Desktop Computers: Reviews

The Acer Aspire Revo AR1600 is one of the least expensive computers you can buy. This nettop -- a desktop computer built using netbook components -- is powered by a single-core Intel Atom processor, and you'll have to add… your own optical drive and display. However, the inclusion of Nvidia Ion graphics makes the Revo AR1600 a better performer than other ultra-cheap computers, including those that are a little more expensive. The computer also includes 1 GB of memory, a 160 GB hard drive, a multi-format memory-card reader and Windows XP Home. Experts say the Revo AR1600 might be all you need for surfing the web, watching videos and writing the occasional email. A more powerful version with a dual-core Atom processor is also available, but unless you want the small form factor of the Acer Aspire Revo AR3600 (*Est. $330), you can get a much more powerful traditional desktop computer for a bit more money.

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While gamers will certainly want to look elsewhere, experts say that the Compaq Presario CQ5210F provides all the power most users will need for everyday computing -- and even a little more. The heart of the computer is a… 2.7 GHz dual-core AMD Athlon II X2 processor that's robust enough to handle some intensive tasks, as long as expectations are kept reasonable. However, the integrated Nvidia GeForce 6150se graphics will only do for light-duty gaming. The rest of the hardware specs include some worthy features (such as a relatively speedy 7,200 rpm, 500 GB hard drive) and some drawbacks (like a relatively small power supply and no integrated memory card reader). Still, for not much more than some nettop computers, experts say that the Compaq Presario CQ5210F delivers terrific bang for the buck.

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Though it costs a little bit more than the Compaq Presario CQ5210F, the Gateway DX4822-01 packs a much more impressive hardware lineup -- and one that's well suited to almost any task except serious gaming and heavy-duty… video editing. The hard drive is especially roomy at 1 TB (1,024 GB). Other features include 6 GB of memory, a multi-format memory card reader and DVD burner, and more. Graphics performance is held back by the use of integrated graphics, but there's plenty of room inside the spacious mini-tower case to add a graphics card and make other upgrades should the need arise.

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All-in one computers combine the computer and monitor into one unit. Among the choices, reviewers say that the Gateway One ZX4800-02 hits the sweet spot in terms of performance and value. Experts add that the Gateway One… ZX4800-02 is a great everyday computer that's capable of handling all but the most demanding tasks. The hardware lineup includes a dual-core Pentium processor, 4 GB of memory, a 750 GB hard drive and a 20-inch, touch-sensitive screen. The biggest shortcoming compared to similar all-in-ones, such as the HP TouchSmart 300 (*Est. $800 and up), is that the ZX4800-02 has less sophisticated -- and less useful -- touch software. However the Gateway computer is also less expensive. Keep in mind that if you don't need the compact form factor and high-style design of an all-in-one, traditional desktops, such as the Gateway DX4822-01 deliver much better value and are easier to upgrade.

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Apple fans only have one choice when it comes to low-cost computing -- the Mac mini. However, it's a pretty good choice, thanks to some recent upgrades that give the mini the ability to handle all but the most demanding… computing tasks. The most basic Mac mini (*Est. $600 and up) sports a 2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, a 160 GB hard drive and 2 GB of memory. The step-up version (*Est. $800 and up) bumps things up to a 2.53 GHz processor, 320 GB hard drive and 4 GB of memory. Both minis have Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics. However, neither comes with a keyboard, mouse or monitor.

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