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Desktop ComputersYou are here: Computers >> Desktop ComputersUpdated August 2007Vista concernsWindows Vista has become the standard operating system since its January 30 release. Since thousands of consumers waited for Vista to come out before buying a new computer (and perhaps waited a little longer for Microsoft and other hardware and software companies to resolve early issues), we focused this report on computers that were reviewed with Vista. Unless you buy a preboxed machine in a store, most manufacturers are currently offering a choice of various versions of Vista or XP with most new computers. All new operating systems are buggy, and Windows Vista certainly isn't an exception. Some software and peripherals won't work under a new operating system, especially older products. That can make sticking with XP tempting. However, that choice can be shortsighted, as you’re likely to need Vista to run future software and peripherals. Remember that Microsoft updates Vista regularly, and bug fixes and other updates are free with your license. Microsoft will officially discontinue the OEM version of XP next January. If you are certain you want XP, your window of opportunity to buy a computer bundled with it might be short. We also found reviews of specific gaming desktop computers that say they run faster with XP than with Vista. That's usually due to short-term issues, such as a lack of Vista drivers for some components. Vista is more demanding on a system's resources. The desktop computers featured in this report won't have any trouble meeting the system requirements easily, with the possible exception of RAM. Microsoft says the entry-level version of Vista, called Vista Home Basic, needs 512MB to run, but nearly every expert says that 1GB of RAM is really necessary for a good Vista experience. All other versions of Vista require 1GB of RAM, according to Microsoft, but again, experts say you are much better off with at least 2GB. If you want more information about Vista, check the Microsoft website (see the link in Best Research), and you can find hundreds of reviews of Vista on the Internet. We'll also help you sort through the different versions of Windows Vista in the Important Features section below. Brain and brawn componentsFor high-end desktop computers, most reviews focus on gaming and video applications because computers have become so fast that mere office applications aren't much of a challenge for them. However, power business users will also appreciate these computer systems' muscle (as will other users who like to run many applications simultaneously). If you want the very best computer, look for the following features: Quad-core processors. As Intel continues to release new quad-core processors, prices for older ones drop. Most software is not yet able to take full advantage of even the fastest dual-core processors, but any computer buyer should be happy that future software will run faster on the computer you buy today. One major advantage of a multi-core CPU is that it requires less energy and runs cooler than a single-core processor. That's an obvious advantage for overclocking (running a CPU at a higher speed than rated by Intel or AMD). Multi-core processing is also an advantage for multitasking. Intel's newest quad-core processor is the Core 2 Extreme QX6850, which runs at 3GHz and has a 1,333MHz front-side bus speed (the fastest bus speed to date). The 2.93GHz Intel QX6800, introduced in the spring, is still the default option in most top-of-the-line machines. Intel's Eric Kim says the benefits include "better game-play with more intelligent computer-generated opponents, and less wait time for demanding high-definition media editing." Kim also indicates that Adobe, Cakewalk and Sony have developed software that capitalizes on four-core processing for video capture and editing. Intel claims the QX6800 is up to 65% faster for video editing than the older 2.93GHz quad-core X6800. High-end computers have a quad-core or dual-core processor in Intel's Core 2 Duo line. Some budget gaming computers use AMD's dual-core processors, but experts agree that AMD currently lags Intel in the speediest-CPUs competition. Things are about to get interesting, however, as AMD's quad-core Opteron (code named Barcelona) was scheduled to be released in August, and Intel's next generation dual and quad-core chips (code-named Penryn) are on the way. SLI or Crossfire graphics. Editors at [H]Consumer and other experts say that the video card and the CPU (in that order) are the biggest factors in determining gaming performance. Cards based on NVIDIA's GeForce 8 series of graphics processors are widely regarded as the best. The current top model is the GeForce 8800 GTX, which supports DirectX 10 API in Windows Vista. For gaming computers, the trend is installing dual matching graphics cards, called Scalable Link Interface (SLI). A competing setup is called CrossFire, which works similarly. Smooth game play depends heavily on the graphics engine and the frame rates produced; higher frame rates mean that moving images and action sequences will run more smoothly, with fewer jitters or hangups. PC Magazine's Joel Santo Domingo writes, "The matched and bridged graphics cards share the load rendering pixels, giving the user a rich and smooth gaming experience -- even at high resolutions with all the 'eye candy' turned on." Experts such as PC World's Tom Mainelli say that dual SLI graphics cards are overkill for everyone except hard-core gamers, so if you don't need a gaming computer, you can save a lot by going with a single video card. Max out the RAM. Quad-core processors are helpful for multitasking -- such as burning a DVD while surfing the Internet and working on a large Excel spreadsheet. RAM is also important for office multitasking and gaming. More RAM means faster data access and better transitions and speed when working with more than one application. Most reviews say that Vista works only adequately with 1GB of RAM and that 2GB is much better. All three of the above core components can be overclocked. Enthusiasts use overclocking to force hardware to operate beyond the speeds specified by the manufacturer, greatly increasing heat output. That can considerably shorten the life of hardware and may cause system instability, failure of other components and burnout of overclocked components. Many systems can now be purchased that are factory overclocked. Since doing your own overclocking voids your warranty, this is a big advantage. Pre-overclocked computers are very expensive, however. You pay for an elaborate cooling system (usually water-cooling) and the warranty. Overclocking is really only of interest to gamers. Noise is another issue with gaming computers (and all computers to some extent). Many use Western Digital's 10,000RPM Raptor series hard drives, which are very fast, but noisy. Cooling systems can be loud, too. Reviews of gaming computers always address the noise issue. Puget Custom Computers and Dell are praised in reviews for relative quietness. Several manufacturers make cases that are engineered to minimize noise. Antec cases get the best reviews in that regard, but cases that minimize noise may not dissipate heat as well as those that have more ventilation. Power users who don't play games, work with moving video, or work with other media applications (such as audio recording or Photoshop editing) can easily pay for more processing power than they need. A CPU rating is like a speedometer -- it shows how fast you can go, not how fast you will go. Most people use their computers for applications that are analogous to driving on city streets. Your hardware is not the determining factor in how fast you go. For Internet applications, your connection speed matters far more than your computer's hardware. Best gaming computersGaming computers differ from mainstream computers in some key ways. These computers are meant to enhance the entire gaming experience, so they focus on the fastest frame rates at high resolutions for the smoothest, most realistic results. Higher-end gaming computers have two graphics cards, and some are overclocked by the manufacturer (and hence covered under warranty). Cooling systems are more sophisticated, and case designs are a lot flashier. Most gaming computers have some kind of internal lighting scheme -- also cosmetic, but still cool. The consensus of reviewers is that the Falcon Northwest Mach V (starting at *est. $3,430 without monitor) is lightning fast. At the base price, it isn't close to operating that fast, but you still get a very respectable gaming computer. If you maximize all options, this machine will cost nearly $20,000. The configurations tested by reviewers are in the $8,000 to $10,000 price range and typically include an overclocked quad-core processor and two video cards. Windows Vista Ultimate is standard, but you can also choose to install XP Pro and boot up in that OS for games that continue to work better in that environment. PC Magazine selects the Mach V gaming computer as an Editor's Choice. Reviewer Joel Santo Domingo raves about its "jaw-dropping speed," and he reports that "the Mach V rocked the gaming benchmark tests." Reviewers also say that the Mach V is quieter than some machines in its class. Editors at MaximumPC say that it’s very stable for an overclocked quad-core computer, though an admittedly controversial test did cause problems. Appearance is also a selling point. You can opt for a plain, brushed aluminum case, but custom paint jobs can be ordered. Falcon Northwest provides a three-year parts and labor limited warranty, comprehensive printed documentation and in-house technical support, as well as custom rescue discs and full Windows CDs. The Dell XPS 720 H2C (starting at *est. $6,000 with 24-inch LCD monitor) is another option in this price range. That system is the successor to the well received XPS 710 H2C, which is no longer offered ("H2C" is Dell's water-cooling system). The base model Dell XPS 720 H2C includes a factory-overclocked quad-core 3.46GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Extreme QX6700 processor, two 160GB 10,000RPM hard drives, 2GB of RAM and dual NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX video cards with 768MB of RAM. PC Magazine is one of the first to review the new Dell XPS gaming computer. Though it fails to garner Editors' Choice recognition -- an honor its predecessor did capture -- Lloyd Case rates it highly and says that it's fast, quiet, and stable. If $5,000 to $10,000 seems obscenely expensive, reviewers like several high-end gaming computers that are then merely very expensive. The Gateway FX530XT (starting at *est. $4,000 with 24-inch widescreen LCD monitor) receives more reviews than any other current model, but endorsements fall short of enthusiastic. The base Gateway FX530XT ships with Windows Vista Home Premium, an overclocked quad-core QX6700 CPU, 2GB of RAM, two 150GB 10,000RPM hard drives and two (Crossfire) ATI Radeon X1950XTX video cards. Computer Shopper, Tom's Hardware Guide and PC World note that the Gateway FX530XT lacks much room for expandability. PC Magazine points out that Vista isn't ready for gaming, but reviewer Joel Santo Domingo says the Gateway is competitive with other systems. These review sources and others concur that the FX530XT is a good value, but other computers are better. The one-year limited warranty is a drawback. Computer Shopper reviews the CyberPower Gamer Infinity 1950 (starting at *est. $3,825 with 19-inch monitor) in direct comparison with the Gateway FX530XT. The basic configuration is very similar, but the Gamer Infinity 1950 is cheaper, faster and has a three-year parts-and-labor warranty. It includes an efficient water-cooling system. A variation is the CyberPower Gamer Infinity Ultimate (starting at *est. $4,000 with a 19-inch LCD monitor). The Ultimate has a higher-end motherboard than the less expensive CyberPower Gamer Infinity 1950, and it includes NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX-based video cards. Most reviewers who compare the two give the Gamer Infinity Ultimate a higher rating. The Maingear F131 (starting at *est. $1,990) is selected as an Editor's Choice by [H]Consumer and CNet.com. It also receives high ratings from Maximum PC and Computer Power User. However, reviewed configurations range from $2,700 to $6,500. While those who report on the more expensive configurations rave about gaming performance, [H]Consumer thinks the biggest virtue is before-and-after-sale service from Maingear. The same person who takes your order also builds the computer and provides tech support. Reviewers generally identify computers from $1,500 to $2,500 as mid-range gaming computers. The implication from reviews is that if you play at home, you'll be completely satisfied. If you compete against players with money-is-no-object computers at LAN parties, you may be somewhat handicapped. [H]Consumer is the most demanding reviewer of computers, and it highly recommends the Velocity Micro Gamers' Edge PCX (starting at *est. $1,795). [H]Consumer reviewed the Gamers' Edge PCX with a $2,450 configuration. The base configuration includes a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo dual-core processor, distinguishing it from the more expensive computers with quad core processors (you can upgrade to a quad core CPU). It also comes with 2GB of RAM and a single overclocked NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTS video card with 380MB of RAM. [H]Consumer gives the Gamers' Edge PCX very high ratings in all categories. Reviewer Josh Norem says it's expensive, "but you're paying a premium here for the tech support, great construction, and warranty." The only flaw is that it's noisier than the average gaming computer. We've also seen reviews that highly rate Velocity Micro's similar Gamers' Edge DualX Custom Gaming Computer (starting at *est. $1,695). However, with an AMD dual-core CPU and an overclocked 320MB video card, it represents a significant drop in performance -- but only a small drop in price. Although still viewed as a boutique brand, Velocity Micro is moving into the mainstream; several models are now sold through Best Buy and Circuit City. One plus is that Velocity Micro's customer support is based entirely in Virginia. Velocity Micro has a higher rating at ResellerRatings.com than CyberPower. Both brands have higher satisfaction than Apple and the major PC brands, but Puget Custom Computers rates highest of all with customers. Paul Lilly at HardwareLogic.com reviewed a preconfigured version of the Puget Silent Gaming Computer (as reviewed, *est. $2,000 without monitor). It includes Vista Home Premium, a 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and a single NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT video card with 256MB of RAM in an Antec P180 case. The base price has risen since HardwareLogic.com's review, but the review concludes, "We challenged Puget to build us a quiet mid range gaming rig capable of being upgraded with a budget of $1,600, and to put it simply, they nailed it." If you have an even smaller budget, reviews point to the CyberPower Gamer Infinity 7500 (starting at *est. $945 with a 17" LCD monitor) as the best budget gaming computer. Hardware Logic considers it a steal. Paul Lilly says you would pay almost $500 more to buy the components separately and assemble it yourself. The core configuration includes a 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, an Asus P5N-E nForce 650i motherboard, NVIDIA GeForce 8600-based video card with 256MB of RAM, Vista Home Premium, six color options for the case and a three-year limited warranty. Lilly and other reviewers recommend that you upgrade the RAM from 1GB to 2GB and that you consider upgrading the default video card. All the reviewer-recommended upgrades only add about $300 to the base price. In a review at PC World, Richard Baguley says the CyberPower Gamer Infinity 7500 beat the now discontinued Dell C521 they tested, which