Description:
The Basics
Founded in 1998 and acquired by Gateway in early 2004, eMachines today is one of the largest vendors of PCs sold through U.S. retailers. With the T2862 Desktop PC, eMachines targets entry-level and undemanding consumers who want a desktop computer but can't justify the price of a high-end model and probably don't need one anyway. Featuring a cost-effective yet reasonably powerful CPU, minimal memory and mediocre 3D graphics performance, the unit is not designed for a top-level business environment or gaming den. But if word processing, personal finances, email and Internet surfing and CD burning are your priorities, the eMachines T2862 is a sensible and extremely affordable solution. 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, and that is indeed the case with this model. But this particular processor is a new and recently enhanced version of the venerable Celeron, nicknamed the Celeron D and carrying 256 KB of Level 2 cache and a 533 MHz system bus for perceptibly faster performance than Celerons manufactured prior to 2004. This is the second fastest Celeron currently on the market, a 2.66 GHz version that doesn't approach the raw data-churning speed of a high-end Pentium 4 but certainly holds its own against lower-end Pentiums and AMD Athlons. 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 256 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM main memory, the minimum recommended allotment for a modern PC. Thusly, the eMachines T2862 is not ideal for demanding multitasking sessions or ultra-complex applications in its stock form, though 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. The eMachines T2862 is equipped with an Intel Extreme Graphics 2 video controller that is integrated on the motherboard and shares 64 MB of the system's main memory. Thusly, the unit is not intended for anyone who regularly works or plays with demanding 3D animations such as those found in the latest high-end games, unless they first purchase and install a separate graphics card. 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 produced via an AC 97-compatible chip integrated on the motherboard. AC-97 is today's most accepted entry-level PC audio standard. Though not as sophisticated as most standalone audio cards (its audio specs aren't as good and it supports limited speaker configurations), this integrated chipset is perfectly adequate for most stereo applications. eMachines will also enclose a pair of small desktop speakers for your listening enjoyment. Hard Drive
The built-in 60 MB hard drive sports enough space for a typical home or home office situation or student setup. However, if you regularly load large applications, save large files, and maintain a sizeable multimedia or music collection, you may need to upgrade this drive, transfer files to a compact disc to free up room, or add another hard drive. 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 T2862 features a DVD/CD-RW drive that allows you to install applications from CD, play and burn music and data CDs, and play DVD movies. DVD burning is not possible unless you upgrade or replace this drive. Connectivity and Expansion
Though designed for the budget conscious, the eMachines T2862 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, Microsotf's Works 8.0 productivity suite, Microsoft's Money 2004 financial center and several useful multimedia and music utilities. Keyboard and Mouse
A Standard eMachines Multimedia Keyboard and 2-button mouse (with scroll wheel) are enclosed.
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