Double-layer, multi-format DVD burners have become a familiar sight on midrange and high-end PCs, but entry-level shoppers have been making do with DVD-ROM/CD-RW combos or even no optical recorder -- until eMachines shipped its desktop lineup for spring. The eMachines T3418 combines an AMD Sempron 3400+ processor with a 160GB, 7,200-rpm hard drive and double-layer DVD±RW drive for $450, while the model T6528 steps up to AMD's Athlon 64 3500+ for $500. Both Windows XP Home Edition PCs come with 512MB of DDR memory expandable to 4GB, as well as a 9-in-1 flash-card reader and five USB 2.0 ports.

The top-of-the-line eMachines T6532 ($600) teams the Athlon 64 3500+ CPU with 1GB of memory and a 200GB hard drive as well as the DVD burner, plus Win XP Media Center Edition 2005. Budget buyers willing to settle for a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo and Sempron 3100+ power can pick up the eMachines T3120, with 512MB of RAM and a 100GB hard disk, for $400. All four desktops combine Nvidia's DirectX 9.0-compatible GeForce 6100 integrated graphics with a PCI Express x16 slot for later upgrades -- and all prices are before a $50 mail-in rebate.