Desktop Computer Review

Low-cost desktop computers fill the need for most

High-end gaming and demanding multimedia applications require a powerhouse computer with the latest and fastest processor, tons of memory, sophisticated graphics capabilities, a big and speedy hard drive and more. For the rest of us, a more basic and affordable system that handles everyday tasks and light-duty gaming is the ideal solution. This report focuses on budget and mainstream computers that do just that -- and cost $800 or less. These computers are the right choice for web surfing, e-mailing, word processing, basic record keeping, light-duty gaming, movie watching and other similar activities. For those who want something with a little more oomph, see our report on more powerful gaming computers.

When it comes to mainstream and budget computers, PCMag.com has the best reviews and the most comprehensive testing methodology. ComputerShopper.com and CNET also review lots of computers and produce comprehensive, testing-based reports. ConsumerReports.org also has some timely reporting on desktop computers, but explanations and discussion are far too brief to be useful. User reviews can be found at several websites, most notably Amazon.com and BestBuy.com.

Just as low-cost laptops are being challenged by even lower-cost netbooks, desktop computers are being challenged on the budget front by a new generation of nettop computers. Like netbooks, nettops are driven by less powerful Intel Atom processors and often have less memory and smaller drives than full-fledged desktop computers. Many feature attractive all-in-one designs that integrate the computer with the display. Most nettops are relatively inexpensive, but some cost as much as traditional desktop computers.

Whether or not nettops are a great choice is an open question. All experts note that even the best nettop can't compete with even the most basic traditional desktop computer when it comes to performance. Rich Brown at CNET is among the harshest critics, saying, "At best, these systems work as Web terminals, with light-duty media playback an added bonus." But others are more forgiving. For example, Joel Santo Domingo at PCMag.com notes some strong positives, not the least of which is that nettops fill the niche for a household that needs a second or third computer, especially one for kids.