Cheap AC Recommendations, Cheap Desktops Recommendations
Updates: Air Conditioners and Desktops Recommendations
We've updated our reviews and recommendations of the best air conditioners and desktop computers.
For cheap air conditioners, we have several recommendations for less than $300, with the best picks including models by Kenmore, LG, and Frigidaire. The size of the room matters so measure before making a purchasing decision -- you need the right amount of air conditioner power to cool down the space. Larger areas, unsurprisingly, require more powerful -- and more expensive -- units. Capacity and cooling modes are some of the most important features to note; look for a model's ability to cool on sleeper mode, blow gently with a fan, and be programmed for specific times. In terms of energy efficiency, many users also favor air conditioners with the Energy Star seal. Noise, installation, and cooling ability are performance factors that pop up most often in user reviews, with one of the more heavily criticized models, the Friedrich CP08F10, struggling in the first two arenas. We also have some new info on the common features found in the best air conditioners.
Our review of cheap desktop computers includes recommendations in the under-$550 category. Two of the most important features to look for here are system memory and hard drive size, with more and bigger, respectively, being the goal. That said, 500GB of space and 4GB of RAM will suffice for most people. Cheap personal computers can generally perform all tasks the average computer user wants and needs to accomplish; playing 3D games is the exception. Most cheap desktops now run on Windows 7, which typically comes preinstalled. Our No. 1 pick, the Asus Essentio CM1630-05 (starting at $454.99), earns good reviews for having multiple USB ports, minimal bloatware, and a media card reader. Reports say the computer works fine when the user has multiple programs running. The Compaq Presario ranks at the bottom of the cheap computers list due to its slower central processing unit and less memory.
To learn more, check out our full Cheap Air Conditioners and Cheap Desktop Computers buying guides.
