If you’d like to try something a bit off the beaten path, this Microtel SYSWM7009 PC featuring Linux Linspire is for you.  It uses the Linspire v5.0 operating system.  Linspire is an easy-to-use, full-featured desktop operating system that is will be comfortable for Windows users of all experience levels. Linspire comes with everything you need to browse the Internet, instant message, e-mail, share and write documents, work with digital photos, listen to music, play games and much more.   The interface usings icons and menus, and the system comes with detailed tutorials.  There’s even a program which will allow you to create .doc files, just like you’d do in expensive Microsoft Word.

This system has a 2.0 GHz AMD Sempron 3000+ processor, 512MB of RAM, and a roomy 80GB hard drive.  There’s also a CD-RW/DVD combo drive.  Integrated graphics have up to 64MB available, and you’ll get integrated six channel sound.  For Internet use, you have your choice of 56k modem or ethernet LAN.   One great feature of this Linspire system is its expandability.  There are two available front bays, large and small, 2 PCI slots, and 1 AGP 8x slot.

See the Linspire Linux desktop at Walmart.com.

The the Everex StepNote VA4100M, from Walmart.com, comes preinstalled with Windows Media Center edition.  It’s an appropriate operating system for this inexpensive notebook computer which will let you listen to music, watch movies, and burn your own CDs.  It truly is a media center.

The Everex Stepnote has a widescreen, 15.4″ display which delivers 14400 x 900 WXGA+ resolution with more than 16 million colors.  Graphics are supported by a VIA Chrome9 HC IGP graphics card.   As previously mentioned, it has a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, and CyberLink Power DVD software is preinstalled to help you make the most of it.

As for the inner-workings of this nice budget notebook PC, it’s got a 1.46 GHz Intel Celeron M Processor 410, 512MB of RAM (upgradeable to 2GB), and a large 60GB hard drive.  IEEE 802.11b/g wireless LAN makes it easily to wirelessly connect to the Internet, but this computer also has a 56kbps fax/data modem installed for dialup use.  There are three USB ports, and rounding out the package is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, as well as a 65-watt AC adapter.   Don’t forget that Walmart.com offers free shipping to your local Walmart store.

Yes, it’s refurbished, but how can you argue about a price of $334.99?  Available from Geeks.com, the Acer Aspire AST180-EA350M has a speedy AMD Athlon 64 3500+ processor (2.2 GHz), as well as an ample 512MB of RAM.  Adding to its appeal is a huge 160GB hard drive.  There’s even a DVD±RW dual layer drive, giving this refurbished Acer computer just about every desireable feature you could imagine.

Other great options on the Acer Aspire AST180 include the built-in 8-in-1 media card reader, and the integrated audio which is provided by an NVIDIA GeForce 6100 graphics processor.  There are six USB ports, one FIrewire port, and an unusual six audio ports.  Both dialup modem and ethernet LAN are installed.

Your refurbished desktop computer ships with a keyboard, mouse, two speakers, and Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005 (pre-installed w/COA).  Add your own monitor and you’re good to go.

If you need a reliable but inexpensive desktop PC, take a look at this refurbished Compaq Presario model from Eagle Computer.   This is a fast and powerful PC with a 2.8GHz CPU (Intel Celeron), plus 512MB of RAM, and it’s been refurbished to factory specifications.  That makes it just about as good as new, yet it sells for only $419.99.

This inexpensive desktop PC has a huge 80GB hard drive, as well as a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive for even more storage potential.   You can also store data on media cards, as they’re easily read in the computer’s 9-in-1 memory card reader.  If you plan to watch movies on your DVD or to play games, you’ll appreciate the integrated Intel Extreme graphics, with up to 64 MB of shared video memory.   The computer includes Presario USB powered analog speakers for great audio.  There are five USB ports, a 56kbps modem, and ethernet LAN.

This computer is perfect for today, but can expand for tomorrow as well.  There’s one available 5.25″ bay in front, and inside are two free PCI slots.   This refurbished Compaq desktop includes tons of preinstalled software, including Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Money, Record Now (for burning CDs), and Windows Movie Maker 2.0 for the aspiring director.   Shipping is free!

NewEgg.com is offering this brand new, widescreen Acer notebook computer for the very reasonable price of $597.99.  It’s a deal that’s hard to beat, because the Acer TravelMate TM2480-2551 is a powerful and well-equipped laptop which will easily meet your business needs.  Even better, it ships with Windows XP Media Center Edition, but it’s eligible for a free express upgrade to Windows Vista if you buy before March 15th.  The upgrade value alone makes this notebook PC worth a look.

The 14.1″ XGA monitor supports a resolution of up to 1280 x 800, and is powered by the integrated Intel GMA950 graphics card.  The processor is an Intel Celeron M 420 (1.6GHz), and you’ll get 512MB of DDR2 RAM.  There’s a 60GB hard drive, which should be ample space for most users.  Other features include a DVD/CD-RW combo drive, internal speakers, three USB ports, and a 5-in-1 media card reader.  If you’ll be connecting to the Internet, you’ll have your choice of 56Kbps modem, LAN, and WLAN.

