- Combo Optical Drive (DVD/CD-RW)
- High Speed Celeron CPU
- Older Productivity Software
- Intel 2.7GHz Celeron Processor
- 256MB PC2100 DDR Memory
- 40GB Hard Drive
- 48x CD-RW Combo Optical Drive
- Integrated AC'97 Audio with Amplified Stereo Speakers
- Intel Extreme 3D Graphics with 64MB Shared Memory
- v.92 56Kbps Modem and 10/100 Ethernet
- Six USB 2.0 Ports and Three PCI Slots
- Windows XP Home Operating System and Microsoft Works 6.0
4/14/04 - eMachines has made a name for itself as a low cost computer manufacuters. They have recently tried to move into the more mainstream and performance computer systems, but they continue to support the budget computer segment with their latest T2742 model.
Powering the new T2742 is the latest Intel 2.7 GHz Celeron. This gives a slight boost in performance to the system without too much of a cost increase. Matched up to the CPU is 256MB of PC2100 DDR memory. This is a good amount of memory and the minimum that should really be included with any system.
Storage is one of the strong points of the T2742. Most budget systems tend to either go with readers only or CD burners, but eMachines has opted to use a CD-RW combo drive to also give DVD reading capability. Hard drive space is a modest 40GB.
Graphics and audio are standard for the budget category using integrated components. Graphics is supplied by the Intel Extreme 3D processor. This provides 3D graphics, but it insufficient for any 3D gaming. One drawback of the system is the lack of an AGP slot which prevents upgrading the graphics.
Software is one of areas where the T2742 could use some improvement. While it does include the Microsoft Works productivity software, it is an older 6.0 version rather than the more current 7.0.
Overall, the eMachines T2742 offers a good mix of performance at a reasonable price for those looking for a general computing system.
