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Dell Dimension Desktops Dell Business Desktops Dell Precision Workstations Dell Optiplex Desktops
Dell Inspiron Notebooks Dell Latitude Notebooks Dell Business Notebooks
Budget Business Desktop
HP
Brio BA Series from
Hewlett Packard
The Brio BA410 includes: Intel Celeron 600, 64 MB RAM, 10 GB SMART-II Hard
drive, Intel Integrated 810 Video, PCI Audio, 48x CD-ROM, 56K modem.
Excellent 3 year warranty, 1 year on-site. Includes VirusScan, and Microsoft
Windows 2000. Just add Microsoft Office and an ethernet card to connect it to
your network. The higher end models from HP include Microsoft Office 2000 Small
Business Edition and will save you money as Office 2000 costs $400 separately.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (16 MB), Ethernet Card,
Sound Card, Modem (56k), Software Bundle (Office), ISP, and Warranty type (3
Year, 3 Year on site).
If you are starting a new business or just adding machines for new people, this
is a great machine at an incredible price. Its perfect for word processing,
general business applications, home finance, and web surfing.
Alternates: Dell Dimension L series Gateway Essential series
Comments: Avoid complex internet rebate. Avoid the non Intel CPU
models. Beware of older models.
eTower
from
E-Machines
Intel Celeron, 64 MB RAM, 15 GB Hard drive, Intel Shared Memory AGP Video,
Crystal 3D Audio, 8x DVD-ROM, 56K modem. 1 year warranty. Includes Sun
StarOffice and Windows 98. Plan on visiting the software store to load up on
some useful software. You can later install a 3dfx Voodoo3 3000 PCI video card
if you are really into games because the on board video is slow. Also replace
these cheap speakers with a $20 pair of Labtecs.
Beware that they charge for tech support after the first call and force you
to send your machine in for service. Warranty and documentation are adequate but
substandard. It is only one step above a clone shop. When repairing a machine,
they will swap your machine out, so you will need to backup your data first. You
may have to wait a while for items to be repaired. Most of these parts are not
state of the art, so performance and noise will be affected. The manuals are
extremely short and basic. Beware that they change models often, so you may not
be able to find a particular model at your favorite outlet.
A similar brand name would cost several hundred more. You pay a lot less, but
you do get less service and support. This machine has a weak software bundle.
E-Machines is now one of the top sellers of PCs in the US, you can see why.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), DVD/CD-ROM Speed (5x/24x), Graphics Card (8 MB), Sound Card
(32 voice), Modem (56k), Software Bundle (Works, Office), ISP, Speakers,
Software Restore, and Warranty type (3 Year, 1 Year on site).
If you are a first time computer user or just upgrading from a old 486, this is
a great machine at an incredible price. Its perfect for word processing, home
finance, web surfing, and most games. Do not buy this if you are into 3D gaming,
3D graphics, video, serious number crunching, or need excellent service and
support. This unit uses the older Intel LX chipset, which makes upgrading the
CPU difficult in the future.
Alternates: Dell Dimension L series Gateway Essential series
Comments: Avoid complex $400 Internet rebate. You will want to move
from the 56k modem to broadband. Speed of this machine increases every quarter
but price remains the same. They take about 90 days to pay out rebates.
HP
Pavillion from
Hewlett Packard
Pavillion 6000 family includes models with Celeron Processor, 64 MB RAM, 10
GB Hard drive, 4 MB Intel Direct AGP Video, Crystal PCI Audio, 40x CD-ROM, 56K
modem. 1 year warranty. Includes Microsoft Works 2000, Quicken Basic, Microsoft
Money Basic, Windows 98, as well as many other programs. You can later install a
3dfx Voodoo3 PCI Video Card if you are really into games, the built in video
steals memory from main RAM.
This model costs the same as the E-Machines but lacks the DVD-ROM and
speedier video. But this computer has better documentation and support, and is
backed by a big brand name.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (8 MB), Sound Card (32
voice), Modem (56k), Software Bundle (Office), ISP, Speakers, and Warranty type
(3 Year, 1 Year on site). Corporate
Desktop
Dell
Optiplex from
Dell Computer Corp
We recommend the Dell Optiplex GX100 Small Form Factor, 600 MB Celeron,
integrated ethernet, 3yr on-site service, Windows 2000 Pro, 64 MB RAM, 7 GB
drive, 17" Flat Trinitron monitor, 24X CD-ROM, Sound Blaster AudioPCI,
internal speaker.
