New eMachines EZ1601 :
eMachines EZ1601
The eMachines EZ1601-01 ($399.99 list) is an 18-inch all-in-one nettop PC. Think of it as a somewhat portable PC with a bigger screen than 17-inch notebooks that cost twice as much. The EZ1601-01 got enough computing power for light work (like schoolwork or writing), a desk-friendly size, and it's fairly inexpensive. It's a good choice for the student or writer who doesn't want the expense or bulk of a large-screen notebook, and doesn't mind being "plugged in" all the time.
Specifications:
- Price as Tested: $399.99 List
- Type: Value, All-in-one, Nettop
- Processor Family: Intel Atom
- RAM: 1 GB
- Storage Capacity: 160 GB
- RAID: No
- Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
- Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
The system has its USB ports, media card slots, and the DVD burner on the side bezel, well within reach. The screen is a decent one, with a 1,366 by 768 resolution, which isn't "true 1080p," but then again, you wouldn't expect 1080p HD performance in such an inexpensive PC (for now).
As such, the system is pretty good for surfing the Web, and the screen is wide enough to see most Web sites without too much horizontal scrolling. Web videos play smoothly in standard format, but HD videos tend to be jerky. This is a common trait of Atom-powered nettops. Other tasks are fine, including using the included Microsoft Works program for word processing and simple spreadsheet editing. The system's 160GB hard drive is enough to support MP3 players.