actually had more RAM. Baguley continues, "despite its sub-$1000 price, the Gamer Infinity 7500 ran only slightly more slowly than the much more costly Dell XPS 710 on a couple of tests." Multimedia desktop computersMainstream multimedia computers have moved into the budget price range. If you want to watch movies, do basic image editing or connect a computer to a home theater system, you don't need a high-end computer. Models with video cards at the higher end of the budget range will be sufficient. However, if you want to edit moving video, record and edit audio, design in multiple dimensions or perform other intensive media tasks, a modified gaming computer is your best bet. A single video card with 256MB of RAM should be fine for all but the most demanding tasks. Consider 2GB of RAM as minimal; 4GB is better. A Puget Silent Gaming Computer (starting at *est. $2,295) is an excellent choice for musicians. The Antec P182 case is heavily damped and Seagate hard drives are relatively quiet. If you can afford it, a quad-core CPU is a big advantage for working with video. Hard-drive size is not important for gamers, but it is a big deal for multimedia. Photographs and audio and video files can be huge. The fastest hard drives don't come in large sizes, but a fast hard drive for Windows and applications and a second, larger hard drive for work and files is a good option. Multimedia has historically been a strength of Macintosh computers. Your choice of platform will be based on the specialty software you plan to use. ProTools, for example, is generally used on Macintosh computers by audio professionals. Adobe Photoshop currently runs better under Windows, but one review says the new Macintosh version closes the gap. Macworld editors caution, however, that many pro-level applications are not yet optimized for Intel-based Macintosh computers. The Apple Mac Pro (starting at *est. $2,500 without monitor) is marketed as a professional computer. It is the only mini-tower in Apple's line. Thus, unlike the iMac (see below), it is easily upgradeable. It is outfitted with two Intel dual-core (quad-core total) or two Intel quad-core (eight-core total) processors, 1GB of RAM, a 250GB 7200RPM hard drive and an NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT video card with 256MB of RAM. Doubling the RAM and hard-drive size and adding a 20-inch Apple Cinema Display (the minimum bundled option) adds $1,300 to the price. Apple only includes 90 days of free tech support and a one-year limited warranty for parts and labor. Upgrading both to three years costs $250. The Mac Pro desktop computer can run Windows XP or Vista along with Mac OS X. Apple doesn't offer Windows as a preinstalled option, but resellers might. To run XP or Vista on a Macintosh computer, you'll need to buy a full edition. To run Windows, you need to download Boot Camp from Apple (free) or purchase Parallels Desktop (*est. $65) . Experts say Parallels is the more elegant option, and it’s necessary for Vista. Macworld has the first review we've seen of the dual quad-core (eight-core) Mac Pro. James Galbraith says that those who regularly do heavy-duty multimedia work, such as compressing video or rendering 3D scenes, might benefit. However, he adds that testing reveals that "most people would be served just as well by a less-expensive quad-core Mac Pro." In most tests using identically configured computers, the eight-core option yielded only a 4% improvement in overall performance. However, noticeable performance improvement was seen in a specially designed "torture test" that timed the Photoshop suite while simultaneously running three professional program tests. Macworld rates the four-core Mac Pro slightly higher overall, and CNet.com also gives that version a very favorable review. However, CNet.com's editors give higher ratings to half a dozen Windows-based PCs. Still, reviews say the Mac Pro is the best Apple desktop. While most CNet.com readers are happy with their Mac Pros, we found some negative comments regarding tech support and customer service. As the reviews and prices indicate, the Mac Pro is a unique product. For demanding graphics and desktop publishing software that runs better on a Macintosh, it is the only choice. Otherwise, it is a very good, but very expensive computer. Apple has the highest profit margins in the industry, and retailers also make more profit on Macintosh computers than on any other brand. Still, the uniqueness of the Macintosh operating system makes its value hard to quantify. Mainstream and business desktop computersWhile a computer that costs more than $1,000 is overkill for most mainstream and business users (see our report on budget desktops for more appropriate options), experts say that a few options are worth consideration for power users. The Dell XPS 410 (starting at *est $1,000 with a 19-inch widescreen LCD monitor) has been on the market for a long time. The newest reviews are from September 2006, which means that it hasn't been reviewed with Windows Vista. Even the base model now ships with Vista Home Premium. Dell markets the XPS 410 as a multimedia computer, but it only becomes that by upgrading the processor and video card, which bumps the price to about $1,200. In the most recent review, [H]Consumer sees the Dell XPS 410 as average, and reviews argue that Dell includes an excessive amount of