HARDWARE
What is an AOL® Optimized PC?
This is a complete system (PC, monitor, keyboard, printer, accessories and pre-loaded software) that includes the AOL® 9.0 Optimized service and AOL® Office, powered by Sun.
Is this a high-performance system?
Yes. It features an Intel® 2.0 GHz Celeron® processor, 256MB of RAM, a 56K modem, 40GB hard drive, 10/100MB Ethernet and comes with Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition pre-loaded.
What are the other key hardware components?
This system comes with a 52x CD-ROM drive, 3.5" floppy drive, 17" monitor (16" viewable), color inkjet printer, speakers, keyboard, and a mouse.
Is it easy to setup?
Yes. It includes a Quick Start setup poster, color-coded connectors and a setup video. You'll be up and running in minutes.
What if I need support for the AOL Optimized PC?
If you have questions about any part of the system, you can get answers by calling
1-866-692-6572.
SOFTWARE
What is the AOL® Desktop?
AOL Desktop is the primary screen shown once you start your AOL Optimized PC. There are Shortcuts giving you one-click access to virtually everything on your PC.
What software is included with the system?
Along with AOL 9.0 Optimized, the system comes with AOL Office, powered by Sun.
What is AOL Office, powered by Sun?
This is a full suite of productivity tools that can open, edit and save documents in a variety of formats, including Microsoft® Office. AOL Office contains four main applications: AOL Office Writer (for text documents), AOL Office Calc (for spreadsheets), AOL Office Impress (for presentations) and AOL Office Draw graphics).
What is AOL Office Writer?
AOL Office Writer is a word processing program that helps you create many types of documents such as reports, greeting cards, letters and more.
What is AOL Office Calc?
AOL Office Calc is a spreadsheet application that you can use to organize and manipulate data that contains numbers, such as a household budget.
What is AOL Office Impress?
AOL Office Impress provides tools to help you create attractive presentations and slide shows. You can use Impress to show presentations on your computer or print them out.
What is AOL Office Draw?
AOL Office Draw lets you create simple and complex drawings. You can also insert tables, charts, formulas and other items created in AOL Office programs into your drawings.
Do I have to load this software myself?
No. All software comes pre-loaded on your AOL Optimized PC, so there's no installation necessary.
Can I use my own software?
Yes, as long as the PC meets the minimum system requirements of your software (see software package for details).
What if I want to open Microsoft® Office documents in AOL Office?
AOL Office is Microsoft Office-compatible, meaning that you can open, edit and save documents in the Microsoft Office formats.
AOL® SERVICE
Does this PC run the same AOL service I was using before?
The PC comes pre-loaded with AOL® 9.0 Optimized. If you're running a different version of the AOL service, this is a meaningful upgrade to the best AOL yet.
What are the primary features of AOL 9.0 Optimized?
TopSpeed technology makes web surfing faster. A new enhanced e-mail system makes it easy to create, store and manage messages. And new SuperBuddy icons add personality to instant messages.
What if I want to upgrade to a bundled broadband plan during my one-year commitment to AOL?
You can do this through the AOL BYOA (Bring Your Own Access) plan. It's $24.95/month and includes MSL along with unlimited dial-up access. (Please note: you cannot upgrade to the basic BYOA plan at $14.95/mo during your 12-month commitment period). Get more details at Keyword: AOL BYOA.
Your 12-month commitment will still be in place if you upgrade to the AOL BYOA price plan. If you cancel your membership and there is time remaining on your 12-month commitment, you will be charged as explained in the detailed Legal Disclosures (see below).
USAGE
Is this PC easy to use?
Yes. The AOL Desktop provides one-click access to virtually everything on the PC. It's perfect for people with limited or no experience using a computer (novice users, kids, seniors).
What makes this PC easier to use than other PCs?
The AOL Desktop offers one-click access to programs and features on your PC. So, now you have the programs you generally use right on the desktop. This helps create a more enjoyable computing experience.
Can multiple users share the same PC?
The AOL Optimized PC is designed to be shared by all members of the family. Each user can personalize the AOL Desktop, as well as the links, content and more, to create a customized experience that is right for them.
Is it easy to add Users and AOL® Screen Names?
With just a few clicks, you can add Users and assign a unique AOL service Screen Name and Password.
Are access privileges the same for all users?
The AOL Desktop makes it easy to set up a PC experience that's appropriate for children or adults. Additionally, AOL® Parental Controls allow parents to create an online experience that's appropriate for any member of the family. Parents can easily determine what children can and cannot do online.
How does this PC help deliver a safer online experience?
Powerful Parental Controls are set, they help provide greater safety and security. AOL 9.0 Optimized also offers advanced e-mail anti-virus protection, smart spam filters and sophisticated Web pop-up controls.
PRICING
Is this PC affordable?
The AOL Optimized PC by Systemax is value priced at $299.99 with a one-year commitment to the AOL Service at $23.90 a month required at the time of purchase. Payment for the AOL Service can be made monthly, Payment of $299.99 for the system is due at the time of purchase. Additional terms and restrictions apply; please see full legal disclosures below.
Can I return the PC if I don't like it?
Yes. If you are not satisfied with the computer, you must return it to Systemax within 30 days of receipt to receive a refund of the amount charged today, plus taxes (but not including shipping and handling). Additional terms and restrictions apply; please see full legal disclosures below. If you intend to also cancel your AOL® service, you must place a separate call to AOL at 1-866-692-6572
The basic stats look ok. 2.0GHz Cleron precessor(Whats the difference between pentium and cleron?) and 256MB of DDR RAM. All at $299.99. Through you have to sign a contract saying you will become an aol member for at least 12 months. And if you cancell your service before 30 days you have to return the computer after 30 days you have to pay cancellation fees. 
