I would not settle for Vista, as that is already an older operating system. Definitely Windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit. At the same time, I'd stay away from eMachines as they do not have the best reputation. Also the Sempron processor is bottom of the line snf 2GB RAM is not really enough for Windows 7. You want at least 4GB.

I do believe for just a little more money, you can get a much better deal at a big box store. Check out Amazon.com for some good online deals. Is there a Staples near you? They sometimes have good sales. I've never dealt with Best Buy, but many do not like them. If you do buy there, do NOT buy one of their extended service plans. You might also try WalMart.

I'm sure others will be along with suggestions about processors, hard drives, RAM, etc. 250GB is not a large amount of storage space if you have music, pictures, etc. on it.

Of the ones you list, I'd prefer the Compaq because of the dual core processor. More RAM can be added easily, but you still have an older OS.

on track here with grandms, I would not go with any emachine especially not a refurbished one. Nor would I go with Vista.
For the money you can get brand new bundle machine with windows 7 home premium 64 bit. Look at walmart.com, look at sams and costco. Best buy has some very decent prices too I would not use their repair dept. from the sounds of the offers I think I would steer away from that place, you can do much better.

look at some of these
AMD Phenom II 521 Dual-Core processor

If you have a monitor you want to us you can get one with out a monitor also or just buy the monitor separately they are getting pretty cheap.
AMD Athlon II X2

AMD Athlon II 220

AMD Dual-Core E-350 processor

this is an ACER quad core for under $400!
AMD Athlon II X4 Quad-Core 645 processor

this ACER actually has windows 7 Professional installed and is under $300
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5800 processor

so you see those prices they are quoting for old outdated Vista refurbs is just not good at all.
I have purchased several pc's from walmart they have a great return policy and you can take them to the local store for return.

To jump on the bandwagon a little bit, whatever you do, stay away from Vista. Windows 7 is a much better OS.

Thanks so much for the replies! I'm looking over those Wal-Mart models now. I only need the tower, not a monitor. I may also go to Best Buy, although removing all the crap they put on their PCs is a pain.

Another quick question: What do you all think of the all-in-one PCs? Any advantages/disadvantages?

The only problem I know of is that it is harder to replace things in them because there is so little space it is very tight much like in a laptop. I would own one if the price were right. Just consider that if you need to upgrade your memory or anything like that inside it would probably require a tech to do it. You probably could not add another hard drive or anything like that.
The advantage of course is space savings.

there is a program called pc decrapifier that works wonders on getting rid of all the stuff that comes on a new pc, makes quick work of it.
The PC Decrapifier
I have never had anything extra added to any of the computers I bought at bestbuy. Tell them you want one in a sealed box not touched.

Here is some info on All-in-one computers from a recent thread...

Here is a link that might be useful: All-in-ones

I just saw an all-in-one at Staples and was impressed. Don't remember if it was a Dell or HP but it had a large screen (22") which was touch-screen. Very cool!

Jane

we were just at costco they have the big HP all in one, we were playing with it. My husband loves to play solitaire and that big touch screen was more than he could resist LOL

but with touch screens you end up with finger smudges all over the place.

I went to Best Buy today. Those all-in-ones are very cool! I was talking to my daughters about them and one said "Mom do you really want Dad using that if you get it?"

Good point. DH barely knows the basics about using a computer. Seems like he messes mine up every time he touches it. And he keeps closing all my windows! I keep threatening to get him his own little Netbook to keep near the chair for cheating on his crossword puzzles so he won't touch anyone else's computers!

Anyway, going to BB didn't really help because the guy kept steering me toward a $1500 all-in-one Mac! No thanks, while I can appreciate them, I just need a new tower. They do have a promo going on now for 18 months of interest free financing so I may go a little higher on my budget, but I'm still considering those deals at WalMart too.

Don't let anyone talk you into something you don't need or don't want. Good for you for sticking to your original plan. You'll find just what you want if you're patient.