Weighing in at just over 5 lbs., this is a light and portable notebook PC, and it ships in the continental US for just $12.43.

HP’s Pavilion Slimline desktop PC is a small and sleek tower computer that’s only about one-third of the size of regular PCs.  It’s just as powerful and has all the functionality of a larger PC, but it takes up a lot less space.  That can be important in a small bedroom or cramped office, so this may be the answer you’re looking for if your current computer is a space hog.

The HP Slimline has an AMD Sempron Processor 3400+ at 1.8GHz, as well as 512MB of RAM (you can expand it to 2GB).  The hard drive is an extremely large 160GB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive — to put that in perspective, the manufacturer claims it can hold about 60000 photographs.  A SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology will allow you to burn dual-layer DVDs, and NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Graphics with TurboCache will make every viewing experience a pleasure.  With up to 256MB of shared video memory, this inexpensive PC can be used for gaming as well.

You can buy this excellent value from Walmart.com.  Don’t forget to pick up a monitor and some speakers as well so you can enjoy your new HP Pavilion Slimline immediately.

If you’re looking for a top-quality notebook computer, take a look at this Averatec model from SaveAtEagle.com.  It’s refurbished, in great condition, and has a 90 day warranty.  The price is only $499.95, yet this laptop has many features of more expensive models.   There’s a powerful AMD Sempron XP-M 2800+ CPU, 512MB of RAM, and a roomy 60GB hard drive.  You won’t be sacrificing quality, and you’ll be buying excellent value.

The Averatec AV3270-EE1 “Thin and Lite” notebook has a 12.1″ monitor, making it exceptionally portable.  It includes a DVD+RW drive, with integrated audio and video.  The computer has a 56K Data/Fax/Modem, 10/100 Network LAN, and the convenience of 54Mbps 802.11g WLAN.  Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (w/COA) is pre-installed, so you’ll be ready to hit the road as soon as your new notebook PC arrives.

This is a powerful, high-performance new desktop PC for the unbelievable price of $349.97, from TigerDirect.com.  The manufacturer, Romaine, has built a PC with 512MB of high-speed DDR333 memory, an 80GB 7200RPM hard drive, and a dual-layer DVD±RW burner drive, and wrapped it around an Intel Celeron D 310 processor.   The result is an inexpensive desktop computer can that handle demanding computing tasks with ease.

This new desktop PC offers Unichrome Pro 3D graphics integrated video, as well as integrated six channel audio (perfect for watching movies or playing games).   You’ll get both 56kbps modem and ethernet LAN, as well as USB and audio ports conveniently located on both the front and the rear.  If you think you might want to expand, there are five internal expansion slots available.

Throw in Windows XP Home edition, and a 12 month parts and labor warranty, and you’ve got an unbeatable value.  Whether you need a main PC or a second one for the family to share, this is a great deal which is also easy on your budget.

Geeks.com has an excellent selection of refurbished notebook computers, including this stylish Dell Latitude C640.  It has an Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz processor and 256 MB RAM, as well as a 20GB hard drive.  It’s slightly dated in that it ships with the Windows 2000 Professional OS, but you can certainly upgrade to XP if you’d like.   Also upgradeable is the RAM (up to 1GB), and while the hard drive is small, you could either install a larger drive or add an external drive if you need more storage capacity.   Speaking of storage capacity, this refurbished laptop has swappable CD-ROM and 1.44″ floppy disk drives.

The monitor is a 14.1″ TFT display, supported by ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 video with 32 MB memory.  There’s also integrated audio with built-in speakers.  The keyboard features a Trackstick and Touchpad.  You’ll get both dialup modem and ethernet modem, but you’ll only get one USB port.  An external hub can inexpensively let you add more ports.

Geeks.com describes this as a “B” grade refurbished computer.  That means you do not get CD copies of software (including the operating system and drivers), and it also means the battery is not covered by the warranty, and is not guaranteed to hold a charge.   The rest of the laptop is covered by the Geeks.com 90 day warranty, and shipping is extremely reasonable.

TigerDirect is offering a great price on a refurbished eMachines T6520 desktop PC: just $379.99, while supplies last.  The price is even more incredible when you consider that for under $400, you’ll be buying a reliable desktop computer that has a huge 200GB hard drive, and a solid 1GB of RAM.  At its heart is an AMD Athlon 64 3400+ processor (2.4GHz).

The eMachines T6520 desktop features Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 software.  Appropriately, it ships with both a DVD±RW drive and a CD-ROM drive.  The powerful ATI Radeon Xpress 200 video chipset will ensure you get the most out of your multimedia experiences, whether you be playing games or watching movies.

This refurbished desktop PC has both ethernet LAN and 56kbps modem.  There are multiple USB ports, a built-in multi-card reader, a Firewire port, and even four internal card expansion slots.  As a bonus, this PC ships with a multifunction keyboard, a scroll wheel mouse, and two separate stereo speakers for maximum enjoyment.