Editorial Review

As the most affordable products in the entire Apple roster of desktop computers, eMacs are not intended for sophisticated applications where power and versatility are paramount. They are, however, just fine for general day-to-day tasks such as word processing, personal finances, Internet surfing, email and light gaming/entertainment. They’re also small enough to fit comfortably on virtually any desk or table, no matter how cluttered it might be. This model, the Apple eMac Desktop 17-inch M8951LL/B, offers twice the RAM and twice the hard disk space of the entry-level eMac, and is also equipped with a DVD recorder. Read more

Reviews (11)

A great computer... Mac or Otherwise
Like many who have written reviews before me, I am a switcher.Acutally, that's not entirely accurate, as I was a long-time Mac user prior to 1997.My last two machines were PCs running Windows 95 and XP, respectively. Don't buy this
1 GHz[.] ATI 7500 graphics[.]This system is 2-3 years out of date.If you are on a budget buy a P4 based system.If you have the money buy a nice G5 based system with 512M of RAM.This computer is something you would buy for a 5 year old.

The eMac is a winner!
First of all I'm a switcher. I came over to the Mac side with the purchase of this 1Ghz Emac with superdrive. I have since sold my windows PC and am forever a Mac-Head now. The first thing to know about this machine is that there is SOME fan noise but it certainly isn't a major issue. It's just a light drone not unlike what a fridge may sound like. If the noise is that big of a concern, I would get an iMac with a flat panel display. I heard those things are silent. Read more

Editorial Review

As the most affordable products in the entire Apple roster of desktop computers, eMacs are not intended for sophisticated applications where power and versatility are paramount. They are, however, just fine for general day-to-day tasks such as word processing, personal finances, Internet surfing, e-mail and contact management. They’re also small enough to fit comfortably on virtually any desk or table, no matter how cluttered it might be. This model, the eMac Desktop 17-inch M9252LL/A, is the entry-level eMac and therefore the most basic desktop Apple manufactures. Read more

Reviews (13)

Easy to use and very capable
I written reviews for these eMacs before and most of what was said is still true. It is a great starter machine for those interested in trying out Apple's computers (and the nearly crashproof/ viris-free OS/X operating system). Don't buy this machine if you expect to upgrade it later. The processor is not swappable. You can expand the memory, add an Airport wireless network card (still the easiest and the standard the other networking companies can only aspire to), and put in a bigger hard drive. That's about it. However, there's not a whole lot you NEED to add. Nice Machine, and the Price Is Right
I have setup and worked quite a bit with this Apple product, although this is not my everyday machine. In short, this is a nice computer, and non-geek users will love how easy it is to setup and use for most tasks. Behind the times
This system has spec way too low for today's software.Why buy something you will have to replace next year?Step up to something with more memory and a faster cpu (for example you need 128MB *just* to load office!).You will be sorry if you order this system. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Affordable, easy to use and surprisingly diminutive, Apple's new eMac series of desktop computers meshes well with situations where space is at a premium and the user is not necessarily a computing expert. It is therefore a particularly good fit in the elementary or high school classroom. In fact, Apple has designed the system with this function in mind. The mid-level model of the eMac roster is the eMac Desktop 17" M8950LL/A, a smartly priced yet capable unit that's ready for the unique conditions of a multi-user educational environment.Read more

Reviews (6)

Switched and how!
My wife is a translator who works at home and I am a freelance writer, teacher, and programmer.We both have used PCs for a LONG time.Her Win 98SE machine was never great and between the lock-ups and random shutdowns never really let her work comfortably.She had even adapted a habit of saving after every line of translated text so as not to lose too much when it crashed.Anyway, her computer was getting on in age and we started thinking about a replacement.I had an XP Home machine but it wasn't too hot either with all it's nasty security bugs (I fought for 8 hours with some internet anonymous who was controlling my system with MS_Blast).I finally secretly settled on an eMac birthday gift.She didn't need the gaming power of some Wintel boxes and other than Word and the internet didn't need much at all.The eMac was nicely priced and once Office v.X was installed had everything she needed to go right on working.To be safe I also bought Virtual PC 6.1 and replicated her old Win 98SE system on her eMac right down to the installed software and quantity of RAM.It took me less than 4 hours to get everything setup (multi-OS network, digital camera, printer, ADSL line, etc.) and I didn't encounter a single problem through the entire process.I was stunned.After more than a decade of fighting with PCs to make them work it was shocking for a computer to just do what it was supposed to do when I wanted it to.Simply elegant.The eMac has worked perfectly with my PC and her old PC on the network and she has had no compatibility problems after having "switched".After 5 months of ownership she is delighted and I am converted.Regardless of the fact that my PC is only a year old I'm pitching it in the garbage where it belongs and buying a Mac.To be able to work with your computer instead of on it is a thing you can only expect from a Mac and so I'll never touch a PC again if I don't have too.If you're reading this you are probably considering "switching" and with the new Macs I'd highly recommend it.They work well with the Windows world but allow you to laugh at it's problems (which you'll never experience).Only caution is to be careful that your system is in good shape when you take it home.I had read that some of the early releases of the eMacs and PowerBooks had some glitches.They were fixed for free but it's still frustrating.We've had no such problems.

