I have my own concerns about compatibility with Oo... especially for powerpoints. I bet a lot of people will get pist off. So... windows vista basic, a via cpu, integrated graphics, 1GB of ram, a dvdrw drive, 80GB hdd. I think this is a pretty nice system! Maybe add a graphics card when you get home...

It's from Walmart, so it'll probably be the first PC that rusts after one year

I do not read in the Corp info on Everex anywhere that Wal-Mart owns it or makes their computers? I do know this company has been in business for quite a while and has sold computers in other retail stores.

Just because it's a sub-$300 PC and being sold at WalMart doesn't mean it is junk.

Fact is, a lot of people buying a PC purchase one that has a lot more power and features than needed. If you're into PC gaming, video processing, etc., then this Everex is not going to provide the necessary muscle.

Having said that, WalMart used to sell sub-$300 PCs from Microtel. Some models could be ordered sans OS, or with Lindows (a version of Linux). Other than the Via CPU, those computers were pretty much the same thing and they are far from being "junk." Just don't buy one and expect to do the same things you can do on an $800 PC (or higher) because you will be sorely disappointed.

I purchased several of the Microtel PCs without an OS for my business and each and every one of them are still running and have had nary a problem over the years. I would expect no less from a long-time manufacturer such as Everex. They have a good reputation (although many people are unaware of the brand) and I will likely purchase several of the Everex Impact PCs detailed in this article. The Via CPU consumes less power than a comparable AMD or Intel CPU, so that's another plus regardless of how well-known it is, or isn't.

Yes, you get what you pay for. Knowing your actual needs before buying a PC goes a long way in determining whether something is "junk," or not. Don't expect to put a power-hungry, high-end graphics card, a second internal hard-drive or addtional optical drives in any PC in this price range because they usually come with a PSU that is incapable of sustaining the demands of many additional devices (sub-300 Watt).

Bottom line, the Everex Impact model looks good to me and until it proves otherwise, I would judge it to be a capable system for my business . Your mileage may vary, depending on your needs. If you need to see Aero every time you boot up and expect to play the latest Half Life game, then this PC obviously isn't for you.

What a crappy computer. I got my new one from chipfast.com and I'm glad I did!

While I know little about Everex or Via except for their older video cards and BIOS on Win95 and Win98 machines, It's not a bad idea. Nothing is said about who the MB manufacturer is, but odds on it's also VIA, considering that the chip has at best up to now a niche market. (This machine by itself will not change that).

Checking the Via website, I was dissapointed to see most of it hypeing "carbon free" processors. While the chip is properly a reduced energy chip, they get to the "carbon free" by buying "offsets". Hogwash. That's like me building an all electric, 24 hour lit, 6,000 sq. ft. mansion and calling it "carbon free" because I pay 60 peasants in China for the electricity they don't use. All the hype does is muddy the water.

As for longevity, one of those machines have as much chance of being trouble free as does a Core2Duo Quad chip in a PC from a major manufacture such as HP, Dell, or Asus. They are all electro mechanical devices, manufactured from assembled parts from a variety of sources. Murphy lurks in the cases of all of our PC's, and spending time in the support forums just reinforces that.

If this machine provides an avenue for income limited individuals to be able to get on the internet, and keep in touch with friends and loved ones it is invaluable. Will it suppy the needs of the young college crowd who wants the latest and greatest high powered game? No, but it may supply the needs of those who want just the basic needs. There are people out there still happy with P3's running Win98. I have one. I also have a P4 with XP Pro and an C2D with Vista Home Premium. Each has its place and serves a need.

A family is more likely to spend $300 for a computer for their 8 year to use, than $1,500 which most of us consider as a budget for a reasonable machine for our wants, not our needs.

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Please note - I did not say we needed a $1500 PC, just that we desired or wanted one.

Yes, you can get lower priced units that function perfectly well and serve our needs. That was the gist of my comment about the sub $300 Wal-Mart PC.

You just reinforced my comment. If you can get a Dell to serve your needs at $369, it's not that much of a stretch to $298.

Vist the PC Worlds support forum for Windows, Laptops and Desktops. A typical request on the laptop forum starts out "I'm going to college in the fall, I need a laptop, my buget is $xxxx, what would you recommend?" Substitute for the xxxx, $1,000; $1,500 etc.

Everyone who purchases anything, (unless the last name is Hilton or Getty) has to balance need verus desire versus monetary resources.

Although I have never owned a Dell, and have heard tales of poor support, I have been impressed recently on the support forums with the fact that three different Dell Techs have posted replies to solve problems Dell owners have had. They truly are trying harder. I wish you long service and enjoyable times with your new Dell. Browse the forums.

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