eMachines D4362 Desktop PC (3.0 GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 512 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+-/-RW Drive)

by eMachines

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 35 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00027C7L6
• Item model number: D4362
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,093 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 7, 2004

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics
Acquired by Gateway in early 2004, eMachines was founded in 1998 and today remains today one of the largest vendors of desktop PCs sold through U.S. retailers. With this desktop model, eMachines targets users who require speed and versatility but don't need or want to pay for state-of-the-art. Featuring a high-end Pentium 4 processor, tons of storage space and CD and DVD recording capabilities, the eMachines D4362 Desktop PC is a powerful yet affordable computing centerpiece ideal for virtually any office, personal or leisure environment.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. The eMachines D4362 sports an Intel Pentium 4 CPU operating at a healthy 3.0 GHz and benefiting from Intel's Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications). This CPU delivers enough oomph for virtually any computing task, though it is prudent to remember that a system's memory and its video card also contribute to overall performance. More on that below.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. For the D4362, eMachines has installed 512 MB of memory. This is an average RAM allotment for a computer of this caliber, allowing the user to run complex applications and engage in demanding multitasking sessions.

Video
CPU’s are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that "shares" the system’s main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures. The eMachines D4362 features an integrated video controller that shares up to 64 MB of the system memory. It is therefore not recommended for those who work primarily with high-end 3D graphics unless they intend to add a dedicated graphics card with at least 128 MB of built-in dedicated video memory.

Display:
eMachines has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today’s many alternatives.

Sound
The eMachines D4362 produces stereo and surround sound via an integrated audio chipset. Though not as sophisticated as some standalone audio cards, this integrated chipset is perfectly adequate for most applications.

Hard Drive
At 160 GB, the unit’s internal hard drive is substantially smaller than today's state-of-the-art 300 GB-plus monsters, yet it's certainly spacious enough for a massive allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive music, video/photo and multimedia library too. Moreover, this particular hard drive is exceptionally quick at 7200 RPM.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today’s computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs).

This system features a DVD+/-RW drive through which you can do everything listed above.

Connectivity and Expansion
With a truly grand total of seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports, you’ll have plenty of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. eMachines has also included IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders) and a versatile 8-in-1 Digital Media Manager for reading memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. Communication options include a standard Intel PRO 10/100 Mbps built-in Ethernet adaptor for high-speed Internet and network communication, and a standard 56K data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections.

Control
The system includes a Premium Multimedia Keyboard and two-button mouse with scroll wheel.