ditch your PC and get an emac
For the same standard features, you will pay a bit more for an Apple, but as any Mac user will tell you, you get what you pay for. Now you can get this great system for a budget price. Unless you need the absolute fastest processor, or have your heart set on a flat-panel display, this is the best deal around. You'll need to get a better mouse (true for any Mac), and it could use some extra RAM, but other than that, this has everything the average user needs.

Terrific user-friendly computer.
A recent user survey in PC magazine identified Apple computers as the most reliable and easiest to use computers currently available. Yes, most people use Windows-based PCs, but do you want to be another member of the PC herd -- with all of the problems and frustrations presented by Windows-based PCs -- or are you looking for a computer which is user friendly and seldom crashes? If ease of use and reliability are more important to you than being one of the crowd, please seriously consider buying an Apple. Since the eMac is Apple's least expensive computer, it's a terrific way to enter the user-friendly world of Apple computers at a very reasonable price. And don't be concerned about the processor speed, this is a very fast computer. The 1 GHz G4 processor is roughly equivalent to a 2 GHz Pentium processor. If you're willing to try something off the beaten path, you'll love this computer. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Flex your multimedia muscles with the sleek, black Sony Vaio VGC-RA830G Digital Studio PC. Edit high-definition camcorder video, master your own music recordings, and turn your home movies into high-quality DVDs for the whole family. With Windows XP Media Center, you'll be able to watch and record your favorite TV programs. It boasts cutting-edge technology that will last for years, including an outrageous 400 GB Serial ATA hard drive, which offers faster data transfer, and a dual-layer, multiformat DVD/CD burner. Plus, there's room to expand with capacity for multiple drives. Other features include Sony's innovative liquid-cooling system and advanced noise-reduction technology, a hyper -threaded 3.6 GHz Pentium 4 processor, 1 GB of installed RAM, multiple video format inputs and outputs, 5.1-channel audio capability and supplied surround sound speakers. Read more

Reviews (1)

It's a lot of money...but you get a lot of machine
This Sony computer is simply the best piece of equipment I have ever owned. I did my homework-- I read dozens of reviews, visited websites, and talked to a wide range of people before I decided on this one. Don't listen to anyone else, Sony makes the best computers. I used to sell computers for a living and Sony machines were never returned. This machine can do everything from burning DVDs to editing video to playing ANY PC game with ease. It comes with six speakers which sound great. I paired the PC with a 19" Sony LCD top of the line monitor and now I almost hate leaving it for even a moment. The 7 USB ports come in handy. The hard drives are huge and come setup as one giant drive. I have had it a few months and it has never even frozen up one time. Look around at everything else if you will, but if you have the means, I recommend this machine. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Sony Vaio VGC-RB64G desktop entertainment PC comes loaded with the all tools you need to easily create, manage, share, and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies, and music. Convert your VHS or 8mm home videos to DVD discs to share with the whole family with the amazingly easy-to-use Sony Click to DVD software via the dual-layer, multiformat DVD burner. Store hundreds of hours of your music collection on the extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive. You can also watch and record your favorite TV programs (via the built-in TV tuner) using the Giga Pocket personal video recorder (PVR).Read more

Features

• Multimedia-centric desktop PC with built-in TV tuner; 2.8 GHz Pentium D dual-core processor (4 MB total L2 cache)
• 250 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM (2 GB max), multi-format/dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive
• Six USB 2.0, two FireWire, VGA, S-Video in, DVI out, subwoofer in, parallel port
• ATI Radeon x300 video/graphics card with 128 MB of video memory; 10/100 Ethernet, 56K modem
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Update Rollup 2)

Reviews (3)

Professional & Reliable!
I was waiting tp purchase a good PC jumping from my old P4-1.7 512SDRam, 30GB :(
Fast and reliable dual core computer
Like previous reviewer, I am satisfied with this product overall except for the facts (1) I need to buy recovery CD/DVD from sony web sites unless DIY the CD/DVD by instruction, (2) I need to upgrade to XP Pro in order to add the system to network domain.
Hardware, thumbs up; recovery disk, thumbs down
A few things for the careful PC buyer.
Read more

Editorial Review

series of desktop computers meshes well with situations where space is at a premium and the user is not necessarily a computing expert. It is therefore a particularly good fit in the elementary or high school classroom. In fact, Apple has designed the system with this purpose in mind. Heading the eMac roster is the eMac Desktop 17" M8951LL/A, a sensibly designed yet capable unit that's ready for the unique conditions of a multi-user educational environment.Read more

