How 'bout a tiny desktop for $179? The Acer Aspire Revo AR1600-U910H is actually a Nettop. Nettops are a small and thin desktop computers that are designed for basic tasks like cruising the Internet, social networking, viewing photos, downloading music, and watching videos. The AR1600-U910H will actually do all of these things and it's the same size as the palm of your hand. Read the rest of this entry »

Some of you may know that I'm a part time computer technician. I consider myself part time because I've got a day job and primarily repair computers during nights and weekends.One of my customers recently asked me for some computer shopping advice. She told me that (unfortunately) her desktop computer is about 8 years old and that she wants to buy herself a new one. Her major issue is a limited budget: she can only spend $150 to $200 to spend on a new machine. She asked me if it's possible to buy a new desktop for that price.Is it possible to buy a brand new desktop for only $200? Yes. Yes if you're OK with buying an "almost new" system.TigerDirect is an excellent place to buy these almost new machines. While their new Desktop PC's cost anywhere from $359 to well over $1,000 you can get yourself an excellent Recertified Desktop for anywhere from $99 on up.What does TigerDirect mean by the term Recertificed Desktop? In most cases Recertified just means that the machine is just "Off-Lease." Essentially the system has been leased to a business customer for 2-3 years, the computer was turned back in, inspected by a computer technician, and turned around for sale as "Off-Lease." Since these computers are only 2-3 years old it's pretty rare that they'll be any issues a computer technician will need to repair. These desktops are almost brand spanking new!TigerDirect explains that they "only purchase and sell the highest grade off-lease products. Occassionlly some machines will show signs of use, including minor scratches, slight wear on keyboards, etc." TigerDirect is only buying and reselling top quality systems.Purchasing off lease computers can typically save you about $200 to $300. Click here to see all of TigerDirect's Recertified Desktops. I'll be highlighting particular recertificed models later this week. Read the rest of this entry »

No doubt about it – the MB950LL/A is a pretty cool IMac. This all-in-one comes with everything you need in a convenient simplified enclosure. The 21.5-inch screen has a high (1920 x 1080) resolution that allows you to watch high definition movies, play intense games, and utilizie all forms of entertainment. The IMac also comes with two interesting features: a wireless keyboard and magic mouse. This beast is powered by NVIDIA’s GeForce 9400M video card, and a 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

The MB950LL/A is the #1 selling desktop at Amazon; you can also find it at MacMall. At both stores it’s priced $1,125 after a $25 mail in rebate. Read the rest of this entry »

AKPC_IDS += "4767,";

Take one look at the HP Envy 13 and you’ll agree with us – it looks a lot like the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Both systems have the profile of the Ultra Thin style notebook – slim and sexy finish, cool to the touch operation, and longer battery life. HP’s Envy 13 has a better display (1,600×900-pixel resolution), newer CPU, and a wide variety of more options. The Macbook Pro costs  $1,199 and the HP Envy 13 is $1,799…is shelling out the additional $500 for the Envy worth it? Read the rest of this entry »

AKPC_IDS += "1636,";

If you're scouting around for a small-form factor desktop for your business or home office consider the HP Pavilion Elite e9120f. It's small form factor has a great balance between performance & price. The PC has excellent upgradeability: 2 open PCIe slots and one internal 3.5 bay where you can install an additional hard drive later on Read the rest of this entry »