Inexpensive Systems

[E.T.]

My sister is in need of a PC. [She been using 10 year old 200mhz, 64 ram, 1 gig hd Mac, lol].

I told her she can get a "super" PC for cheap.[resources limited]
Im looking @ two machines in particular:

[1] e machines:
Intel Celeron 2.5, 256 ram. 40 gig hd, CD-RW, 17" flat montior.
Price: $497

[2] Compaq:
Nearly identical to above 'cept for 128 ram.Includes HP color printer.
Price $495

Her needs are for online research & printing only [no gaming].

"Q":[1] Are emachines better than Compaq? [I've heard less than positive remarks re:Compaq ]

[2]Are HP & Compaq now one in the same?

[3]Do you have any other suggestions for "entry" systems that could be purchased locally form "big box" stores? [not online].

Thanks
E.T.

[Static_Fred]

<div class=\"smallfont\">My sister is in need of a PC. [She been using 10 year old 200mhz, 64 ram, 1 gig hd Mac, lol].

I told her she can get a "super" PC for cheap.[resources limited]
Im looking @ two machines in particular:

[1] e machines:
Intel Celeron 2.5, 256 ram. 40 gig hd, CD-RW, 17" flat montior.
Price: $497

[2] Compaq:
Nearly identical to above 'cept for 128 ram.Includes HP color printer.
Price $495

Her needs are for online research & printing only [no gaming].

"Q":[1] Are emachines better than Compaq? [I've heard less than positive remarks re:Compaq ]

[2]Are HP & Compaq now one in the same?

[3]Do you have any other suggestions for "entry" systems that could be purchased locally form "big box" stores? [not online].

Thanks
E.T.</div>

About your first question, i've heard nothing but horrible things from Emachines. I know, there's a lot of bad stuff said about HP & Compaq too, but my personal opinion is very shady concerning Emachines.
Also, this is my second Compaq and i've never had any problems except for some sound card issues.

About HP and Compaq, i do think they are the same company, just different names. When I call tech support for my Compaq, it will ask me to pick either HP or Compaq on touch tone.

I know my local Wal-Mart's always got compaqs with AMD 2000+ for $495. That's without printer, but the bundle printers are junk anyways.
Honestly though, my comp came with 256 ram and it was totally not enough, i had to invest in the extra 256 of ram the same day to keep myself satisfied.

[erik961]

Ive got a compaq and the support is great

for research and printing 256mb of Ram is plenty
Celeron Processors are also good fo that kind of stuff.
40gigs of memory is enouph

Seems like you hit the sweet spot
I'd take the Compaq