bloatware and promotional software on new systems. AnandTech.com reaches similar conclusions about the XPS 410. Reviewer Jarred Walton says, "For the hard-core hardware junkies, you can certainly get equal to or better performance for less money than Dell is charging. On the other hand, if you simply want a prebuilt system that is easy enough for your parents or grandparents to set up… the Dell XPS 410 is presently one of the best choices on the market." PC Magazine's Joel Santo Domingo says the same thing, but he believes the XPS 410 fills an important mid-range market niche. The configuration Santo Domingo reviewed cost $2,313 at that time. PC World reviewed an XPS 410 system with about the same price in July 2006 and says the performance is good for the price, but expandability is too limited. CNet.com disagrees about the value, but editors there also like the market niche. CNet.com notes that operation is quiet, which is especially a virtue for multimedia use. The Velocity Micro Vector GX Custom Home & Office PC (starting at *est. $800 without monitor) is perhaps a better alternative. Although this specific base model isn't reviewed, we found many favorable reports on other Velocity Micro Vector GX configurations. In a July 2007 review, PC Magazine selects the Velocity Micro Vector GX Campus Edition (*est. $1,000) as an Editor's Choice. Joel Santo Domingo summarizes, "Velocity Micro's Vector GX Campus Edition is perfect for students or anyone on a budget who's looking for the latest, greatest technology without the high price tag that usually comes with it." See our companion report on budget desktops for more information about the Campus Edition. While the Campus Edition is only available in a semi-fixed configuration, the Custom Home & Office PC has a variety of options. The base configuration is compromised with 1GB of RAM and integrated video, but boosting memory and adding a graphics card won't add much to the overall cost. As discussed above, reviewers consistently say that Velocity Micro provides great value; you get a higher-end configuration at the same price as a bestselling brand, plus better build quality. Tech support is U.S.-based. However, unlike higher-end Velocity Micro desktops, the base limited warranty for the Vector GX is only one year. Dell offers considerably more configuration options than Velocity Micro, and Dell's build time is faster. Both the Velocity Micro Vector GX and Dell XPS 410 straddle the line between budget and high-end models. Versions of both desktops have been on the market for a long time, but prices and options change often. Specialty desktop computersCompaq and Apple produced all-in-one computer/monitor combos in the early days of personal computers, and they've been popular with a small segment of the marketplace ever since. However, the integrated designs resulted in way-below-average reliability, little or no internal upgradeability, and limitations in monitor positioning. The major advantage was saving space, and all-in-ones were cheaper than laptops. Radical price drops in LCD displays literally changed the face of all-in-ones. Now, they use the same displays as laptops. They also use laptop CPUs, which are slower than desktop processors and more expensive. As a generalization, all-in-one desktop computers currently have no advantage over laptops, and they lack the major advantage of laptops, which is portability. However, we found many favorable reviews for two models that are unique exceptions. The HP TouchSmart PC IQ770 (*est. $1,650) is the first home computer with a touchscreen display. It works much like a bank ATM: you can use the screen, a stylus, wireless keyboard or wireless mouse as an input device. A bright 19-inch widescreen touchscreen display is the centerpiece of this product. HP is marketing the TouchSmart PC IQ770 as a family multimedia computer for use in the kitchen. It has integrated regular and high-definition TV tuners with a personal video (TV) recorder and a remote control. Reviewers also see the TouchSmart IQ770 as well suited for use in a living room or bedroom. You can watch television, listen to the radio, record video with the integrated webcam and microphone, or dub recorded television shows to DVD. HP designed the machine to take advantage of new features in Windows Vista Home Premium and added some original software to suit the intended purpose. The "HP SmartCenter" is like a desktop with shortcuts to a family schedule and media. HP SmartCalendar is the family scheduling center. In a nutshell, reviewers say the IQ770 is great for its intended purpose -- and otherwise mediocre. With an AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core TL-52 processor, the IQ770 is slow relative to other models in this price range. You do get 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive and a NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 graphics card with 256MB of RAM. Some reviewers lament the lack of a next-generation DVD drive. A bigger concern for most families will be durability. The limited warranty is just one year, and HP doesn't specify coverage for pizza or taco fingerprints or damage. Reviewers can't resist comparing the HP TouchSmart IQ770 with the iMac -- most say the IQ770 is equal or better -- but each is a niche product, and the niches are unrelated. Apple discontinued its entire iMac