budget computer: emachines T3085 vs. compaq SR1030NX

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Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

Hi all,
I need to get a new computer and am looking for something decent,
but inexpensive. I know there's trade offs involved. I read the reviews of
the eMachines T3085 which costs $670 before a $50 rebate. At staples the
other day, I saw the Compaq Presario SR1030NX ($665 before $50 rebate),
which seems to have identical specs. both are within my budget (under
$700) and meet most of my needs (I wouldn't mind a faster processor and
someday will put a video card in that AGP slot), but is there any real
difference between these two? Something on the hardware side?
I understand that neither eMachines nor Compaq has a great track
record and I've steered others clear of 'em in the past, but for a feature-
rich budget machine, these seem pretty good. Are there some real catches I
should be seeing here?

So, do I go with the emachines or the compaq? Is there something
else in the price range that is feature-similar that you would recommend?
I don't plan on assembling my own this go-around.

thanks much,
nick
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

either will do, gateway owns emachines now.

"nick ring" <nick@NOSPAMsilentradio.org> wrote in message
news:Xns94DE7F802B76Enicksilentradioorg@130.81.64.196...
> Hi all,
> I need to get a new computer and am looking for something decent,
> but inexpensive. I know there's trade offs involved. I read the reviews
of
> the eMachines T3085 which costs $670 before a $50 rebate. At staples the
> other day, I saw the Compaq Presario SR1030NX ($665 before $50 rebate),
> which seems to have identical specs. both are within my budget (under
> $700) and meet most of my needs (I wouldn't mind a faster processor and
> someday will put a video card in that AGP slot), but is there any real
> difference between these two? Something on the hardware side?
> I understand that neither eMachines nor Compaq has a great track
> record and I've steered others clear of 'em in the past, but for a
feature-
> rich budget machine, these seem pretty good. Are there some real catches I
> should be seeing here?
>
> So, do I go with the emachines or the compaq? Is there something
> else in the price range that is feature-similar that you would recommend?
> I don't plan on assembling my own this go-around.
>
> thanks much,
> nick
 
Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

Emachine has a better track record then compact by far. I used to sell
emachines, compaq, hp, sony and toshiba. When someone asked me whats best
for budget, emachine, boght one for my grandma.
 
Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

you sold Compacts?

"bbeckley" <beaubeckley@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:89345161428e97c9615c6d33f752a2b3@localhost.talkaboutcomputing.com...
> Emachine has a better track record then compact by far. I used to sell
> emachines, compaq, hp, sony and toshiba. When someone asked me whats best
> for budget, emachine, boght one for my grandma.
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

I only sold Compaqs if thats what the customer really wanted
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

Bbeckly mentions the eMachines over the compaq. I was almost going to go
that way, but here's my further math:

Emachines (after rebate): $620
separate 17" monitor: $100 (or so)
total: $720 (or so)

staples has a package deal on the compaq,
so that after rebates you get:
compaq st1030nx
compaq 17" monitor
HP 3650 printer
total: $700

Granted, I don't necessarily need a new printer, but even ignoring that,
it's $20 less than buying the emachines and a seperate monitor.

The staples deal expires 5/8, so I have to make my decision before then.

thanks very much for the input.

-nick
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

What is the processor speeds/types in both?
If they are both celerons, get the lowest price machine.

"nick ring" <nick@NOSPAMsilentradio.org> wrote in message
news:Xns94DEA5C30B85Fnicksilentradioorg@130.81.64.196...
> Bbeckly mentions the eMachines over the compaq. I was almost going to go
> that way, but here's my further math:
>
> Emachines (after rebate): $620
> separate 17" monitor: $100 (or so)
> total: $720 (or so)
>
> staples has a package deal on the compaq,
> so that after rebates you get:
> compaq st1030nx
> compaq 17" monitor
> HP 3650 printer
> total: $700
>
> Granted, I don't necessarily need a new printer, but even ignoring that,
> it's $20 less than buying the emachines and a seperate monitor.
>
> The staples deal expires 5/8, so I have to make my decision before then.
>
> thanks very much for the input.
>
> -nick
>
 
Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

You've got to be joking...

In Canada the eMachines were known as "boomerangs" at Future Shop. A
boomerang product is one that constantly comes back. Returns, defects and
repairs all the time...

