Once upon a time, not that long ago, desktop computers that cost under $500 were typically computers you wanted to avoid. The evolution of technology, along with the introduction of low-cost operating systems like Windows 8.1 and Chrome OS, has changed that. PC manufacturers can now produce affordable desktops with good functionality.
The problem with inexpensive computers in the past was a lack of processing power. Today’s systems, built on ARM processors that run Chrome OS and AMD systems with Intel processors, boot up quickly and conquer everyday tasks like web browsing and watching video with nearly as much speed as the more expensive computers do, observes PC Magazine.
The advent of cloud storage has also made it easier to get by with a desktop with less storage capacity. In the mid-to-late 2000s, it was important to have a lot of memory on your desktop. Nowadays, by storing files in the cloud or on an external hard drive, it’s much easier to get by with as little as 16GB of memory.
By making the most of these external storage options, you can find a great bargain on an affordably priced computer that will be great for using the web, watching video, uploading photos to social media and most other everyday applications.
Most inexpensive systems will at least come with a keyboard and mouse. But many don’t come with monitors, so you may need to budget an additional $100 or so to purchase one.
Dealspotr’s research revealed the Asus Chromebox-M004U as the best desktop under $500. The compact Asus Chromebox is an affordable desktop PC that was built for speed.
Easy to set up out of the box, it comes with integrated virus and malware protection. Startup is quick and websites and apps load surprisingly quickly for such a compact, inexpensive machine.
Priced between $155 and about $185 on Amazon, Tiger Direct and B&H Photo-Video, the Asus Chromebox was named “Best budget desktop of 2015” by CNET and was included in PCMag’s roundup of the “Top 10 Desktops Under $500”.
Features
The Chromebox’s small size belies the great power that lies within. It’s Intel processors were designed to facilitate multitasking at speed while delivering amazing connectivity and a secure web browsing experience. It’s enabled for multiple displays and can attach to any VESA-mountable monitor or HD TV.
The Asus Chromebox M004U’s features include:
It comes with lots of USB ports; HDMI and DisplayPort that make it easier to maximize usability by bringing in external drives and components.
It automatically syncs bookmarks and settings via Google and its built in security software minimizes the time you’ll spend worrying about malware.
Unlike many low-priced desktops, the Asus Chromebox doesn’t come standard with a keyboard and mouse. There are specially-designed AUS Chromebox keyboard and mouse available, however. And with the Chromebox priced as low as it is, you should be able to find room in your budget for a keyboard, mouse and monitor and still come in at under $500.
The Asus Chromebox only comes with 16GB of local storage. While that’s not much, by storing files externally, either on a drive or in the cloud, you can keep the amount of clutter on your drive to a minimum, so the Chromebox can continue to hum along providing brisk loading and web browsing.
If you’re not sold on the Asus, you might look into the Gateway ZX4270-UB31. Typically available for around $479, it’s an all-in-one desktop with a large monitor dual-band Wi-Fi. Despite lacking the bells and whistles of some more high-end new desktops, it should meet all your basic computing needs.
PCs aren’t for everyone, of course and if Apple is more your flavor you could look into the Apple Mac mini. Available for $479.99 at Best Buy, the Mac mini is the most inexpensive Mac on the market and provides plenty of options for connectivity. It comes with iWork and iLife preloaded, although not with a keyboard or mouse so you’ll need to budget a little extra.
While desktop computers under $500 are good for most applications, if you plan on using your computer for more advanced tasks like holding web conferences or editing video, you may need a more powerful (expensive) desktop. But if you’re looking for a good, affordable desktop that’s easy to use for web surfing, watching video on Netflix, and enjoying other content, the Asus Chromebox is an amazing bargain.
It may be small and limited on space at just 16GB of storage, but with 100GB of free online storage and an abundance of external ports for USB connections, and SD card reading, the Chromebox’s lack of storage is easy to mitigate. What you wind up with is an affordable desktop that’s quick, compact, and a great alternative to other low priced computers made by competing brands.