line this month and replaced it with new models also called iMac. The new line consists of four base models: 20-inch, 2.0GHz (starting at *est. $1,200); 20-inch, 2.4GHz (*est. $1,500) ; 24-inch, 2.4GHz (starting at *est. $1,800) ; and 24-inch, 2.8Ghz (starting at *est. $2,300). All but that last version come with just 1GB of RAM, but the computer has an open memory slot; the 2.8GHz, 24-inch iMac has 2MB of memory. Initial reviews have been complimentary thus far. Among reports, Ars Technica's coverage of the 2.4GHz, 20-inch iMac is exceedingly complete. Although only benchmarked against other Mac computers, the new iMac's performance is first rate -- even better than the Mac Pro (quad-core) in some tests. More notably, it proved to be better than the also-new MacBook Pro, a laptop with very similar hardware. The iMac uses laptop technology, including Intel's new Santa Rosa (Centrino Duo) platform. CNet tests the iMac against PCs, most of which cost much less, but don't include a monitor. The iMac excels in graphics and multimedia tests, but it’s non-competitive for gaming. Editors say the iMac competes better with desktop PCs than any previous Macintosh. Although the shape is about the same as early generations, the new iMacs look very different. The chassis has an anodized aluminum finish, and the glossy widescreen display has a glass cover. Ars Technica's Eric Bangeman says the display is very reflective, and several photos emphasize the point. He kept expecting it to bother him, but says it didn't. Macworld tests the 2.4GHz, 20-inch iMac as well, but it also rates and compares the 2GHz 20-inch and 2.4GHz 24-inch versions. Like Ars Technica, all are subjected to a battery of benchmark and real-world tests and compared to older Macintosh computers, though the reporting is not as complete. Jonathan Seff says that aside from the obvious display-size difference, the two 2.4GHz iMacs perform nearly identically. Both beat the performance standards set by the previous high-end iMacs, though the speed increase is "modest." The 2.0GHz model is less expensive, but there are tradeoffs in performance, hard-drive space and graphics ability. The iMac can run Windows, but no review we've seen thus far has tested it with Windows. Macintosh computers face fewer security threats than Windows-only computers. In reliability and support surveys conducted by PC Magazine, Apple is rated tops for service and reliability, even though its base warranty isn't very robust compared to the PC competition, and you only get 90 days of phone support (an extra $250 gets you more comprehensive coverage). Important Features: Desktop computersYour desktop computer system should meet certain minimum requirements. Here's what experts recommend for a gaming computer or a desktop computer for multimedia or multitasking:
The stock option with most high-end desktops is Vista Home Premium, yet many articles and reviews say that Vista is not quite ready for gaming. Unless you are wealthy enough to replace your computer often, consider this a temporary snag. Your choice between Vista and XP should be about which system is best for your short- and long-term needs. If, for instance, you need to run your employer's proprietary software or an old workhorse laser printer, you may need to run XP. However, if you have no likely compatibility issues, Vista is a future-proof solution, because it will save you the expense and hassle of upgrading in the future when you need to do so. Eventually, new software and peripherals will require Vista, and Microsoft will stop providing security upgrades for XP. The key additions to Vista are all available in third-party software. The practice of integrating extra functions into operating systems has kept Microsoft lawyers busy throughout the world, but Vista is loaded with new goodies. These include voice-recognition software, parental controls and a comprehensive system-search function. The hyped security upgrades do not reduce the need for third-party antivirus and anti-spyware programs, but Vista does include a two-way firewall, which XP lacks. Windows Vista Basic Home replaces Windows XP Home. Microsoft carefully named these products to make the more expensive ones sound more necessary, functional or professional. In fact, the Home versions are suitable for most business and entertainment purposes. Many of the extras in the higher-end versions are also available in third-party software, which is usually more sophisticated. Windows Vista Home Premium replaces Windows XP Media Center Edition. Vista Premium includes the Macintosh-like Aero interface. Reviewers love the look and feel of Aero, but it consumes a lot of RAM, which makes 2GB of RAM almost essential. Windows Media Center includes Windows Movie Maker and Movie Maker HD, DVD and CD recording software, Xbox 360 compatibility, Windows Photo Gallery and tools for organizing and locating media. The Business version doesn't include the multimedia features, but it does add backup and restore software, faxing and scanning software, and remote access. It also uses Aero. The Ultimate version combines all the features of the Home Premium and Business versions, with an additional encryption feature that lets you lock your hard drive. Check the Windows website for more details: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
* Also see our Comparison Chart.
