eMachines T2984 Desktop PC (2.93 GHz Celeron D 340, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, CD-RW Drive)

by eMachines

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 14.2 x 7.2 inches ; 23 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 40 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002X8ZY8
• Item model number: T2984
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,513 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 26, 2004

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics
Founded in 1998 and acquired by Gateway in early 2004, eMachines today is one of the largest vendors of PCs sold through U.S. retailers. With the T2984 Desktop PC, eMachines targets budget-conscious buyers who can't afford or justify a top-rung unit but desire more power and perks than a low-end machine can provide. Similar in stature and design to eMachines entry-level T2862 but with moderate enhancements to many critical components, the T2984 is suitable for anyone who doesn't foresee themselves taxing their computer with sophisticated business-oriented applications, high-end graphics packages or the latest 3D games.

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. Many entry-level desktops utilize "budget" processors such as an Intel Celeron, and that is indeed the case with this model. But this particular processor is a new and recently enhanced version of the venerable Celeron, nicknamed the Celeron D and carrying 256 KB of Level 2 cache and a 533 MHz system bus for perceptibly faster performance than Celerons manufactured prior to 2004. This is the fastest Celeron currently on the market, a 2.93 GHz version that doesn't quite approach the raw data-churning speed of a high-end Pentium 4 but more than holds its own against even midlevel Pentiums and AMD Athlons.

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. eMachines has partnered this unit's processor with 512 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM main memory, the standard allotment for a modern PC. Thusly, the eMachines T2984 is ready to speed you through medium-duty multitasking sessions and many of today's complex applications. Moreover, users may upgrade the memory (at additional cost) to a whopping 2 GB.

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 better handles complex procedures. The eMachines T2984 is equipped with an Intel Extreme Graphics 3D video controller that is integrated on the motherboard and shares 64 MB of the system's main memory. Thusly, the unit will efficiently display 2D and many 3D applications but is not recommended for demanding 3D animations such as those found in the latest high-end games unless its graphics controller is first upgraded. A display screen is not enclosed, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.

Sound
Audio is generated via an AC 97-compatible chip integrated on the motherboard. AC-97 is today's most accepted midlevel PC audio standard. Though not as sophisticated as most standalone audio cards (its audio specs aren't as good and it supports limited speaker configurations), this integrated chipset is perfectly adequate for most stereo applications. eMachines will also enclose a pair of small desktop speakers for your listening enjoyment.

Hard Drive
The unit's 80 GB hard drive is considered average in today's desktop market, offering enough space for a typical roster of applications, files and multimedia or music content. However, if you foresee yourself gathering copious quantities of space-gobbling video footage or ultra-high resolution images, you may need to transfer files to a compact disc to free up room, upgrade this drive, or add another.

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).

The eMachines T2984 features dual optical drives -- a CD/RW drive for playing and burning CDs and a DVD-ROM drive for playing DVD movies and the like. DVD burning is not supported in this stock configuration.

Connectivity and Expansion
Though designed for the budget conscious, the eMachines T2984 nevertheless sports all the standard amenities, and then some. Communication options include an Intel PRO 10/100Mbps integrated LAN for high-speed Internet and email access and a standard 56K modem for low-speed dial-up service. For reading memory cards from devices such as digital cameras and PDAs, the system features an 8-in-1 Digital Media Manager. And, with no less than five high-speed USB 2.0 ports at your disposal, you'll have plenty of places to plug your plug and play peripherals. eMachines has not included an IEEE 1394 FireWire port, most commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders.

Operating System and Software
The system features a surprisingly generous software package headed by Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity suite, Microsoft's Money 2004 financial center and several useful multimedia and music utilities.

Keyboard and Mouse
A Standard Multimedia Keyboard and 2-button mouse (with scroll wheel) are enclosed.

Product Description

Includes: standard multimedia keyboard, 2-button wheel mouse, amplified stereo speakers, Microsoft Windows XP Home, Works 8.0, Money 2004, Power DVD, Norton Anti-Virus 2004, & more. eMachines T2984 Desktop Computer - This desktop computer features an Intel Celeron D processor 340 (2.93 GHz), and 512MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM. Enough power to handle basic office applications, as well as more intensive programs like video editing and 3D gaming. The 8-in-1 Digital Media Manager is a handy feature, giving you built-in support for copying images directly from your digital camera's memory card. This saves you the hassle of dealing with a USB cable, and also saves battery life in your camera! It even has a built-in USB 2.0 port, so you can easily transfer data from a USB pocket flash drive. AC '97 Audio 80GB HDD CD-RW Drive - up to 48x CD-R write / 24x CD-RW re-write / 48x CD-ROM read DVD-ROM Drive - up to 16x DVD-ROM read 8-in-1 Digital Media Manager - supports Secure Digital (SD), Smart Media, Micro Drive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Compact Flash, Multimedia Card (MMC) 56k v.92 Fax Modem Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, 5 USB 2.0 (1 in media manager & 4 in back), 1 VGA, 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2, Audio In, & Audio Out Slots - 3 PCI (2 available) Bays - Four 3.5 (2 available) & Two 5.25 (0 available) Unit Weight - 23 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars E-Machines Junk, January 18, 2007

By 

J. Mueller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: eMachines T2984 Desktop PC (2.93 GHz Celeron D 340, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I loved my e-machine! Until 26 months later it died. An online search found that many others had the same problem: Power Supply FAILURE. I never had a problem with the computer till now. I thought it was wonderful. The problem is, when the cheap PS dies it also kills your motherboard and you are dead in the water. According to those who have tried to replace the MB, you can not just buy an MB and hope that does the trick. Microsoft sees the new MB as a new computer and the restore disk (that has all your operating software on it)which came with your emachine, will not work with the new board, so you have to spend another $100 or so for that. By the time you get it all you could probably have an HP that I am told is much more reliable...(?)

Take heed to this WARNING. And those who already have an e-machine: spend $40 or $50 and replace that cheap "Bestec" PS before you have to spend hundreds on a new computer.

learning the hard way,

joyfulsongster

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Computer,great price., November 9, 2004

By 

Joseph Izzo - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: eMachines T2984 Desktop PC (2.93 GHz Celeron D 340, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I love this thing. My inlaws got it foe my wife and I and it is one of the best PC's I have ever used. better than my Dad's dell dimension.

3.0 out of 5 stars Works for what I need it for., June 9, 2011

By 

TheMavericScientist - See all my reviews

This review is from: eMachines T2984 Desktop PC (2.93 GHz Celeron D 340, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

Like others have said it has a junk power supply. Lasted a few years for me and then when it died I just threw in a new power supply and kept on going.