Reviews (6)

wonderful hardware, software has some nuances
This review is for the emac with OS X Jauguar (10.2.6).The hardware of has the feel of elegance.I really like the acrylic-like look of the all-in-one type system.The 17" flat screen CRT is superb -- in fact, this was the main reason I opted for the emac over the flat LCD imac.The Aqua inferace if beautiful -- as nice or even nicer than the ads show.However, if one expects the computer to be trouble free, then this is not the case.The major situation which happens on my machine is that applications (primarily Safari, and Mail) unexpectedly quit.There are ways to recover -- like quitting (trashing the app's preferences file, or zapping the PRAM or running a utility like Diskwarrior 3.0 beforehand on a regular basis).However, these nuances make the system not as rock solid as one may think. Additionally, Mac OS X doesn't have a System Restore feature to rollback changes.For example, in the event of doing a bad System Update, one can't simply do a goback to revert any changes.A rollback feature for Mac OS X would be such an improvement in stability.

Awesome bang for the buck
This computer is an outstanding value compared to other macs and compared to computers in general.Processor speed, bus speed, video capabilities, bundled software, practically everything about the computer screams value and quality.The components are not cutting edge fast, but are very capable for practically every possible use for the computer. Great Little Machine
Needing another Mac for a small space, we purchased this eMac and I expected very little performance wise.To my surprise the new eMac can definitely compete with the more expensive Macs available.I have been quite pleased and we have never had a problem. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Bring together your computing and entertainment worlds in one package and control it all with one remote with the Sony VAIO VGX-XL1 Digital Living System, which combines a high-end multimedia desktop PC and a 200-disc DVD/CD changer/recorder. Both are designed to fit into a home entertainment rack and the elegant silver and black casings will nicely complement the rest of your home entertainment system. With the VGX-XL1, you can manage all your downloaded digital content--such as music online stores, home movies from your camcorder, and photos from your digital camera--but it offers the added ability to easily organize, sort, and access packaged content from the CDs and DVDs that are sitting on your bookshelves. Read more

Features

• Multimedia desktop PC combined with 200-disc changer/recorder with dual-layer DVD+R burning support
• 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium D dual-core processor (2 MB L2 cache), 200 GB hard drive, 512 MB RAM (2 GB max), additional CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive
• Automatically and sequentially record up to 200 audio CDs; record TV episodes to the hard drive and transfer them to blank DVDs stored in the changer
• 54g Wi-Fi LAN, built-in TV tuner, multi-format memory card reader
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Update Rollup 2)

Reviews (3)

No output -- confusing specifications
Specifications talked about S-Video, Composite, DVI outputs.The only true output is HDMI.Composite according to Sony doesn't show any good pictures.It is a totally useless system unless you want to buy an HDMI Plasma or LCD TV.I told Sony that they were crooks for selling such a system and they said that the people I bought it from were the crooks for not letting me know that I would have to buy another TV to use it.I bought it from Tiger Direct and they will not let me return it, so I guess they are crooks.

I love my media center
I purchased this item and I recieved within a couple of days shipping was alot faster then I expected. The build of this computer is great, but the picture quality was even better. I am super happy with it. Just an FYI you must have a tv with Component Video, DVI, or HDMI there is no monitor port on his power house machine.

LONG support Wait times & No HD Cable Support
Sony's technical support put me on hold for OVER 2 HOURS.This is unacceptable for a mayor player in the computer business.Also, I am very dissapointed that this equipment does not support HD signals from my cable company. This also is unacceptable.Otherwise I like the equipment. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Whether editing your family photos, balancing your online checkbook, or listening to your digital music collection, Compaq's SR1650NX offers a versatile, strong base for your home computing needs. But it also adds Microsoft Windows Media Center 2005 operating system for a wealth of multimedia options. Focusing on affordability, this desktop has room to grow with one available expansion slot (3.5-inch), 2 available PCI slots, 7 USB ports for connecting peripherals, and the ability to add up to 4 GB of RAM. This desktop comes with a large 160 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, 2.2 GHz AMDAthlon 64 3500+ processor, multi-format DVD/CD burner with dual layer support, additional CD-ROM drive, and a multi-format memory card reader. Read more

Features

• Affordable desktop PC with 2.2 GHz AMD Athlon 64 3500+ processor
• 250 GB hard drive, 512 MB of RAM (4 GB max), multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner with dual-layer support
• Seven USB 2.0, two Firewire, one VGA, one parallel, microphone, headphone, multi-format memory card reader
• Integrated video/graphics card with up to 128 MB of allocated video memory; 10/100 Ethernet, 56K modem
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

Reviews (6)