Deep

"bbeckley" <beaubeckley@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:f58b86df1dbf2a1ad649ea03e0834212@localhost.talkaboutcomputing.com...
> I only sold Compaqs if thats what the customer really wanted
>
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

I own both... happy with both...

However, there is no question in my mind Compaq is a better built machine..
I'd get the Compaq, pass on the printer, get a 17" flat screen monitor from
OfficeMax at $89. Save where you can... Reliability- Compaq over eMachines
hands down in my books...


"nick ring" <nick@NOSPAMsilentradio.org> wrote in message
news:Xns94DEA5C30B85Fnicksilentradioorg@130.81.64.196...
> Bbeckly mentions the eMachines over the compaq. I was almost going to go
> that way, but here's my further math:
>
> Emachines (after rebate): $620
> separate 17" monitor: $100 (or so)
> total: $720 (or so)
>
> staples has a package deal on the compaq,
> so that after rebates you get:
> compaq st1030nx
> compaq 17" monitor
> HP 3650 printer
> total: $700
>
> Granted, I don't necessarily need a new printer, but even ignoring that,
> it's $20 less than buying the emachines and a seperate monitor.
>
> The staples deal expires 5/8, so I have to make my decision before then.
>
> thanks very much for the input.
>
> -nick
>
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

"Uncle Vinnie" <vinrin57@nospam.optonline.net> wrote in message news:<lxOlc.122078$Gd3.29925667@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
> I own both... happy with both...
>
> However, there is no question in my mind Compaq is a better built machine..
> I'd get the Compaq, pass on the printer, get a 17" flat screen monitor from
> OfficeMax at $89. Save where you can... Reliability- Compaq over eMachines
> hands down in my books...
>
Not in my book. Just go to Circuitcity.com and read the reviews of
Compaq and eMachines. eMachines blow them away. We bought an
eMachines, AMD 2800, last Christmas and we are more than pleased with
it, haven't had the first problem with it. Come to find out they
started specing off the shelf parts in their computers, FIC
motherboards, western digital HD's, etc. Gateway couldn't out sell
them so they bought them, they'll probably ruin them.
Grateful
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

The reason they use off the shelf parts isn't because they want to PLEASE
you... it's because they have no R and D and are essentially as good as
building one yourself!

eMachines have overall many more problems. I've seen them all first hand.

Deep

"Grateful" <Grateful11@excite.com> wrote in message
news:968c6987.0406011948.3ce045ba@posting.google.com...
> "Uncle Vinnie" <vinrin57@nospam.optonline.net> wrote in message
news:<lxOlc.122078$Gd3.29925667@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
> > I own both... happy with both...
> >
> > However, there is no question in my mind Compaq is a better built
machine..
> > I'd get the Compaq, pass on the printer, get a 17" flat screen monitor
from
> > OfficeMax at $89. Save where you can... Reliability- Compaq over
eMachines
> > hands down in my books...
> >
> Not in my book. Just go to Circuitcity.com and read the reviews of
> Compaq and eMachines. eMachines blow them away. We bought an
> eMachines, AMD 2800, last Christmas and we are more than pleased with
> it, haven't had the first problem with it. Come to find out they
> started specing off the shelf parts in their computers, FIC
> motherboards, western digital HD's, etc. Gateway couldn't out sell
> them so they bought them, they'll probably ruin them.
> Grateful
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

Deep wrote:

> The reason they use off the shelf parts isn't because they want to PLEASE
> you... it's because they have no R and D and are essentially as good as
> building one yourself!
>
> eMachines have overall many more problems. I've seen them all first hand.
>

I think you'll be happier with eMachines, myself. Compaq seems "too
clever by half" as the old expression says. My impression is that
eMachines is more straightforward.

> Deep
>
> "Grateful" <Grateful11@excite.com> wrote in message
> news:968c6987.0406011948.3ce045ba@posting.google.com...
>
>>"Uncle Vinnie" <vinrin57@nospam.optonline.net> wrote in message
>
> news:<lxOlc.122078$Gd3.29925667@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
>
>>>I own both... happy with both...
>>>
>>>However, there is no question in my mind Compaq is a better built
>
> machine..
>
>>>I'd get the Compaq, pass on the printer, get a 17" flat screen monitor
>
> from
>
>>>OfficeMax at $89. Save where you can... Reliability- Compaq over
>
> eMachines
>
>>>hands down in my books...
>>>
>>
>>Not in my book. Just go to Circuitcity.com and read the reviews of
>>Compaq and eMachines. eMachines blow them away. We bought an
>>eMachines, AMD 2800, last Christmas and we are more than pleased with
>>it, haven't had the first problem with it. Come to find out they
>>started specing off the shelf parts in their computers, FIC
>>motherboards, western digital HD's, etc. Gateway couldn't out sell
>>them so they bought them, they'll probably ruin them.
>>Grateful
>
>
>


