4 Cheap Desktop Computers: Full-Featured PCs on a Budget

Last month, one of my friends needed a new computer. She wanted an Apple iMac, but at $2,000, it was hardly in her budget range. She came to me for help, so I researched desktop computer options from some of today's biggest computer manufacturers. Many of us are in similar situations, trying to balance our need for new technology with an ever-tightening budget. But just because you don't have a couple grand to splurge on a fancy new computer doesn't mean you have to give up computer performance, power, speed or features.

In this computer article, I roundup the top four budget desktop computers from big manufacturers like Dell and Hewlett-Packard (HP). Just because they're cheap doesn't mean they lack what some of the more expensive computers have. Choose one of these cheap computers the next time you are shopping for a new desktop model, and you won't be disappointed. Each of these computers are at that sweet spot where they're not expensive, but contain many of the same technological components that their pricier siblings have.

Top 4 Cheap Desktop Computers for Budget Computer Shoppers:

#1 Cheap Computer for Budget Shoppers: Dell Inspiron 530

Computer Price: $659 direct from Dell

Dell has revolutionized the world of custom, cheap computers. Don't count on any fancy tech bells and whistles from this Dell computer, but it will meet all your basic computing requirements. It's perfect if you just want the basics, like word processing and Internet. However, it does have one surprise: Unlike any of the other cheap desktops we're reviewing, the Dell Inspiron 530 is Bluetooth-capable, meaning you can use it to sync to Bluetooth-enabled devices and gadgets like your cell phone!

#2 Cheap Desktop Computer for Budget Shoppers: eMachines T5254

eMachines is known for making fast, powerful desktop and laptop computers that also clock in at very low prices. This computer, the eMachines T5254 desktop computer, is cheaper than most budget desktops offered by its competitors.

The eMachines T5254 is a bit bigger than the Dell Inspiron 530 desktop computer that we just mentioned, but it has a faster computer processor, and it is lighter in weight. One con: It has a smaller video card, which may not appeal to gamers. Then again, if you're buying a computer just on gaming specs, you won't be so worried about a budget.

#3 Cheap Desktop Computer for Budget Shoppers: HP Pavilion a6400z

Computer Price: $340, Direct from HP

One question that I wish I could ask these computer manufacturers is: Why do you give your desktop computers such hard-to-remember names? The a6400z? The T5254? Give them a name, like Apple does with its Macbook, Macbook Pro, and iMac computer lines.

Regardless, the HP Pavilion a6400z may have a long name, but it's also long on features. And at just over $300, this desktop is sure to please even the tightest wallet. It has a slower processor, but it comes pre-installed with Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista.

#4 Cheap Desktop Computer for Budget Shoppers: eMachines T3646

Computer Price: $259, Direct from eMachines

eMachines is such a reliable budget computer manufacturer that it has two cheap desktop computers in this Top 4 list. This is also the cheapest computer on this list, checking out at way under $300. That being said, you get what you pay for with this desktop computer. Choose it if saving money is the ultimate goal, but don't expect anything fancy, fast or powerful. Spend an extra $50 and get the HP Pavilion a6400z, or even the other eMachines desktop model in this list. However, this cheap computer is a good choice if your child needs one just for homework or a similar, small scale purpose.