I'm extremely happy with the Compaq SR1650NX
This system hasn't had a single glitch since I got it -- like Taylor, I spent some time removing unwanted software, and there's a ton of it.
Nice computer
I just bought this computer from our local Military exchange.I am overall pleased with it.I live overseas and was able to quickly connect to the internet with a local ISP in minutes.I tend to run several programs at once for photo editing and custom projects, and I love that I can switch between programs with no drag time at all.The large video card has enable us to finally play MOH games that our old system couldn't support.
The second review above is obviously fake.
I hate it when the review mechanism is used as advertising space by vendors. ... Read more

Features

• 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4, 800 MHz front side bus
• 512 MB 400 MHz memory, 200 GB hard drive, double layer DVD-R/RW CD-RW drive, DVD-ROM drive
• 6 USB 2.0, 2 FireWire, memory card reader
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (up to 224 MB shared memory), 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet, V.90 data/fax modem
• Windows XP Home Edition, Corel WordPerfect, Intuit Quicken 2005 New User Edition

Reviews (1)

It's good but...
When I got this computer home, I was very impressed with its capabilities.The processing speeds are lightning-fast, and it is ideal for almost any multimedia application.There are a couple of issues, though, that I should mention.One is that the buffalo card that my wireless ISP uses was not compatable with the motherboard in this computer.That meant that I had to upgrade some of my equipment, at a hefty price.Also, after about three weeks, the computer shut down and would not power up again.Sony tech support was awesome, and a technician showed up at my house to replace the power supply and motherboard.After he left, the computer worked for about 20 minutes, and then it crashed again.Now I am sending it to Sony (which is an easy process, as they send a postage-paid box to ship it in) and we'll see what kind of turnaround time there is.
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Editorial Review

The Sony VAIO VGC-RA840G Digital Studio PC provides the multimedia muscle for your next-generation A/V entertainment demands. Edit high-definition camcorder video, master your own music recordings, and turn your home movies into high-quality DVDs. The Intel Pentium D dual-core processor delivers robust performance for running multiple, demanding applications simultaneously. You can also watch and record all of your favorite shows with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, enhanced by Sony's Giga Pocket engine. The VGC-RA840G features an extra large 250 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum),a multiformat, dual-layer DVD/CD burner, multimedia memory card reader, and a wealth of preinstalled Sony multimedia software. Read more

Features

• 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium D 820 dual-core processor with 800 MHz front-side bus and 2 MB L2 cache
• 250 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM (4 GB maximum), dual-layer DVD+/-RW burner
• Seven USB 2.0, two Firewire, one VGA, one headphone, one microphone, one PCMCIA, multiformat memory card reader, composite video, S-Video
• Built-in 10/100 Ethernet; 56K (V.90) modem
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

Reviews (4)

Sony support is awesome!
I have had my Sony for over a year now and I love it.It's very user friendly.My Sony crashed a year ago today.I lost everything on the computer and quickly took my computer in to Circuit City as that's where I bought it and they told me that the harddrive had crashed.Then I called Sony support to see what my options were as it was still under warranty.They walked me though steps to try to fix the computer, which didn't work and then decided that I needed to reformat my harddrive and overnighted me the disks to get that taken care of.I received the disks the very next morning and of course, that didn't work either so I called them again, wierd thing is I got the exact same person I spoke with the day before!He remembered me and said he would send a tech out ASAP to look at my PC and replace what was needed.Tech dude came out and decided I needed to have my motherboard replaced as well as my hardrive, came back a couple of days later and the computer worked!I was so happy, then it crashed again about 5 min later.I again called Sony, and again, I got the exact same guy I originally spoke with!Told him what happened and he then said that my next option was to send it in, of course, like everyone else I was worried about cost, he told me not to worry about it that they were going to overnight me a empty box so that it could overnighted back to them, at no cost to me!It took them a week to take care of everything with my PC and overnight it back to me but I have had no problems since.Circuit City thinks, as I do too, that the computer was hacked into (I already knew that before it crashed) and it just killed everything in there, everything inside my computer was replaced except my disk drives.I have had no problems since so would I recommend a Sony to other people?Absolutely! Great customer service, great support, very speedy and I have had no problems at all since the crash/replacements.

So Far So Good
Purchased 1 month ago as a floor model.Saved $200 over lowest price on internet. I'm a photographer and nothing that I run seems to bother it. It's very stabile, even though I don't have much expierence with XP/MCE. This is my first Sony, usually buying Dell or Compaq in the past.The minute it causes problems, you will be the first to know. Buy it. The features are incredible and it currently seems to be crash proof.

great pc
great pc ... Read more

Features

• Intel Pentium 4 Processor 630 (3.0 GHz)
• 2MB L2 Cache
• 20 WXGA Widescreen LCD TV / Mo