eMachines T3256 Desktop PC (2.20 GHz Athlon XP 320+, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive)

[Archived in Athlon, EMACHINES, Gateway, Products]

Manufacturer: EMACHINES
Price at amazon.com: List price $599.99

Product Description:

The Basics Priced just marginally higher than eMachines' entry-level desktop PC models yet featuring distinctly non-entry-level amenities such as DVD burning, a dedicated graphics card and an enormous 160 GB hard disk, the eMachines T3256 is a good fit for all but the most taxing environments. You'll want to look elsewhere if you're a super-serious gamer or demanding businessperson, but otherwise the eMachines T3256 should handle the job without draining your pocketbook. Processor At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Many entry-level desktops utilize "budget" processors such as an Intel Celeron, while high-end systems feature a top-of-the-line Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 CPU. The eMachines T3256 is just above the median, sporting a comparatively cost-effective yet potent AMD Athlon XP 3200+ running at 2.2 GHz. Though it is not part of AMD's new, upscale 64-bit CPU roster, this is nevertheless one of the fastest 32-bit Athlons ever made and therefore perfectly capable of driving most any system in most any environment. Memory Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. eMachines has partnered this unit's processor with 512 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM main memory, the standard allotment for a modern PC. Thusly, the unit is ready to speed you through most multitasking sessions and many of today's complex applications. Moreover, users may upgrade the memory -- at additional cost -- to a whopping 2 GB. Video CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that "shares" the system's main memory, as it better handles complex procedures and does not further strain the CPU. The eMachines T3256 is equipped with an nVidia GeForce MX with 64 MB of dedicated memory. This is a solid but not stellar card, featuring desirable dedicated rather than inefficient shared memory but just 64 MB of it. As such, the unit will smoothly display 2D and many 3D applications but is not recommended for demanding applications such as the latest and greatest 3D games or top-rung 3D animation packages. A display screen is not enclosed, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives. Sound Audio is generated via an nForce six-channel chip integrated on the motherboard. While not quite as sophisticated as some high-dollar standalone audio cards, this chip does produce agreeable sound and supports six-channel surround sound speaker setups. eMachines will also enclose a pair of small desktop speakers for your listening enjoyment. Hard Drive With 160 GB of available data storage at your command, you'll have a tough time ever filling the unit's massive hard drive. Unless, of course, you plan to compile mountains of space-gobbling video footage, ultra-high resolution images, and high quality music files. But for the vast majority of PC users, a 160 GB hard drive is plenty. Optical Drive An optical drive is essential in today's computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs). The eMachines T3256 features dual optical drives -- a CD-ROM drive and DVD+/-RW that together handle all of the above. What's more, two drives allow you to perform super-quick CD copies. Connectivity and Expansion Though designed for the budget conscious, the eMachines T3256 nevertheless sports all the standard amenities, and then some. Communication options include an Intel PRO 10/100Mbps integrated LAN for high-speed Internet and email access and a standard 56K modem for low-speed dial-up service. For reading memory cards from devices such as digital cameras and PDAs, the system features an 8-in-1 Digital Media Manager. And, with no less than five high-speed USB 2.0 ports at your disposal, you'll have plenty of places to plug your plug and play peripherals. eMachines has not included an IEEE 1394 FireWire port, most commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders. Operating System and Software The system features a surprisingly generous software package headed by Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity suite, Microsoft's Money 2004 financial center and several useful multimedia, photo and music utilities. Keyboard and Mouse A Standard Multimedia Keyboard and 2-button mouse (with scroll wheel) are enclosed.

Posted at November 11, 2003 07:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)