Base configuration in pricing.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (16 MB), Ethernet Card,
Sound Card, Modem (56k), Software Bundle (Office), ISP, and Warranty type (3
Year, 1 Year on site). Dell
Dimension 4100 Series from
Dell Computer Corp
Recommended config: Pentium III 933 Mhz based system. Includes 128 MB RAM, 10
GB hard drive, AGP Video Card, DVD-ROM, Iomega Zip drive, 56K Modem, network
card, speakers, and Sound Blaster sound card. Includes one year of internet
service, Windows 2000 Professional and Microsoft Office2000 Small Business
Edition. 3 year warranty, 1 year on-site, and one years Internet Service.
The new B series of machines are fast, but the new RAMBUS memory makes the
machines really expensive.
Buy the monitor separately so you can see what it looks like. You can
customize this configuration to your satisfaction. Our configuration should
bring you the most bang for the buck. Many add-ons are cheaper from other
sources.
Base price shown in pricing. Best configurations can be had in the Small
Business configurations. You get Microsoft Office 2000 for free, while you get
Microsoft Works when you shop at the Home & Home Office store.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (16 MB), Modem (56k),
Software Bundle (Office), and Warranty type (3 Year, 1 Year on site). Macintosh
Desktop Computer
Apple
PowerMacintosh G4 from
Apple Computer, Inc.
Apple provides Build-To-Order machines also. It is best to use BTO when you
need a specific configuration and do not want to pay for unused extras like a
modem. There is no server recommendation because any desktop Mac will serve
small to mid-size Mac networks just fine. Considering using a Snap! Server
instead. Larger or mixed networks should use Windows NT based servers. For
information on monitors and printers for Macs, see our other sections.
Many firms will bundle free items with Macs rather than discount the price.
You pay a price premium for a Macintosh, but a great machine.
Recommended configuration: 466Mhz/128MB RAM/30GB/CDRW. We suggest you get the
inexpensive optional SCSI card to connect legacy peripherals. You can also add
peripherals like CD-Writers via Firewire instead of the slow USB bus, but you
will pay a premium.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (8 MB), Modem (56k),
Software Bundle, and Warranty type (1 Year). Apple
iMac from
Apple Computer, Inc.
For those looking for an entry level PowerMac for the home, Apple's latest
revision of the iMac cannot be beat. Outstanding performance, complete
integration add up to one great package. The latest model gives you great
performance for a reasonable price. It has more speed, RAM, hard drive space,
and newer software than the original iMac. Be aware that users will probably
need to buy a USB floppy drive to make this a usable system. ($100)
The computer includes 64MB RAM, 20GB Hard drive, CD-RW, 56K modem, 10/100
Ethernet port, and 2 USB ports. This more expensive DV model adds a DVD Drive
for watching movies. Firewire Ports are included for connecting up a DV
Camcorder and making your own high quality movies with the bundled iMovie
software. You can also add peripherals via Firewire instead of the slow USB bus.
Many firms will bundle free items with Macs rather than discount the price.
You pay a price premium for a Macintosh, but a great machine.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (8 MB), Modem (56k),
Software Bundle, and Warranty type (1 Year). iBook
from Apple
Computer, Inc.
Includes a 12.1" screen (1024x768 is a bit cramped), CD-ROM (Optional
CDRW or DVDROM), 56K modem, 10/100 Ethernet port, and a USB port. Hard drive is
also on the small side. 2001 version of this laptop is nice and slick. The
wireless Internet networking Airport option is simply wonderful.
Many firms will bundle free items with Macs rather than discount the price.
You pay a price premium for a Macintosh, but you get a great machine.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (300 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Screen Type (Passive Matrix), Screen Size (12"), Weight (4 lb), Battery
Life (3 hr), Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (4 MB),
Sound Card, PC Card Slots, Modem (56k), Software Bundle (Office), ISP, Speakers,
and Warranty type (3 Year, 1 Year on site). ProLiant
ML Series from
Compaq Computer
Recommended configuration Pentium III, 256 MB ECC SDRAM, 17" monitor,
3-9.1GB Ultra2 SCSI drives, 10/100 Ethernet, 12/24 GB DAT drive, 3 Year warranty,
4-hour On-site service, T1000 UPS. Just add your OS. Base price shown in pricing.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (500 Mhz), RAM (128 MB ECC),
Hard Drive (9 GB SCSI), Backup Drive, UPS, CD-ROM Speed, Graphics Card, Ethernet
Card (10/100), Modem (56k), Software Bundle (NT), and Warranty type (3 Year, 3
Year on site). Toshiba
Satellite Notebook from
Toshiba
Intel Celeron processor, 64 MB RAM, 24X CD-ROM, 6 GB hard disk, floppy, 13.1
inch 1024x768 active matrix screen, 56K modem, PCI Sound, and 2 PC Card slots.
