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In the market for a
new computer? Lost amidst the hoopla surrounding cheap -- and free -- PCs
-- is the fact that high-end systems are coming down to prices that were
unthinkable even a year ago. And if the $1,800 to $3,400 price tags on these systems are
still too rich for your blood, don't miss our round-up of 400-MHz
Intel Celeron systems.
Here's a cheat sheet on the pros and cons of
each of the processors used in the majority of today's high-end systems. And don't forget to check computershopper.com for the latest system prices. Happy hunting!
 AMD
K6-III
At a Glance: AMD offers a high-performance chip at a low-budget price. If you're a thrifty shopper and don't need the zippiest system on your block, look no further.
Price Range: $1,800 to $2,500
Pros: Low-price, high performance. PC Magazine tests show systems based on the 450-MHz K6-III are nearly as fast as those based on the 500-MHz Pentium III (though shop wisely, as components can play a big role in K6-III system performance).
Cons: Solid 3-D performance, though not on par with the Pentium III. Fewer manufacturers to choose from.
Read More:
K6-III:
AMD Aims High
Check Prices: AMD
K6-III systems
 Apple
Macintosh G3
At a Glance: In PC Labs tests, the
G3-based 400-MHz Power Mac beat a 500-MHz Pentium III on several business and
graphics tests.
Price Range: $2,999 for a 400-MHz system (not including monitor).
Pros: G3-based systems are strong
performers,
especially for graphics use. Easy to set up, easy to use.
Cons: More expensive than the
competition (especially once you add a monitor). Ships without removable storage
or a modem. Despite recent growth, the installed base is still much
smaller than that for Windows-based systems, posing potential file-sharing
and cross-platform compatibility problems.
Read More:
G3
Vs. Pentium III, Apple
Power Mac G3
Check Prices: Mac
G3 systems
 Intel
Pentium III
At a Glance: Systems based on Intel's highly-publicized new chip promise better multimedia performance through Streaming SIMD Extensions, which are special instructions coded into each chip.
Price Range: $2,000 to $3,400,
depending upon configuration
Pros: Typically only slightly more expensive than Pentium II systems, and SIMD extensions can mean awe-inspiring graphics...
Cons: ...if only more software was optimized for it.
Read More: Pentium III: Total Coverage
Check Prices: Pentium III systems
Which system would you recommend to your friends and relatives? Have we missed any big pros or cons? Tell the world in Talkback.
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