eMachines ET1161-03 review

If you can afford to throw down an extra $50, we recommend getting the Aspire AX3200-U3600A. This slim-line triple-core PC will appeal to space-saving workhorses who need a desktop to accommodate multitasking and high-volume workloads. Where the eMachines fails to deliver high-quality video, the Acer features an integrated HDMI video port on the back of the unit that gives you the option of using it as a home theater PC (with other tweaks). Although you don't get as many options to expand, most consumers shopping for a budget PC don't perform significant aftermarket upgrades anyway, and the Acer Aspire AX3200-U3600A delivers onboard components that can sustain its shelf life for years without an upgrade.

The eMachines ET1161-03 comes with a standard one-year warranty that guarantees one free replacement of parts and labor, and technical support via telephone seven days a week from 5 a.m. to midnight, Pacific time. The online support site also offers a live chat feature from 3 a.m. to midnight, PT, seven days a week to troubleshoot issues via remote access and direct online communication. You can also opt for the extended service plan that increases the longevity of the manufacturer's warranty for a period of two years for $99, or three years for $139.

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System configurations:

eMachines ET1161-03
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (32-bit); 2.3GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4400; 3GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE integrated graphics chip; 320GB 7,200rpm SATA hard drive.

Dell Inspiron 530
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1; 1.8GHz Intel Pentium E2160; 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB Nvidia GeForce 8300 GS graphics card; 320GB, 7,200 rpm hard drive.

Dell Inspiron 530s
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.2GHz Intel Pentium E2200; 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) Intel GMA 3100 integrated graphics chip; 3200GB 7,200 rpm Western Digital hard drive

Acer Aspire X3200
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.1GHz AMD Phenom X3 8400; 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 8200 integrated graphics chip; 320GB 7,200rpm Western Digital hard drive.

Compaq Presario SR5610f
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (32-bit); 2.5GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4800; 3GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE integrated graphics chip; 320GB 7,200rpm SATA hard drive.