BARGAINS’Here’s Your PC. Would You Like Fries With That?'
Microworkz, a little-known computer maker in Seattle, introduced a $299 personal computer last week. The public roared: the company’s Web site got 7 million hits in nine hours–then crashed. How the system compares with other cheap PCs:
Microworkz PRICE: WEBzter Jr.; $299 WHAT’S INSIDE: 300 Mhz CPU, 32 MB of RAM, 3.2 GB hard drive, a year of free Net access WHAT’S MISSING: CD-ROM drive, floppy-disk drive and monitor
emachines PRICE: etower 300c; $399 WHAT’S INSIDE: 300 Mhz CPU, 32 MB of RAM, 2.1 GB hard drive, game port on front WHAT’S MISSING: Monitor
Packard Bell PRICE: Multimedia 880; $499 WHAT’S INSIDE: 300 Mhz CPU, 32 MB of RAM, 3.2 GB hard drive, nice software extras like Microsoft Word and Quicken WHAT’S MISSING: Monitor
GAMESBarbarians at the Gate
Filling five CDs, the massive new role-playing game Baldur’s Gate ($44.99; 800-468-3775) takes RPGs to the next level. When a series of baffling murders terrify the residents of Baldur’s Gate, local leaders accuse the neighboring nation of Amn, bringing the two countries to the brink of war. Only a small party of adventurers can unravel the mystery. A smartly designed interface lets you easily maintain inventories and keep track of people in your group. The unique combat system allows traditional turn-based attacks as well as real-time action. And if the fast-paced battles get out of hand, there’s a clock to pause the game so you can plan out your attacks. This Gate is great.
