eMachines EL1300G-01w user reviews

5.0 stars

"Great PC! Affordable PC! Recommended!" on December 12, 2009 by jhdezjr

Pros: Genuine Windows 7 x64 Compatible
64-bit CPU
2GB of RAM
SuperMulti DVD LabelFlash Burner
Multi-in-one Media Card Reader
Front Panel Mic and Headphone Jacks + 5.1 Speaker Support
Plenty of USB 2.0 Ports
Compact, Space Saving, Small Design and Quiet

Cons: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic x86
No Dual-Core CPU
Integrated NVIDIA Graphics
No PCI Express x16 Slot
160GB Hard Drive
No DVI or HDMI Port
No FireWire Port
Limited Upgrade Options

Summary: OK so let's break it down. This computer is a great affordable system, got it at TigerDirect.com @ $199.99 w/free shipping. I got it yesterday at around 1:00PM PST. As soon as I got it I didn't even turn it on, what I did was upgrade the hard drive to a 320GB one, since 160GB isn't enough for me but for others it might be. Now the RAM is great, 2GB honestly is plenty for me and for many people with basic computing needs. I love the fact that it has plenty of USB ports, 9 USB ports for gods sake. It rocks! I'm into digital photography and I'm no pro but I like the fact that it has front Multi-in-one Media Card Reader, Front Panel Mic and Headphone Jacks and also that it supports up to 5.1 speaker systems. I've never used LabelFlash but I'm looking forward to it and I'm aware it's similar to HPs LightScribe technology so I'm OK with you. Also the speakers it comes with, small USB powered 2.0 ones. WOW! The sound quality is amazing, of course a subwoofer would be nice but they have crisp clear volume with plenty of bass and tremble. OK moving on, the CPU. Since I'm going to be using this computer for college I'd say it's perfect. Yes, a single-core CPU is not all that and it would of been better with a Dual-Core CPU but it will have to do. (FYI: I did some research and it appears this PCs motherboard supports AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core CPUs with a max power consumption of 45W). Now since it has a 64-bit CPU, I installed Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium x64 on it, and it runs amazingly fast! Of course if you install Windows 7 it has native driver support for everything, out of the WEI (Windows Experience Index) I got a 3.1, I do however think it might be lower if the hard disk was still 160GB and if it still had Windows Vista Home Basic x86 on it. Anyways moving on, I love the small compact design of this PC and the color and that it's quiet. Honestly I haven't had any issue with it at all. Now the only cons about this system is the fact that it came with Windows Vista Home Basic x86, I myself have owned a PC with Windows Vista before and had now issues but I wouldn't recommend Windows Vista on a single-core CPU. Like stated above, its a real bummer it doesn't have a dual-core CPU. The integrated graphics are pretty decent, I was able to play some DirectX 9 games with no issues or lags, of course this is no gaming PC, but hey it's nice to take your mind off work every now and then. Next is the fact that it doesn't have a PCI Express x16 to install a low power low profile graphics card, I did notice on the motherboard that there is a place for a slot under the PCI Express x1 slot and apparently an x16 is suppose to be there, but eMachines didn't bother to include it. But this isn't really a big deal for me, I'm just saying. The 160GB HDD is alright honestly but since I love to listen and download music (legally), movies (legally), save and edit high-res photos, web design, make videos for YouTube, etc. I upgraded the drive to a 320GB one. Now when I bought this PC I purchased an eMachines E202Hwmd 20" 720p Support Widescreen LCD with DVI/VGA/Built-in Speakers. It doesn't have DVI or HDMI and of course it's expected since its a computer for basic computing use, of course I would of liked at least DVI to use with my monitor but VGA is sufficient enough. (Hey as long as I can use my PC and the video works, I'm cool with it.) Like I stated I light to save video to my PC from my camcorder and the fact that it doesn't have FireWIre is a bummer, so I use my digital camera instead to record video so I'll live. And finally yes the limited upgrade options, I guess I pretty much broke it down at the top. So all in all, this is a great little system that in my opinion packs a lot of bang for the buck. I can honestly say I don't regret purchasing it. I'm totally satisfied with it. I really recommend it to anyone who is looking for your basic computing needs. If your into YouTube, Hulu, Social Networking, Instant Messaging, Email, Movie Playback, Music Downloading, Movie Downloading, Etc. Then this PC is perfect for you!

This review was typed on my eMachines EL1300G-01w Desktop PC!