Minneapolis – Best Buy formalized its in-house PC vpr Matrix brand this week by ending the line’s test run it started earlier this year and officially launching four PC models.
The vpr line, which stands for value, performance and reliability, is based on a fixed feature set that includes Intel processors, 516MB, six USB 2.0 ports, CD-RW and DVD-ROM drives and five expansion slots.
The entry-level 180R adds Intel Pentium 4 1.8GHz processor, 512MB of DDR RAM, 60GB hard drive and carries a $849 suggested retail price. The 226R steps up to a 2.26GHz processor and 80GB hard drive with a $1,099 suggested retail price and the next unit is the 240R, $1,349 suggested retail price that has a 2.4GHz chip and a 100GB hard drive. The flagship model is the 253R that has a slightly faster 2.53GHz processor and twin 80GB hard drives.
A monitor is not included in the price, but Best Buy does have a matching 17-inch monitor available for $299.