--
The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to
minimize spam. Our true address is of the form che...@prodigy.net.
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

If anything, e-machines "support" is even worse than Compaq's. The last one
(e-machines) I looked at inside was not impressive at all. I just bought a
Presario S5200CL. Very neat, inside (wire/cable routing) and out and just
the right amount of "cleverness."
IMHO.
HH

"CJT" <abujlehc@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:40BD8159.60302@prodigy.net...
> Deep wrote:
>
> > The reason they use off the shelf parts isn't because they want to
PLEASE
> > you... it's because they have no R and D and are essentially as good as
> > building one yourself!
> >
> > eMachines have overall many more problems. I've seen them all first
hand.
> >
>
> I think you'll be happier with eMachines, myself. Compaq seems "too
> clever by half" as the old expression says. My impression is that
> eMachines is more straightforward.
>
> > Deep
> >
> > "Grateful" <Grateful11@excite.com> wrote in message
> > news:968c6987.0406011948.3ce045ba@posting.google.com...
> >
> >>"Uncle Vinnie" <vinrin57@nospam.optonline.net> wrote in message
> >
> > news:<lxOlc.122078$Gd3.29925667@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
> >
> >>>I own both... happy with both...
> >>>
> >>>However, there is no question in my mind Compaq is a better built
> >
> > machine..
> >
> >>>I'd get the Compaq, pass on the printer, get a 17" flat screen monitor
> >
> > from
> >
> >>>OfficeMax at $89. Save where you can... Reliability- Compaq over
> >
> > eMachines
> >
> >>>hands down in my books...
> >>>
> >>
> >>Not in my book. Just go to Circuitcity.com and read the reviews of
> >>Compaq and eMachines. eMachines blow them away. We bought an
> >>eMachines, AMD 2800, last Christmas and we are more than pleased with
> >>it, haven't had the first problem with it. Come to find out they
> >>started specing off the shelf parts in their computers, FIC
> >>motherboards, western digital HD's, etc. Gateway couldn't out sell
> >>them so they bought them, they'll probably ruin them.
> >>Grateful
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> --
> The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to
> minimize spam. Our true address is of the form che...@prodigy.net.
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

I may be a bit out of touch- the last e's I bought, as well as my Compaq
5000, go back around 3 years.. based on that, my 5000 blows away the 400-600
range 'e's dating back to over the same time period. No upgrading to the
Mobo, poor power supply, etc... virtually no tech support... Let's just say
that I still use my 5000T, upgraded to a 1.2g and as for the e- it's in the
attic and has outlived it's usefullness....


"HH" <hahunt42@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:vShvc.431$861.250@fe25.usenetserver.com...
> If anything, e-machines "support" is even worse than Compaq's. The last
one
> (e-machines) I looked at inside was not impressive at all. I just bought
a
> Presario S5200CL. Very neat, inside (wire/cable routing) and out and just
> the right amount of "cleverness."
> IMHO.
> HH
>
> "CJT" <abujlehc@prodigy.net> wrote in message
> news:40BD8159.60302@prodigy.net...
> > Deep wrote:
> >
> > > The reason they use off the shelf parts isn't because they want to
> PLEASE
> > > you... it's because they have no R and D and are essentially as good
as
> > > building one yourself!
> > >
> > > eMachines have overall many more problems. I've seen them all first
> hand.
> > >
> >
> > I think you'll be happier with eMachines, myself. Compaq seems "too
> > clever by half" as the old expression says. My impression is that
> > eMachines is more straightforward.
> >
> > > Deep
> > >
> > > "Grateful" <Grateful11@excite.com> wrote in message
> > > news:968c6987.0406011948.3ce045ba@posting.google.com...
> > >
> > >>"Uncle Vinnie" <vinrin57@nospam.optonline.net> wrote in message
> > >
> > > news:<lxOlc.122078$Gd3.29925667@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
> > >
> > >>>I own both... happy with both...
> > >>>
> > >>>However, there is no question in my mind Compaq is a better built
> > >
> > > machine..
> > >
> > >>>I'd get the Compaq, pass on the printer, get a 17" flat screen
monitor
> > >
> > > from
> > >
> > >>>OfficeMax at $89. Save where you can... Reliability- Compaq over
> > >
> > > eMachines
> > >
> > >>>hands down in my books...
> > >>>
> > >>
> > >>Not in my book. Just go to Circuitcity.com and read the reviews of
> > >>Compaq and eMachines. eMachines blow them away. We bought an
> > >>eMachines, AMD 2800, last Christmas and we are more than pleased with
> > >>it, haven't had the first problem with it. Come to find out they
> > >>started specing off the shelf parts in their computers, FIC
> > >>motherboards, western digital HD's, etc. Gateway couldn't out sell
> > >>them so they bought them, they'll probably ruin them.
> > >>Grateful
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to
> > minimize spam. Our true address is of the form che...@prodigy.net.
>
>
>
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

