(Oct 06, 2008)
Rich Brown
Senior Editor
Want to buy a new PC without having to take out a second mortgage? These budget PCs strike a balance between performance and cost, covering the basics at affordable prices. Good for home office use, sending e-mail, and surfing the Net, a budget PC gives you the features that you need and none that you don't.
Gateway DX4200-UB001A
We can forgive Gateway for cramming the DX4200 with more memory than it needs simply because its specs and overall performance are the best in its price class. Of the various do-it-all lower midrange PCs out there, this one gets our nod.
Price: $649.00 - $649.00 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 8, 2008
Very good
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Shuttle KPC K-4500
Shuttle's KPC K-4500 has appeal as a prebuilt Linux PC for a tech-savvy owner to play around with or as a more or less accessible, basic computer to bestow upon a loved one (for whom you're willing to provide tech support). If you're aware of the potential pitfalls we recommend it, not least because it's so affordable.
Price: $214.25 - $266.22 (check prices)
Review date: May 9, 2008
Very good
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Dell Inspiron 518
Dell's Inspiron 518 is the latest in a long line of utilitarian, midrange Windows PCs. We wish Dell offered a bit more flexibility with its configuration, as well as a 64-bit Windows option, but for a straightforward PC, this is one of the more powerful systems for the dollar.
Price: $644.00 - $644.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 31, 2008
Very good
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Acer Aspire X1200-U1520A
The Acer Aspire X1200-U1520A is a speedy, compact, low-end desktop that's powerful enough to serve as a light-duty home theater PC. Expansion is limited by an especially cramped interior (even for a small PC), but the total package is worthwhile for PC shoppers on a budget.
Price: $464.99 - $480.41 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 2, 2008
Very good
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ZT Affinity 7225Xi-35
ZT's Affinity 7225Xi-35 is a cleanly built midrange PC that will get you through all of your everyday tasks with ease. It's not a particularly flashy desktop, and you may be able to find more aggressively configured PCs for the same price, but if you need an affordable workhorse, this system will do the job.
Price: $599.99 - $599.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 14, 2008
Very good
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