Best Reviewed
Desktop Computers
- Best all- around nettop Acer Revo RL100-UR20P *Est. $570
- Best home theater PC for 3D TV owners ASRock Vision 3D-137B *Est. $750
- Best value desktop computer HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060 *Est. $770
- Budget Apple desktop computer 2.5 GHz Apple Mac mini *Est. $800
Get info about new reports and updates
Best value desktop computer
- Blu-ray drive, 7.1 audio output and HDTV tuner
- Impressive hardware for a budget desktop
- Good overall performance
- Capable of playing video games
- No monitor
- Cramped interior makes upgrades difficult
- Limited power supply
- Not suitable for cutting-edge games
If cost is a concern, reviewers say the HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060 is an excellent value among desktop computers. This compact desktop provides plenty of performance for computing tasks -- emailing, surfing the web, word processing, even data crunching and moderate gaming -- without breaking the bank. It has generous specifications for this price range, including a quad-core 2.9 GHz Core i5 processor, a 1 TB hard drive and 6 GB of RAM. Other features include a memory card reader; Blu-ray/DVD burner combo drive; DVI, S/PDIF and HDMI outputs; an HDTV tuner card; and a bundled keyboard, mouse and media remote control. Built-in Wi-Fi is another plus, and while there is room for expansion -- a rarity in compact PCs -- the tight quarters make upgrading components difficult. That cramped fit combined with a limited 280-watt power supply makes it impossible to upgrade to high end graphics cards, so hardcore gamers may want to look elsewhere. If you own a 3D television, your 3D content won't play back on the s5-1060; you may want to consider the 3D-capable ASRock Vision 3D-137B (*Est. $750) instead.
CNET, PC World and About.com have the best reviews of the HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060, which cracks top-10 lists at all three sites. They conduct hands-on testing and provide ratings. The reviews are also packed full of useful analysis.
| HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060 Desktop Computer - Black | |
(4 reviews) In Stock. |
|
Our Sources
1. CNET
The HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060 earns a 3.5, Very Good rating from CNET. "The HP Pavilion Slimline S5-1060 boasts a versatile assortment of home entertainment features in an attractive, reasonably fast computer," Rich Brown writes. The PC scores very well in benchmark testing, falling behind only the Lenovo IdeaCentre K330 in scores. Brown's suspicion that the cheaper Lenovo IdeaCentre H330 would match the scores of its bigger K330 brother are the only things that hold him back from thoroughly recommending the s5-1060, despite the fact that he has never formally tested the IdeaCentre H330.
Review: HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060 (Core i5 2310 2.9 GHz), Rich Brown, July 19, 2011
This review of the HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060 isn't as detailed as CNET's, but it touches on all the key points. The desktop posts solid, if not exceptional, scores in gaming and WorldBench 6 benchmark testing, and reviewer Sarah Jacobsson Purewal appreciates the built-in Wi-Fi and media capabilities of the machine, although she wishes it had more connection ports overall.
Review: HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060: Slim Desktop PC Packs a Few Surprises, Sarah Jacobsson Purewal, Aug. 1, 2011
3. About.com
Mark Kyrnin gives the HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060 a 4 out of 5 star rating in this brief, yet insightful, review. While he wishes there were more ports overall and more memory on the graphics card, he is impressed by the overall performance and value of the machine. "It is hard to beat this setup when it comes to a compact HD media center PC without spending a lot more for a dedicated theater PC design," he writes. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1060 Slim Desktop PC, Mark Kyrnin, Sept. 15, 2011
Desktop Computers Runners Up:
5 picks by top review sites.
4 picks by top review sites.
3 picks by top review sites.
3 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks including: BestBuy.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
