Cheap PC Guide

Get ready for Vista with a new sub-$500 desktop PC

With the highly-anticipated release of Windows Vista just around the proverbial corner, you’ll probably want make sure that any new desktop PC you purchase is at least Vista capable.  One machine to consider is the Lenovo ThinkCentre A60 8700, a powerful and brand new desktop priced at just $494.99 at Geeks.com.  While it’s described by the manufacturer as being perfect for business, it would also be an excellent addition to a home office for the multitasker.

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The processor is an AMD Sempron 3000+ at 1.6 GHz, and the included 512MB of RAM can be upgraded to 4GB.  The serial ATA-300 hard drive will store 80GB of data.  The integrated graphics card is the reliable NVIDIA GeForce 6100, and integrated audio is Intel HD.  This budget PC only includes a standard CD-ROM drive, but you can easily add an external recordable drive to one of the six USB ports, or open the case and add an internal DVD-RW drive to one of the two available bays.  There are four PCI slots empty as well, so expansion is just limited to your imagination.  The one other common feature which is missing in this ThinkCentre PC is wireless ethernet, but it does come with a standard modem and ethernet LAN. 

Designed as a business computer, the Lenovo has a wide variety of software preinstalled.  The OS is Windows XP Professional, and you’ll also receive software like Lotus Notes Stand-alone Client license, Lotus SmartSuite Millennium license, Symantec Client Security (with 90 days of updates), and ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery.  With a stylish black case and so many features for the business client, the Lenovo ThinkCentre A60 8700 is an excellent value.

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