We continued to find many desktop reviews that predate Windows Vista. Since specifications have changed, the chart above only includes models that were reviewed and top-rated with Vista. We consider older reviews to offer less fair or meaningful comparisons. Reviewers tend to give far more attention to gaming computers than to more pedestrian models, which, tilts the playing field somewhat. At or near the $10,000 price, reviewers agree that the Falcon Northwest Mach V is the best or equal to the best gaming computer you can buy. All reviews are based on systems running Windows XP, but Falcon Northwest continues to offer that operating system -- and all flavors of Vista -- as an option. At a lower price when equally configured, many of the same reviewers believe the Dell XPS 710 H2C (now XPS 720 H2C) is a better value. The slightly cheaper Gateway FX530 is widely reviewed, but few reviewers sound like they wish they could afford to own it. Several relatively affordable models from CyberPower are also top-rated in reviews. The unique all-in-one HP TouchSmart PC IQ770 is also very widely reviewed, and reviewers prefer its functionality to other all-in-one and specialty computers, including Apple's all-in-one iMacs. However, Apple just replaced its iMac line, and initial reports have been largely positive. For power users who prefer Apple computers, the Mac Pro provides capabilities and expandability that most professionals will need. Puget Custom Computers doesn't offer preconfigured models, but many reviews say the company does the best job of building a high-end computer to meet your general or very specific needs.
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If you are not a competitive gamer, graphics professional or other power user, good systems can be found for much less than the $1,000-and-up systems here. See our separate report on budget desktops for more information. Laptop computers continue to offer more and more power, and capabilities often approach those of desktop computers. Check out our report on laptops if you're interested in a portable system. Gaming laptops are now also available (though they are not lightweight). Now that LCD monitors are de rigueur, it's easy for manufacturers to bundle them with computers and fit everything into one box. For several reasons, bundled monitors are generally a disadvantage. Unless you're buying a preboxed system in a store, you can always subtract a monitor from a package, but manufacturers won't let you subtract the full price of the monitor. If the computer manufacturer also makes (or brands) monitors, your monitor choices are often limited to their brand. That means you may not get a great monitor. We found that mainstream brands generally bundle monitors, and specialty brands are less likely to do so. You may prefer to match a designer appearance, but there's no technical advantage to matching computer and monitor brands. See our report on LCD monitors for the best options. Many expert publications provide useful buying information and reviews. Start with the sources in our All the Reviews Reviewed chart. If you are interested in the more technical aspects of CPUs and components, Tom's Hardware Guide and AnandTech make excellent reading. Dated March 2007, ArsTechnica.com offers the Ars System Guide (Doing it yourself). WAY2WEB.net has a very brief, basic buyer's guide. Microsoft's Vista website has information about the various versions of that operating system, on hardware and software compatibility, and more: Manufacturers' websites: Alienware (a division of Dell) Dell: Hewlett-Packard (HP) Voodoo PC (a division of HP)
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ConsumerSearch and ConsumerSearch.com are registered trademarks of ConsumerSearch, Inc. Other trademarks or service marks on this site are the property of their respective owners. ConsumerSearch is not sponsored by any source reviewed, and we accept no consideration or payment for including, excluding, or ranking any reviews, products or services in our reports.
* Pricing information is approximate as of the time this report was written and is based on observed market selling prices and/or list prices. Actual selling prices may differ.
