eMachines T3642 review

Gateway's BigFix software is about the only meaningful application included with the eMachines T3642. It helps users troubleshoot and navigate system software updates. It's a useful support program to be sure, but that's about all you get in addition to Windows Vista Home Premium. A few trialware icons clutter the desktop (four, to be exact), but the most utility you get out of those is a 30-day trial of Microsoft Office 2007.

On top of BigFix, the support package with the eMachines T3642 is about average for budget PCs. The one year parts and labor warranty is fixed, and as this is a retail-only system, you'll have to refer to your retailer to provide coverage beyond the first year. eMachines Web site is also a useful, accessible support resource, if you're up for tackling problems yourself.

Find out more about how we test desktop systems.

System configurations:

Apple Mac Mini
Apple OS X; 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; 1GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 64MB (shared) Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics chip; 120GB 5,400rpm Hitachi hard drive

Dell Inspiron 531s
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.3GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+; 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 64MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 6150SE integrated graphics chip; 250GB 7,200 rpm Western Digital hard drive

eMachines T3626
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.2GHz AMD Sempron 3800+; 1GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 6150SE graphics chip; 160GB 7,200 rpm Western Digital hard drive

eMachines T3642
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.6GHz AMD Athlon 64 4000+; 1GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 6100 graphics chip; 160GB 7,200 rpm Western Digital hard drive

Lenovo ThinkCenter A61e
Windows Vista Business; 2.1GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 BE-2350; 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) ATI Radeon X1200 integrated graphics; 160GB 7,200 rpm Western Digital hard drive