Desktop Computers

Additionally, we've chosen our favorite desktop computer from every manufacturer.  Just look for the À symbol!

ABS desktops and workstations are straight forward to setup and ready for your business applications and attachment of your peripheral devices.

ABS makes five desktop lines in fifteen models that range in price from $1,099.00 to $3,599.00 (without options) and three workstations.  The MAXX 3D starts at $2,249.00, the MAXX Dream at $1,537.00 and the MAXX Pro at $4,199.00.  See our product matrix Desktop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

You name the processor from AMD or Intel and you can probably get it in an ABS system.  AMD Athlon 64 and 64 X2 and Opteron; Intel Pentium 4, Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, Pentium D, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme and Xeon processors are available in ABS systems.  If you choose the right system, it can handle most anything you could possibly ask it to do.

ABS systems come with all the standard "usability" features - hot keys, controls, etc. - that are dependent upon your needs and system configuration.
Works With - YYYY

ABS systems are built for the Windows environment (XP recommended), however are capable of operating in Linux environments as well.

ABS desktops and workstations carry a one year warranty (including on site service).  The web site includes downloads, a searchable knowledge base, a FAQ and a user forum to submit enquiries to ABS and other users.  If you need more help, you can call tech support on their "800" number 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM PST Monday through Friday.

An incredible array of capability and system configurations are available from ABS.  Everything from a basic, moderately priced machine for just doing standard computing, to high end, four hard drive configurations for CAD/CAM applications, video and audio production and more.  You can get standard, embedded video (Intel Extreme Graphics) or mid-range nVIDIA and ATI graphics cards as well as high end PNY, 3Dlabs and Matrox video processing and M-Audio and E-Mu sound cards as well.  You name it - you can probably find it in an ABS system.

ABS makes systems for everyone - home business owners who just need a "basic" machine, gamers, mid-range users and the multi-media, high-end graphics professional.  Well thought through components and system configurations at competitive prices (and they have slick looking cases, high end cooling and power management and protection systems as well!).

Acer desktop systems are easy to set up and ready for installation of your business software and hardware peripherals.

Acer makes seven desktop system lines in twenty-three models that range in price from $354.02 to $939.99 (without options).  See our product matrix Desktop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Acer's desktops are based on Intel's Celeron D, Pentium 4 and Pentium D lines, as well as AMD's Sempron, Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2 lines.  The capabilities delivered in the Acer systems will probably meet the speed and performance needs of most home-based businesses.

The Acer systems include usability features that include keyboards with Internet/email access keys, programmable launch keys, audio/video controls, volume controls and a suspend button.
Works With - YYYY

Acer systems are built for the Windows environment (XP recommended), however are capable of operating in Linux environments as well.

Acer's Veriton desktop lines carry a 3 year warranty the AcerPower lines a one year limited, next day, on site warranty for their systems and the Aspire line a 1 year limited warranty.  The tech support section on their web site is comprehensive offering a FAQ, downloads, user guides and technical articles.  If you need more help than that available online, you can email tech support or call them, 24 hours per day at their "800" number.

Acer desktops deliver the basics in all areas - processors, memory options, storage, graphics, connectivity. Acer systems come with DVD burners and hard drives up to 160GB.  The consumer Aspire line also comes with a  9-in-1 media card reader and  DVD Dual drive standard.

Acer makes moderately priced, basic systems for the home based user.  Don't look for lots of "bells and whistles" nor startling performance from these machines, however, they'll deliver the performance, processing and connectivity capabilities that most home-based businesses require.

Alienware desktop systems are easy to set up and ready for installation of your business software and hardware peripherals.

Alienware makes five lines and six custom design models ranging in price from $1,999.00 to $6,799.00 (without options).  See our product matrix Desktop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Do you need power, speed and performance?  You'll get all of them with an Alienware system.  Alienware builds systems based on AMD Athlon 64 X2 and Opteron chipsets as well as Intel Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Extreme, and Xeon processors.  Plenty of speed and power - even for content and multimedia creation and editing.

The Alienware systems come with cordless keyboard and optical mice and supply easy access to all ports.  Some Intel-based professional systems also include optional cable management systems.
Works With - YYYY

Alienware systems are built for the Windows environment (XP Home and Professional), however are capable of operating in Linux environments as well.

The tech support area of the Alienware web site includes a searchable knowledgebase, customer forms where you can interact and ask questions of other Alienware desktop owners, a personal support area (based on the configuration of your system), setup help, system recovery information and upgrades and upgrade instructions.  If you need more help you can email tech support or contact them via online chat or at their 24x7 "800" number.