Weighs about 7 pounds. Includes 1 year warranty on parts and labor.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Screen Type(Passive Matrix), Screen Size (12), Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed
(24x), Graphics Card (4 MB), Sound Card, PC Card Slots, Modem (56k), Software
Bundle (Office), ISP, Speakers, and Warranty type (3 Year, 1 Year on site). IBM
ThinkPad T Series from
IBM Corp
Suggested configuration: Intel Mobile Pentium III 650, 256K cache, 64 MB RAM,
4GB hard disk, floppy, 13.3" active matrix screen, 56K modem, integrated
speakers, and 1 Type 3 PC Card slots. It even has a Bluetooth port.
Only 1.3" thick and weighs about 4.7 lbs. Modular Ultrabay to support
various devices. Port for camera, optional port replicator and dock. Includes an
outstanding 3 year warranty on parts and labor.
Also available with faster processors, Windows 2000 or 98, larger hard disk,
bigger screen, docking station, and CD/DVD-ROM.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Screen Type(Passive Matrix), Screen Size (12"), Weight, Battery Life (3 hr),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (8 MB), Sound Card, PC
Card Slots, Modem (56k), Software Bundle (Office), ISP, Speakers, and Warranty
type (3 Year, 1 Year on site). Sony
VAIO R505 from
Sony
Suggested configuration: Intel Mobile Pentium III processor, 64 MB RAM, 15 GB
hard disk, floppy, 12.1" XGA TFT active matrix screen, IEEE1394, 56K modem,
integrated speakers, integrated Ethernet, and 1 Type 2 PC Card slot. Includes a
good software bundle.
Only 1" thick and weighs under 4 lbs. Includes a mediocre 1 year
warranty on parts and labor.
Also available with slower and faster processors, Windows 2000 or ME, larger
hard disk, docking station, and CD-ROM. CD-ROM uses up a PC Card slot.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (400 Mhz), RAM (64 MB),
Screen Type(Passive Matrix), Screen Size (12"), Weight, Battery Life (3 hr),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (8 MB), Sound Card, PC
Card Slots, Modem (56k), Software Bundle (Office), ISP, Speakers, and Warranty
type (3 Year, 1 Year on site).
If you are a first time computer user or just upgrading from a old 486, this is
a great machine at an incredible price. Its perfect for word processing, home
finance, web surfing, and most games. Do not buy this if you are into heavy 3D
gaming, 3D graphics, serious number crunching.
Alternates: Dell Dimension L Series Gateway Essential Series
Comments: Avoid complex internet rebate. You want to move from the
56k modem asap. Avoid the non Intel CPU models.
Corporations have special needs in their legions of desktop computers. They
require a proven reliable design, stable technology, compatibility testing, and
serviceability. Features like SMART compliant drives and alert software that
warn users before failure, error checking and correcting memory, hardware
thermal monitoring, easily serviced chassis, on-site service, and hardware
management software. They also want models that will have managed product
transitions, not ones that get discontinued every month.
Alternates: Gateway E-1400 Family
If you really want the latest and greatest, you will pay through the nose! Wait
a couple months and it will be much cheaper. Great for desktop publishing, power
users, gamers, number crunchers, and developers. Overkill if the only thing you
do is web browsing, personal finance, and MS-Office. Dell provides the latest
technology, decent prices, great support, and great service.
Alternates: Gateway Performance Family
Comments: Dell occasionally runs specials where they include free
items such as printers or DVD-upgrades.
For those looking for an entry level PowerMac for the home, Apple's Graphite and
White revision of the G4 cannot be beat. Outstanding performance, complete
integration add up to one great package. The latest model, gives you good
performance for a decent price. Beware that users will probably need to buy a
USB floppy drive to make this a usable system. ($90) CD-RW was added in 2001.
With DVD-R available in Feb 2001.
Alternates: Buying a PC is not an alternative..
