Full Computer w/Printer/17" Monitor for $399 (after MIR) at Circuit City.com

[tseng99]

Go to www.circuitcity.com and
toward the bottom click on the link that takes you
to this weeks ad. In the computer section, you will find
this computer package for $399.

I've heard that eMachines is not that great... is this
really a good deal?

eMachines
Intel® Celeron ™ Processor 1.0GHz Computer Package
• 128MB SyncDRAM Shared Memory
• 20GB UltraDMA Hard Drive
• 48X Max CD-ROM Drive
• Proview 17" Monitor (16" viewable)
• Lexmark Z23 Color Printer

Computer T1115
Monitor PRO730
Printer Z23

$724.99 -$75 eMachines Mail-In Rebate -$50 Lexmark Mail-In Rebate -$200 Circuit City Mail-In Rebate =$399.99. See rebate section for forms and details.

[BigDoggie]

The E-Machine is not a power-user system or a power-gamer system, but is entirely adequate for students, grandparents, casual users and etc, when used for surfing, word-processing, e-mailing, etc.

They seem to be of decent durability. The one problem I found with several that I set up several years ago was the lack of a processor cooling fan (heat sink only). I fixed this by hanging a small fan to blow on the heat sink.

THis is a pretty good deal as well. $400 for the system less $125 for the monitor less $50 for the printer means the computer itself is selling for $225. It would be hard to buy the parts for that price.

[Bcow]

I used to do tech support for many different retailers, including some Canadian companies, these e-machines were junk, but for that price I think it is about right. If nothing else you can strip it for some parts, but definantly not something you wanna use as your main computer.

[leemaj]

isnt the $200 for an msn or compuserve thign?

[dealsdyker]

emachines are fine. I'm using one now. I have a emachine 433 celeron. I play some games on it but it is about 2 years old now. I just bought my mother-in-law a 900 3 months ago. Works *GREAT* for her.

I have a P4 1.8 Dell downstairs and it is definitely faster. Also bought someone else a PIII 1000 Dell with a nVidia video card and yeah, it is faster. Also twice as expensive. Think about what you are getting for only $400?? A LICENSED copy of XP, LICENSED copy of Works (Word), and a computer that is pretty fast, not a screamer, but does the job fine. A fine computer for the budget minded!!

[Cantacuzene]

Originally posted by dealsdyker
Also twice as expensive. Think about what you are getting for only $400?? A LICENSED copy of XP, LICENSED copy of Works (Word)

I don't think that Works is at all similar to Word. Works is something that should be free to start with, being that its the absoluete worst word processor. I'd use notepad before I used Works. If they really wanted it to be a deal they would give you the real Word.

[tseng99]

is it safe to get it? the circuit city salesperson told me that he really doesn't recommend it and that they have had many people bring emachines back...oh...also they have 0% financing right now for selected sale items... all notebooks have 0% financing for 1 year with Circuit City Charge Card...and this eMachines for $399 also has the 0% financing...that works out to be about $30 a month for 1 year and you own it... pretty good deal I think.

[sbp]

I know someone who set up a linux server on one.

[dealsdyker]

Originally posted by Cantacuzene



I don't think that Works is at all similar to Word. Works is something that should be free to start with, being that its the absoluete worst word processor. I'd use notepad before I used Works. If they really wanted it to be a deal they would give you the real Word.

Um, the word processor is EXACTLY THE SAME! Ever since Works 2000 or 2001 Works has included the real Word.
Link to Works 2002

It is perfectly safe to get. The salesman is on commission. Any problems in the first 15 or 30 days just exchange or return it.

Also, DO NOT GET SUCKERED INTO AN EXTENDED WARRANTEE. Think about it, you'll be paying $100 to $200 on a 3 year warrantee... 25 to 50% of the COST. Better to save the money and just get another cheapie in 2 years.
EDIT: Put it on your Amex card to double the warrantee to 2 years and get added return protection.

Don't buy it with great hopes to expand it. They usually buy the cheapest memory in that if you are getting 128MB there are 2 memory slots with 64MB each. You'll have to dump one to upgrade mine. The power supply isn't very big but I don't remember the size. There are usually only 2 expansion slots open. There is nowhere easy to add a 2nd hard drive. I added a 2nd hard drive but did it by attaching it to the current HD with sheet plastic I cut into squares, drilled some holes into (it was only plastic), and then basically I have my own cage. It was pretty easy to hook in... only took a little imagination and about 15 minutes with the plastic. The plastic was one of those electric outlet boxes you get at Home Depot for about 25 cents. Then I think I had to get a splitter for the Powersupply from Staples for about a buck. When I asked the guy at CC how they add a 2nd HD he said mostly they carpet-tape them to the first drive (LOL!). But hey, whatever works!

But as a system, it is a great value.[/b] All the rebates will eventually come... I've done it many times! Keep your documentation to be safe like any rebate.

[Scyber]

Originally posted by sbp
I know someone who set up a linux server on one.

I am running my linux webserver on an emachines 733 I got last year. Just put more ram in (maxed it out to 256mb) and it works fine. Of course I don't get much traffic, but it serves its purpose. ANd I can't complain considering I got it for less than $200.

Scyber

[mallowjr]

A) 17" is good for anyone, 19" may be ideal. I have no comment on the brand of that 17", but I'm a "power" user of a PC and I use a 17" trinitron.

B) the celeron doesn't need a fan, unlike AMD, it doesn't get that hot at all - it only needs a heatsink. Nobody stops you from adding a fan if you want though.

-ELmO

[leemaj]

Originally posted by leemaj
isnt the $200 for an msn or compuserve thign?

Again I ask. Make sure that there arent any hidden rebates, like where you are forced to sign up for a 2 years contract for internet accesst at 21.95 a month.

I saw in best buy's ad, there was a cheap computer, i belive $399 w/ a 17 inch monitor and a printer. it was an emachines

[dealsdyker]

Actually at BB last October I bought someone an emachine 850 or 900 for the $400 pricepoint and there were no hidden MSN things. However, I did get the person free MSN for a year (they have to remember to cancel but at worst, they'll forget and see $20 on their CC in a year and then cancel).

At BestBuy you can tell them you are thinking about the warrantee but at $200 it is too expensive for you. The most you can afford is $100 for the warrantee. You won't even have to tell them that because they push the expensive 3 year warrantee so hard at BB they'll probably offer it. Then some slimy manager who knows he makes a ton on warrantees will come out and lower the price of the monitor and computer and printer. He'll give you a song/dance about how he can't lower the price of the warrantee but can lower the price of the hardware. He'll make one of them "1 cent" or something like that. So go checkout, wait a day or two, and if you change your mind about the warrantee then go to that BB or a different one and "return" the warrantee. This won't affect your rebates.

I say this because they pressured my friend in October with a HARD SELL on the warrantee and he finally gave in and bought the warrantee. I told him up/down/sideways on the way home he didn't need it and was wasting his $$ and that the $100 he spent goes a long way toward purchasing a new emachine 2 years from now (buy new every 2) or towards upgrading memory or something. So he returned it and the CS didn't even blink an eye. Walked up to CS and said "I want to return only the warrantee, I don't want to talk to anyone about keeping it, I was pressured into buying it, I do not want it, return this now without calling a sales person or I will file a complaint" and the person behind the counter said "OK, no problem.".

[mallowjr]

I don't thikn you have to go so far with them unless they refuse then you say I'll file a complaint..it's kinda hard on those people.

My friend every few years tells BB his PC broke and they "replace" it with a higher processor version because they don't have his PC in stock anymore..he doesn't pay anything, he is on a celeron processor but he keeps getting "free" upgrades.

-ELmO