Hi,
I have a friend whose parents are just getting into the internet. I gave them an old dinosaur Packard Bell (66MHZ, believe 32MB) and surprisingly this machine is still alive. From what I get they basically just use it for internet access; nothing heavy- stuff like email, online shopping.
They are looking for a faster machine but as most don't want to spend money. They continually see Emachines being advertised for $299.
I don't know anyone with an Emachine to get opinions about it but for #1 I believe in the old "you get what you pay for" and #2 I have seen negative responses about Emachines being posted here. Although on a side I don't know how much merit to give this since I also see Dells and Gateways being occasionally trashed here; which from personal experience I disagree with. Let's not get into the old My built machine is better and cheaper argument here, that's an entirely different post.
Here is the main question: If someone wanted to spend minimal money what would you advise. I always use the old "you get what you pay for" and don't buy a Yugo and expect to get a Ferrari speech but would you recommend an Emachine for relatively new user (they have had the Packard Bell for around 4 months)?

If yes or no what reasoning would you give? I just heard that they talked to someone who has had an emachine for 2 years that he has had no problems with (most likely because he is not a power user but I can't imagine these people with the Packard to be either).


Thank you for any insight.

Happy Holidays,
D