What's wrong with that? If you look at overall reviews Dell, Apple
and the guy next door building Biege boxes get the best overall
customer satisfaction. The guy next door is using off shelf parts and
I know he or she doesn't have R&D. I'd rather have off the shelf
anyday than have propriety parts from other builders, I don't see
anything wrong with eMachines using standard JLMS DVD-Reader and
Lite-On CD-RW's. The main thing I know is the one we have is working
fine and coming from a ten Mac veteran that's saying something. Like I
said read the customer reviews at Circuitcity.com eMachines is getting
much better reviews than Compaq.
Grateful

BTW: Cnet just named the eMachines T3085 Editor's Choice.

"Deep" <deep_mehtaHATESSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<LAcvc.32$j%r.23@news04.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com>...
> The reason they use off the shelf parts isn't because they want to PLEASE
> you... it's because they have no R and D and are essentially as good as
> building one yourself!
>
> eMachines have overall many more problems. I've seen them all first hand.
>
> Deep
>
> "Grateful" <Grateful11@excite.com> wrote in message
> news:968c6987.0406011948.3ce045ba@posting.google.com...
> > "Uncle Vinnie" <vinrin57@nospam.optonline.net> wrote in message
> news:<lxOlc.122078$Gd3.29925667@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
> > > I own both... happy with both...
> > >
> > > However, there is no question in my mind Compaq is a better built
> machine..
> > > I'd get the Compaq, pass on the printer, get a 17" flat screen monitor
> from
> > > OfficeMax at $89. Save where you can... Reliability- Compaq over
> eMachines
> > > hands down in my books...
> > >
> > Not in my book. Just go to Circuitcity.com and read the reviews of
> > Compaq and eMachines. eMachines blow them away. We bought an
> > eMachines, AMD 2800, last Christmas and we are more than pleased with
> > it, haven't had the first problem with it. Come to find out they
> > started specing off the shelf parts in their computers, FIC
> > motherboards, western digital HD's, etc. Gateway couldn't out sell
> > them so they bought them, they'll probably ruin them.
> > Grateful
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

BTW: Mac's are pretty much the only system left that all proprietary.
Compaq's use replaceable ATX or MicroATX MB's in their consumer models...

