advice on a basic PC for family.

[DT778]

Family needs a new basic PC since I'm taking mine when I move next week. This one is going to be on sale at bestbuy this week and I thought that it would be a good choice for them. So I want to know what you guys think about the computer since most of you guys probably know more about them.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=999958700050002&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01173&id=pcmprd58900050002

A good deal for the price?
Is it ok that its an emachines or should I look for another brand?
Anyone know if I could put in a sata hard drive in this comp since I have one that I cant use on my computer

[Duo_Maxwell]

Meh, I suppose it's not a terrible deal for the money, but IMO I would pass. Mainly because Celeron processors are not very good and every time I see a computer that has one it doesn't last very long and hardly ever operates smoothly after awhile. Also eMachines (along with many other retail PCs) are not very upgradeable at all. Back to school deals are going to be kicking in in the next couple weeks, I'd wait on something that has a better processor in it (Pentium 4, Athlon 64, etc.) even if it costs you $50-100 more. Or you could build one yourself for them and it may be even cheaper and more upgradeable.

[tehweezner]

it would be cheaper to build a better system, as long as you could get an old monitor somewhere for free/cheap.

[Vinny]

It's a pretty good machine if you all you plan to do is use it for stuff like internet, emailing, and productivity apps.

[DT778]

how long does it take to build a computer? I wanted to help get them one before I left but I do have like 2 weeks of freeish time before school starts after I move.

[Moxio]

Hmm you might be short on time. You'll have to get parts delivered and build the PC itself, which could take a while since I'm assuming you've never done so before.

[DT778]

I got them a dell. Pretty much the same as the emachines but a couple of bucks less and with a sweet 17" lcd.