Very high end video/graphic card choices from nVIDIA and ATI, Creative sound cards, AMD and Intel chipsets, tons of hard drive configuration and capacity options (including RAID 0 arrays), liquid cooling on the ALX line and a nice range of optical drive options as well.  If you need it, they probably supply it - and the component will be "top of the line".

If you have the $$'s or need the performance, the Alienware systems are slick, fast and among the most well-built in the industry (200 point quality check list).  Even the cases and product names are cool.  The "Lamborghinis" of the desktop/workstation world.

AOpen's "white box" desktops are easy (once configured by your local reseller) to set up for your use.

AOpen sells their desktops (seven lines in thirty-three model frameworks) to resellers who then add processors, hard drives and optical drives to complete a system configuration.  Pricing in these cases is usually very competitive or less expensive than "brand name" solutions.  However, you'll have to work with your local reseller to get the best price on these desktop "shells".   See our product matrix Desktop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all product information.

It all depends what you put into one of AOpen's desktop models.  The good news however, is that you can work with your local provider to build the right desktop for you and your business.

AOpen's desktops are no more or less "usable" than any other Windows-based system in this category.
Works With - YYY

AOpen's desktops are designed for the Windows environment.

AOpen's systems carry a one year warranty.  The technical support area on their web site includes just the basics - downloads, FAQ, user manuals.  If you need more help they suggest you contact the store at which you purchased the device.  You get what you pay for here - low cost, no support. 

AOpen makes small form factor desktops in tower, cube, miniPC and ePC form factors.  They accommodate AMD Athlon 64 and Sempron processors as well as Intel Pentium 4, Pentium M, Pentium D, Celeron D, Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors.  All have hard drive and optical bays and the Cube lines includes a variety of I/O ports.  Media card readers standard on some models as well.

Overall Rating - %%%+

If you like working with a local provider, or you need some help in configuring and setting up a machine, or you're looking to "pinch pennies" on your system - purchasing an AOpen "white box" solution from a local reseller just may be for you.  Just make sure your reseller understands the needs of your business and your personal working style/expertise and that you believe that the reseller will support you adequately should you experience a problem with your desktop.

Macintosh system setup continues to be the easiest and simplest in the industry.

Apple makes three desktop lines in seven models that range in price from $599.00 to $2,499.00 (without options).  Remember that with a Mac it isn't the initial cost that will "get you", it is the premium you'll pay software vendors for Macintosh-based applications.  See our product matrix Desktop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Depending on your needs, Apple makes systems that can accommodate both the "lite" and "power" user.  Their systems are all based on Intel processors - Core Duo, Core 2 Duo and Xeon.  In any case, an Apple system will help you move your business along.

Apple retains its leadership in usability with OS X.
Works With - YYYY

Apple systems are built for the Macintosh environment, however, many Linux OS's work on them as well.

Apple provides 90 days free telephone support and a one year limited warranty on their equipment (you can purchase extended warranty and service agreements as well).  Apple has an extensive knowledge base, technical support and more on their web site.  If you require phone support for a period longer than 90 days, you'll have to purchase an extended service contract at approximately $349.00.

Lots of connectivity options in the higher end systems (including built-in Bluetooth and wireless capabilities) as well as a ton of useful software.  Additionally, we like the large number of USB and FireWire ports available on all of the Apple systems.  The l Mac Mini (6.5x6.5x2") packs a lot of capability in a very small package (Combo or 8x Super Drive, 60 or 80GB hard drive and wireless "ready" Bluetooth/802.11b/g).  Apple also offers iMac's based on the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and Mac Pro uses Xeon processors for lots of punch.

Apple makes wonderful systems that are fast and usable.  The downside is not necessarily the higher price you'll pay up front for the machine, but the long term higher price you'll pay for software.  This makes for a higher cost of ownership for the Macintosh owner.  However, if you're a graphics or multimedia professional, Mac's remain the best bet.  And, if you are new to computing or just don't want to take the time to learn the the ins and outs of Windows, the Mac environment remains the simplest to use and learn.  The Mini is a wonderful package at a great price - $599.00 to begin!

ASUS' "white box" desktops are easy (once configured by your local reseller) to set up for your use.

