SFF Choices

[Hokiefyd]

My in-laws are looking for an entry-to-mainstream level computer to fit on a small desk, and I'm trying to help them out in terms of suggestions. They all appear to be very similar at this price point (the $300-400 range).

Gateway model at BestBuy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/gateway-desk...p;skuId=8982144

Dell model at BestBuy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiro...p;skuId=9026151

HP model at BestBuy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-pavilion-...p;skuId=8998096

The Gateway has an AMD E-series APU. The Dell and HP both have Intel Pentium G-series processors. I'm not really spun up on either. For what they will be doing with this (email/MS Office/light photos and video), is something like an i3 worth stepping up to, or will a Pentium G2020 or G2030 be sufficient? I'm not familiar at all with AMD's APU line-up, and the Wikipedia article on it didn't shed a ton of light on it.

Could someone more familiar with desktop computing and/or Small Form Factor models in particular help me out with a recommendation here? I'm sure there are other great choices I haven't come across.

Thanks.

 

[JHZR2]

Ive always been happy with AMD processor based stuff, personally... Though Im not familiar with the latest.

I think given the cost, Id buy a netbook or other smaller laptop, then a USB keyboard and mouse, and an external monitor. Gives added portability.

 

[Rand]

E-eseries you have to be careful it might be netbook equivalent and slower than a 5 year old laptop.

 

[BearZDefect]

An Intel G2030 has plenty processing power for most applications, probably 3x the capability of an AMD E1 processor. However, the AMD probably has a better GPU.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Thanks for the info guys.