want to spend about $500, I want it to work, I want to be able to take it back, we won't be using it for photos or music or any major big-league games. The kids are 5 and 7 - they want to play Lego Star Wars, practice typing and go to disney.com.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Well I'm currently using an e-machines lap top PC and have no problems what so ever. I have had the PC for approx.3 years now.
Bear in mind though e-machines was bought out by Gateway computers, I think that buy out took place a year or 2 ago.

This would mean that the e-machines unit your are considering may be an older model. I purchased mine through "Best Buy" and just very recently got a new battery pack System Restore CD with out any problems at all.

Bottom line e-machines is darn good system for $$$. IMO

Answer 2

First I'd like to say the guy above me that suggested the macmini, is sending you in a direction you do not wish to go. Macs are not compatible with your kids games. All computers are capable of internet access, only Windows computers are capable of effortlessly using Windows Software.

I try whenever possible to stay away from Major Computer Brands, such as Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq (which is owned by HP), and so forth. The reason is that they try to make thier PC's as proprietary as possible. What this means is that you will have more problems due to things being non-standard, causing the machine to be more difficult and expensive to repair and upgrade.

For a cheap pre-assembled PC that you can pick up today, an E-Machines will be just fine. They have come a long way in quality. You can also find E-Machines at Walmart and Best Buy.

Since you are looking for something cheap I would recommend looking for a PC with an AMD processor instead of an Intel Pentium. There is normally a $100 to $200 price difference between identical AMD and Intel machines. And for those that say you get what you pay for, AMD outperforms Intel processors in most areas. Most true computer geeks only use AMD.

If you want a computer built to your needs, go to http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/

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Answer 3

My husband maintenance comps for a residing so I hear better than i could ever prefer to approximately how crappy particular manufacturers are. He HATES e-machines. i exploit an e-gadget and prefer it yet would desire to confess that he's carried out ALOT of paintings to maintain it in shape! He robotically makes exciting of Acers besides. He additionally rails on Dell simply by fact they are so very stunning that repairing them is next to impossible and rather high priced. even although, he oftentimes sings the praises of athlon processors so i could say to envision out a pair of sites the place human beings assessment computers and seek for the Acer and the Dell.

Answer 4

Check your local phonebook for shops that build computers. Here in the New Orleans area I have a friend who builds computers and he gives a better warrenty, better service, than proprietary companies and he is right here in town. Many times he has computers given to him and after cleaning them out and restoring the OS passes them on to schools or those in need for free.

Answer 5

http://www.apple.com/macmini/

It's a little more than $500 but it will cost you a lot less in the long run. It's a great machine with excellent parental controls and it's very secure. Stay away from Windows boxes. They're all trouble because the problems are in Windows.

Answer 6

HP=Crap
Emachine=Crap
Dell=Crap
and Emachine is WORSE than Dell.
Gateway=Crap

If it were me, I'd just build my own, but obviously that doesn't seem to be an option for you.

I'd go to www.cyberpowerpc.com www.alienware.com (although they were bought out by Dell)

Then again, it sounds like you just plan on returning it for a refund in six months so wtf, get the p.o.s. from Costco

Answer 7

HP is one to consider. They are the #1 at the moment.

Answer 8

I agree, HP should be on your list.