AOpen sells their desktops (four lines in twenty-one model frameworks) to resellers who then add processors, hard drives and optical drives to complete a system configuration.  Pricing in these cases is usually very competitive or less expensive than "brand name" solutions.  However, you'll have to work with your local reseller to get the best price on these desktop "shells".   See our product matrix Desktop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all product information.

It all depends what you put into one of ASUS' desktop models.  The good news however, is that you can work with your local provider to build the right desktop for you and your business.

ASUS' desktops are no more or less "usable" than any other Windows-based system in this category.
Works With - YYY

ASUS' desktops are designed for the Windows environment.

ASUS systems carry a one year warranty.  The technical support area of their web site includes a FAQ, downloads and technical reference.  If you need more help, you have to go to their web site and get an incident number before you email or telephone technical support (no "800" number, you must pay long distance charges where they apply) during the hours of 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific.

ASUS makes four lines for desktops - standard form factors, mini towers, booksize systems and consumer electronics systems based on AMD Sempron, Athlon 64, FX and X2 processors as well as Intel Celeron, Pentium 4, Pentium D, Core Solo and Core Duo processors.  Many include media card readers standard and most have Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. 

If you like working with a local provider, or you need some help in configuring and setting up a machine, or you're looking to "pinch pennies" on your system - purchasing an ASUS "white box" solution from a local reseller just may be for you.  Just make sure your reseller understands the needs of your business and your personal working style/expertise and that you believe that the reseller will support you adequately should you experience a problem with your desktop.

CyberPower's fifty-four desktop systems are straight forward to set-up and ready for your business applications.

CyberPower's diverse set of desktops for gamers, home/home-based business and professional graphics use are priced from $545.00 to $3,999.00 (without options).  See our product matrix Desktop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

CyberPower delivers systems based on the AMD Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2 processors as well as Intel Pentium D, Pentium M, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processors.  One of the systems is sure to meet your processing needs and make you and your business more productive.

The CyberPower systems all come with keyboards and mice with hot keys and a number of port and system combinations to make increase system usability.
Works With - YYYY

CyberPower systems are built for the Windows environment, however, many Linux OS's work on them as well.

CyberPower offers a three year warranty (standard) on their notebooks.  The web site includes downloads and basic system information.  If you need more help, you can email tech support or call them on their "800" number.

Lots of options!  Perhaps too many for the basic user.  You can choose cases, motherboards, cooling, "neon" integration, LCDs for monitoring thermals, tons of video card and hard drive options, CD and DVD drives, sound cards and more.  If you want a "truly" custom built system - CyberPower can do it for you.

If you know what you're doing and you want a highly customized system, then CyberPower is the place for you to purchase your PC.  TONS of options in just about every imaginable area!

Dell Dimension and XPS desktops are straight forward to set up and ready for your software applications and peripherals.

Dell makes six desktop lines in twenty-three models that range in price from $359.00 to $5,499.00 (without options).  See our product matrix Desktop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Dell uses the Intel Pentium 4, D, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processors in their desktops as well as AMD Sempron, Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2 processors - more than enough power to help you do your business quickly and effectively.

The Dell systems are easy to use.  Dell also offers optional (read more $$'s) "extras" like multimedia keyboards and wireless keyboard and mice to enhance the usability of their systems.

Dell desktops are designed for the Windows environment but will function with most Linux OS's as well. 

Dell offers a one year warranty (with two and three year options) on their devices and has a comprehensive Web support site.  They also offer "800" access to support personnel. 

Dell does the basics well and offers "high end" options in the areas of video cards, sound cards, speakers and even Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.  The XPS 210, 410  and 710 systems offer good functionality and power at a competitive price. 

Overall Rating - %%%%+

Dell makes a solid set of desktop systems at a competitive price.  You can "build your own" or buy an "off the shelf", pre-configured model as well.  Their systems are well-designed and capable for the home-based business.

eMachines desktops are simple to set up and ready for loading your software applications and adding your hardware peripherals.

eMachines makes five desktops priced from $399.99 to $599.99 with main-in rebates.  See our product matrix Desktop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

eMachines desktops are not for the business owner who needs a lot of performance (for graphics, multimedia or other CPU intensive operations).  Their offerings are based on Intel Celeron D, Pentium 4 and Pentium d processors.  More than enough performance for most businesses, but not enough if you need power for high end animation, audio and video editing software.

The eMachines desktops are simple and straight forward to use.  The two "higher end" desktops include multimedia keyboards.

eMachines desktops are designed for the Windows environment, however, most Linux OS's will function on them as well.