Comments: Latest version with CDRW shipped in Jan 2001. You can
probably get a good closeout deal on older G4's.
You can sit there and debate whether the PC or Mac is a better machine, but when
you come down to it, you just need something to do the job. If you prefer the
Mac, here are our recommendations. We are long time Mac fans and have to salute
Mr. Jobs for doing a great job by bringing Apple back.
Alternates: Slower discontinued iMac models.
Comments: Older slower models may be still available at lower prices,
but they lack in speed, memory, audio, and video performance. DV+ introduced in
7/2000. Someday they will upgrade these to G4's. Models with CD-RW introduced
2/2001.
For those looking for an entry level portable Mac, Apple's iBook cannot be beat
for the price. This machine has a small screen but it is a marvel of industrial
design. Decent performance, good battery life, and complete integration add up
to one great package. Beware that users will probably need to buy a USB floppy
drive to make this a usable system. ($100)
Alternates: PowerBook G3
Comments: All new version in May 2001.
Compaq is the leader in servers. They have rock solid products offering good
performance, service, support, and more importantly reliability. We suggest this
model because of its hotpluggable drive capability, a must when doing mirroring.
One drive will be the operating system boot drive, while the other two will be
mirrored. You want to get the fastest server possible, as it will be accessed by
many users and it is extremely costly to change hardware. You also want fast
on-site service in case something fails.
Alternates: Dell PowerEdge 2300 IBM Netfinity 3500 M10
Comments: This is a real server configuration that is suitable for
everyday use. Lots of options to help minimize server down time.
A fully loaded and functional laptop from a name brand at a decent price. Decent
screen, enough memory, and expansion slots makes this an able performer. Active
Matrix screen makes this machine much easier to use than cheaper HPA displays.
Avoid any pre-Celeron chip based laptops as they are just tooooo slow.
Alternates: HP Compaq Presario
Even though this notebook is extremely thin and light, it is fully featured and
offers high performance. You could buy a lighter notebook, but when you factor
in the weight of a floppy, CD-ROM and power supply, it would weight the same and
you have a bigger screen with this unit. Support and warranty are the best.
Alternates: Toshiba Portege Sony PCG-Z505
Sony is simply great at making electronics products small and attractive but you
pay for it in price and warranty. Even though this notebook is extremely thin
and light, it is fully featured and offers high performance. The screen could be
bigger. Up to 2 hours use with standard battery, although some people get 1 hour.
External floppy, CD-ROM, and docking station is optional. Keyboard is a little
small for some users.
Comments: New R505 Superslim Pro model is shipping in April 2001.
Toshiba
Tecra 8100 from
Toshiba
Available in many custom configurations. Recommended Configuration: Intel
Mobile Pentium III, 64 MB RAM, CD or DVD-ROM, 6 GB hard disk, floppy, 14"
XGA TFT active matrix screen, ATI AGP Video, 56K modem, 3D surround sound,
software DVD decoding, 3 year warranty and 2 PC Card slots.
This gem weighs about 5.5 pounds. Pricing covers base configuration.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed, RAM Size, Hard Drive Size,
Size, Weight, Battery life, Modem Speed, Software Bundle, and Warranty type.
A fully loaded and functional laptop from a name brand that is powerful enough
to be your everyday Desktop with a full complement of I/O Ports and a versatile
drive bay. Available with the latest Pentium III processors. Impress your
clients with this 1.6" thick, 5-6 pound laptop, play DVD movies on the
airplane, and glide through the latest games. Unique 4 mouse buttons. Combo
DVD-ROM/Floppy drive eliminates swapping. Available with large 14"
high-resolution screen and two different docking stations including one that
accepts PCI cards.
Alternates: Dell Inspiron
Dell
Inspiron 8000 from
Dell Computer Corp
Recommended Configuration: Intel Mobile Pentium III 600, 64 MB RAM, DVD-ROM,
6 GB hard disk, floppy, 15" XGA TFT active matrix screen, ATI AGP Video,
56K modem, 3D surround sound, software DVD decoding, 3 year warranty and 2 PC
Card slots. Software bundle include MS Office 2000 small Business Edition.
This gem weighs about 7 pounds. Pricing covers base configuration. Optional
CD-RW drive. Battery has a nice LED charge indicator.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed, RAM Size, Hard Drive Size,
Size, Weight, Battery life, Modem Speed, Software Bundle, and Warranty type.
