eMachines Inc. Desktops

The Bottom Line: If you must buy a Nettop, the eMachines EZ1601-01's large screen and category-competitive components make a decent argument for its value among other systems like it. One look at a true budget desktop, or even a Netbook, and the appeal of this system diminishes quickly.

Specs: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, Intel GMA 950, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Personal computer

The Bottom Line: The eMachines ET1810-03 isn't the fastest or the most attractive computer, but we can't argue with the low price, attractive design, and a complete (if not slightly barren) set of components. If you can deal with the midtower size, it will make for an excellent general purpose PC for the home.

Specs: Intel Pentium E2210 (2.2 GHz), 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 7050, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Personal computer

The Bottom Line: We cringe at the idea of recommending such a slow PC when you can get significantly better performance for just a few more dollars. That said, it's hard to argue with the eMachines EL1300G-01w's low price, clean good looks, and relatively complete budget feature set. As long as you have no ambitions for this PC performing anything resembling serious work, it will make a fine second or third home system.

Specs: AMD Athlon 2650e (1.6 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Personal computer

The Bottom Line: At first glance, the eMachines ET1161-07 seems like a decent setup, but a laundry list of subpar components running on 32-bit Windows Vista just can't keep up with other similarly priced systems that give you much faster performance and higher-quality components for just $100 more.

The Bottom Line: Although the eMachines EL1200-05w's price tag is tempting, an extra $100 will land you a competitive desktop that can handle a wider variety of applications and even leaves room for future expansion opportunities.

Specs: AMD Athlon 64 2650e (1.6 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Personal computer

Specs: Intel Celeron 420 (1.6 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 7050, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Personal computer

Specs: AMD Athlon 64 LE-1620 (2.4 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Personal computer

Specs: AMD Athlon 2850e (1.8 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

Specs: Intel Atom 230 (1.6 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, Intel GMA 950, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Personal computer

Specs: AMD Athlon 64 (1.8 GHz)