Deep

"Grateful" <Grateful11@excite.com> wrote in message
news:968c6987.0406050639.11ce9028@posting.google.com...
> What's wrong with that? If you look at overall reviews Dell, Apple
> and the guy next door building Biege boxes get the best overall
> customer satisfaction. The guy next door is using off shelf parts and
> I know he or she doesn't have R&D. I'd rather have off the shelf
> anyday than have propriety parts from other builders, I don't see
> anything wrong with eMachines using standard JLMS DVD-Reader and
> Lite-On CD-RW's. The main thing I know is the one we have is working
> fine and coming from a ten Mac veteran that's saying something. Like I
> said read the customer reviews at Circuitcity.com eMachines is getting
> much better reviews than Compaq.
> Grateful
>
> BTW: Cnet just named the eMachines T3085 Editor's Choice.
>
> "Deep" <deep_mehtaHATESSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:<LAcvc.32$j%r.23@news04.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com>...
> > The reason they use off the shelf parts isn't because they want to
PLEASE
> > you... it's because they have no R and D and are essentially as good as
> > building one yourself!
> >
> > eMachines have overall many more problems. I've seen them all first
hand.
> >
> > Deep
> >
> > "Grateful" <Grateful11@excite.com> wrote in message
> > news:968c6987.0406011948.3ce045ba@posting.google.com...
> > > "Uncle Vinnie" <vinrin57@nospam.optonline.net> wrote in message
> > news:<lxOlc.122078$Gd3.29925667@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
> > > > I own both... happy with both...
> > > >
> > > > However, there is no question in my mind Compaq is a better built
> > machine..
> > > > I'd get the Compaq, pass on the printer, get a 17" flat screen
monitor
> > from
> > > > OfficeMax at $89. Save where you can... Reliability- Compaq over
> > eMachines
> > > > hands down in my books...
> > > >
> > > Not in my book. Just go to Circuitcity.com and read the reviews of
> > > Compaq and eMachines. eMachines blow them away. We bought an
> > > eMachines, AMD 2800, last Christmas and we are more than pleased with
> > > it, haven't had the first problem with it. Come to find out they
> > > started specing off the shelf parts in their computers, FIC
> > > motherboards, western digital HD's, etc. Gateway couldn't out sell
> > > them so they bought them, they'll probably ruin them.
> > > Grateful
 
Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.systems,alt.sys.pc-clone.compaq (More info?)

You are so right but the funny thing is I've never had to replace
anything inside of the 5 various Mac's I've owned over the years. Well
our eMachines has an FIC AU13 (nVIDIA® nForce2 chipset) MB, I believe
that's the model I checked it when we got, it got great ratings.
Grateful

"Deep" <deep_mehtaHATESSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<a2lwc.34208$Ar.25453@twister01.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com>...
> BTW: Mac's are pretty much the only system left that all proprietary.
> Compaq's use replaceable ATX or MicroATX MB's in their consumer models...
>
> Deep
>
> "Grateful" <Grateful11@excite.com> wrote in message
> news:968c6987.0406050639.11ce9028@posting.google.com...
> > What's wrong with that? If you look at overall reviews Dell, Apple
> > and the guy next door building Biege boxes get the best overall
> > customer satisfaction. The guy next door is using off shelf parts and
> > I know he or she doesn't have R&D. I'd rather have off the shelf
> > anyday than have propriety parts from other builders, I don't see
> > anything wrong with eMachines using standard JLMS DVD-Reader and
> > Lite-On CD-RW's. The main thing I know is the one we have is working
> > fine and coming from a ten Mac veteran that's saying something. Like I
> > said read the customer reviews at Circuitcity.com eMachines is getting
> > much better reviews than Compaq.
> > Grateful
> >
> > BTW: Cnet just named the eMachines T3085 Editor's Choice.
> >
> > "Deep" <deep_mehtaHATESSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:<LAcvc.32$j%r.23@news04.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com>...
> > > The reason they use off the shelf parts isn't because they want to
> PLEASE
> > > you... it's because they have no R and D and are essentially as good as
> > > building one yourself!
> > >
> > > eMachines have overall many more problems. I've seen them all first
> hand.
> > >
> > > Deep
> > >
> > > "Grateful" <Grateful11@excite.com> wrote in message
> > > news:968c6987.0406011948.3ce045ba@posting.google.com...
> > > > "Uncle Vinnie" <vinrin57@nospam.optonline.net> wrote in message
> news:<lxOlc.122078$Gd3.29925667@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
> > > > > I own both... happy with both...
> > > > >
> > > > > However, there is no question in my mind Compaq is a better built
> machine..
> > > > > I'd get the Compaq, pass on the printer, get a 17" flat screen
> monitor
> from
> > > > > OfficeMax at $89. Save where you can... Reliability- Compaq over
> eMachines
> > > > > hands down in my books...
> > > > >
> > > > Not in my book. Just go to Circuitcity.com and read the reviews of
> > > > Compaq and eMachines. eMachines blow them away. We bought an
> > > > eMachines, AMD 2800, last Christmas and we are more than pleased with
> > > > it, haven't had the first problem with it. Come to find out they
> > > > started specing off the shelf parts in their computers, FIC
> > > > motherboards, western digital HD's, etc. Gateway couldn't out sell
> > > > them so they bought them, they'll probably ruin them.
> > > > Grateful
 
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