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"accels in everything but a video card"
Pros
speedy dual core processor, huge 250 gig hard drive, plenty of RAM to multitask , 2 cd/dvd drives for easy cd or dvd copying
Cons
mediocre video card for true gamers, speakers are low quality
Summary
the GT5040 is a well rounded computer that i was able to buy at my local retail computer store for well under $1000. its dual core 2.8 GB processor ensures speed in all tasks, while the 1024 MB DDR2 ram ensures the ability to run plenty of programs at ... Read full review
the GT5040 is a well rounded computer that i was able to buy at my local retail computer store for well under $1000. its dual core 2.8 GB processor ensures speed in all tasks, while the 1024 MB DDR2 ram ensures the ability to run plenty of programs at once.
for instance, i could run a spyware sweep with adaware or spybot and still be able to use internet explorer or even play video games and have no lag. if i want to i could even upgrade to 2048mb of ram, but i don't feel the need to right now.
the GT5040 has both a top-of-the-line 16X dual layer cd/dvd+/- burner and a standard 16X dvd player, so making a copy of a dvd or cd is easy.
what i love most about the GT5040 is the 3 USB 2.0 slots and 2 firewire slots, as well as a mic input and headphone output, all on the front panel of the case. also on the front is a 9-in-1 reader for sd cards or whatever you use to store with a digital video camera or recorder.
i also love hthe keyboard and usb mouse that come with the computer. the keyboard has a comfortable wristguard and volume and media buttons as keyboard shortcuts. i have recieved the most compliments on the mouse which is both visually pleasant and comfortable to grip.
the one thing this computer lacks is a decent video card for gamers. don't let the name "Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950" fool you. if you're playing second generation games from 4 or 5 years ago, it will do, but if you plan on playing new games like doom 3 or half-life 2, go out and get a better video card; this one just can't handle the heavy requirements. i tried playing the doom 3 demo, and found the graphics to be lagging and blocky at best. still, most store-sold computers don't come with high performance videocards unless you cutom buy them, so i'm not really dissapointed.
also the speakers leave much to be desired. but again, store-bought machines don't really come with high end speakers.
overall, this computer is proving to suit all my needs save the need to play new video games. as long as you're not a gamer, i would highly recommend it.