A fully loaded and functional laptop from a name brand that is powerful enough
to be your everyday Desktop. Uses new Intel 815e AGP chipset. Impress your
clients, play DVD movies on the airplane, and glide through the latest games.
Combo DVD-ROM/Floppy drive eliminates swapping. Available with large 15
high-resolution screen that provides high SXVGA+ resolution. Beware that even
the 15" screen is so large that it overhangs the rest of the machine.
IEEE1394 port for digital video input. SVideo TV and AC-3 digital audio output.
Approx 3 hour battery life.
Alternates: IBM Thinkpad Gateway Solo
Palm
m505 PDA from
3Com
8 MB version holds up to tons of addresses, appointments, to-dos. Yes this
baby uses memory sparingly, our unit is less than half full with thousands of
records and tons of applications. You need more memory only if you have tons of
data or you intend to run many applications at one time. This unit has a
built-in rechargeable battery and charges whenever docked in its new USB ready
Hotsync cradle. Palm m505 is the color version, only $50 more. Color is not as
vivid as other PDAs due to power conserving measures. Runs PalmOS 4 on its 33Mhz
processor.
Add ons include MP3 players, digital cameras, and wireless modems. New Sony
Clie has built in MP3 playter but runs slower.
Attributes (Minimum): Functionality, Form Factor, Memory Capacity,
Speed, Application Links, Screen Clarity, Battery Life, Expandability, Modem. PDA
Palm
m100 PDA from
3Com
2 MB version holds upto 6000 addresses, 5 year of appointments, 1500 to-dos.
Older Palm Pro had 1 MB, which is too little. Yes this baby uses memory
sparingly, our unit is less than half full. IIIe had a much better screen but is
not software upgradable as the III was. Clear case special edition version also
available.
Palm IIIxe gives you four times the memory for about double the price, while
V gives you style for more bucks. Palm IIIc adds color capabilities at a large
price premium.
Palm M100 introduced 8/7/2000 to replace the IIIe. It has a portal so that
the time can be viewed. It is sleeker and more rounded than the III series. Palm
m105 introduced 3/6/2001, includes 8 MB of memory.
Attributes (Minimum): Functionality, Form Factor, Memory Capacity,
Speed, Application Links, Screen Clarity, Battery Life, Expandability, Modem. Dell
Precision Workstation 530 from
Dell Computer Corp
Dual Pentium 4 Xeon, 512MB RDRAM, Intense 3D Wildcat Graphics Card, 18 GB
Ultra160 15K RPM drive, 21" monitor, onboard ethernet and sound, 48x CD-ROM,
12X CD-Recorder, Windows 2000 and most importantly a 3 year 4 hour response
on-site warranty.
You can add a RAID card and multiple Ultra160 drives if you want better disk
performance. Base configuration in pricing.
Attributes (Minimum): Processor Speed (800 Mhz), RAM (256 MB),
Hard Drive (8.4 GB), CD-ROM Speed (24x), Graphics Card (32 MB), Ethernet Card,
Sound Card, Modem (56k), Software Bundle (Office), ISP, and Warranty type (3
Year, 3 Year on site).
The Palm Pilot has become the most popular PDA. This model is the one everyone
lusts for. It is sleek, sexy and fits nicely in a pocket. PalmOS PDAs do not try
to be fancy or have a desktop-looking user interface. It provides very
functional information at very high speeds. Great links to both PC and Mac
applications. Lots of commercial software and free shareware is now available.
Pocket PC PDAs are just too slow, big, and expensive right now, and they also
lack links for Macs. Includes SD/MMC Expansion card slot and universal cradle
connector.
Comments: Handsprings Visor Edge is similiar but has different
expansion slots and is not PalmOS upgradeable.
The Palm Pilot has become the most popular PDAs. It does not try to be fancy or
have a sexy looking UI. It provides very functional information and very high
speeds. Great links to both PC and Mac applications. Lots of commercial software
and free shareware is now available. Windows CE machines are just too slow, big,
and expensive right now, and they also lack links for Macs.
Comments: Handsprings Visor is similiar but adds a upgrade slot and
costs a little more.
This machine is targeted towards high-end graphics, CAD/CAM, and software
development applications. These users need the fastest machine possible, more
speed equals more jobs per day. Most high-end workstations are built from the
same components. Intel Pentium 4 Xeon, lots of ram, Ultra160 SCSI drives,
high-end OpenGL video card, and Windows 2000.
Alternates: IBM
