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My folks are looking for a computer, and we saw this at our local Circuit City in MI. It's an Acer Aspire Desktop. Specs can be seen here: http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=149054&WT.mc_n=95&WT.mc_t=U&cm_ven=PORTAL&cm_cat=SHOP%20LOCAL&cm_pla=DATAFEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1%20PRODUCT&cm_keycode=95

Basically it's an AMD Sempron processor clocking at about 2.0GHZ. 512MB DDR400. Enough for the folks to get by with basic web-browsing, minor ms office use, etc.

I want to get some feedback on Acers, and Semprons in general. I've never dealt with either. I've had my fair share of Athlons, Pentiums, and Celerons, but never Semprons. How are they? Realistically, how long do you guys think this computer will last? How does it compare up to Celerons/Athlons, etc. I'm not a fan of the old Celerons, I still have an hp pavillion (366mhz) with a celeron, and the thing was completely unreliabale (crashed all the time; did it consistantly till last year when the power supply went bad).

Lastly, the deal, with rebates it comes to a total of $379 + one year of aol dial-up. This includes a printer and monitor. I think this is a pretty good. I think they cash-in on the mandatory aol service for one year, @ $25/month. We had peoplepc @ $10/month, but with the $200 rebate applicable from the aol service, it can be justified to $100/year of service compared to our peoplepc which is $120/year.

Anyways, I appreciate all the help.

Doesn't sound like a good price to me. For basic web browsing and MS office stuff, a $400 laptop will do just fine, or a $200 box plus monitor. Do they have to buy local? Dell often has desktop systems w/ decent equipemnt for non-gaming stuff for under $500 w/ a 19" LCD.

Otherwise, I'd have no problem with the Acer brand or almost any other brand.

Quote:

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Desktop performance: This desktop PC features an AMD Sempronââ??¢ Processor 3300+ (2.0GHz), 512MB of DDR400 memory and a speedy 160GB SATA hard drive.

DVD+/-RW drive: This DVD drive lets you enjoy DVD movies, backup files, burn music and play games.

9-in-1 media reader: Enjoy seamless image transfers from digital cameras, camcorders and more. This versatile reader accepts MultiMedia Cardââ??¢, Secure Digital, SmartMediaââ??¢, Memory StickÃ?®, Memory Stick PROââ??¢, CompactFlashÃ?® I/II, Micro Drive or xD-Picture Cardââ??¢ memory cards.

Connect everything: With eight USB 2.0, two PS/2, one parallel, one serial port and more, you'll be able to connect an array of your favorite peripherals.

Cool graphics and audio: This desktop features integrated VIA K8VM800 graphics and Realtek audio support for an optional 5.1 channel surround sound system. The AGP8X slot gives you the opportunity to expand your graphics capability when you're ready.

Note: Monitor sold separately

Software bundle:
Microsoft�® XP Home Edition with SP2
Norton�® AntiVirus 2005
Adobe�® Reader�® 7.0
CyberLink�® PowerDVD
Quick Burning (NTI CD-Maker Gold)

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It's not a good deal. You definately can do better than that for the same amount of money.

CompUSA is having a big sale tomorrow night, looks like they have a pretty good deal: link