HP Pavilion m8120n Media Center TV

Product summary

The good: Quad-core CPU and reasonable price mean great price-performance ratio; lots of audio and video connections, including TV inputs; quiet operation; Personal Media Drive slot for easy expansion or backup via external hard drive; built-in Wi-Fi adapter; quiet operation.

The bad: No next-gen optical drive on this retail model; little room for future expansion; shovelware offender--annoying trial offers clutter desktop and hard drive; no mouse control on wireless keyboard.

The bottom line: The HP Pavilion Media Center m8120n boasts a quad-core Intel processor and outstanding overall performance, particularly for the price. Media consumers and creators alike will love its speed and AV connections but may rue the lack of a next-gen optical drive.

Specs: Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.4 GHz); RAM installed: 3 GB DDR II SDRAM; Hard drive: 320 GB Standard See full specs >>

Price range: $944.98

Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.4GHz, 1GB RAM)

Product summary

The good: Along with its best-in-class design and solid-feeling, thin keyboard, the new Apple iMac desktop offers more performance and features than many Windows-based PCs; robust iLife '08 digital media suite.

The bad: No word on means of upgrading to Apple's new Leopard OS when it's released; anemic phone support.

The bottom line: With its super-elegant new design and a strong configuration, Apple's new iMac competes with the PC desktop market better than perhaps any previous Mac to date. Unless you're a gamer or an upgrade enthusiast, we can think of very few reasons not to make an iMac your next desktop.

Specs: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.4 GHz); RAM installed: 1 GB DDR II SDRAM; Hard drive: 320 GB Standard See full specs >>

Price range: $1,475.00 - $1,606.99

Sony VAIO LT19U

Product summary

The good: Only all-in-one PC with Blu-ray (or any HD) player; VESA-mount compatible; removable media and mobile expansion card inputs; can accept a second internal hard drive; better deal than competing HD-capable laptops.

The bad: Can't compete with the iMac as a day-to-day computer; only OK performance; no Bluetooth; offensive level of adware; clunky mouse and keyboard.

The bottom line: We don't recommend Sony's new VAIO LT19U as an all-in-one PC for everyday computing, but if you're shopping for a flexible, self-contained, HD-capable digital entertainment center, look no further. It has its flaws, and it's not cheap, but this new VAIO makes up for its shortcomings with sheer capability.

Specs: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2 GHz); RAM installed: 2 GB DDR II SDRAM; Hard drive: 500 GB Standard See full specs >>

Price range: $2,749.99 - $2,899.99

Sony VAIO XL3

Product summary

The good: Sleek, quiet home theater PC; wide variety of input and output options; smooth Blu-ray playback; well-thought-out remote control

The bad: Questionable bang for the buck from the core hardware; single CableCard tuner means reduced PVR capability; wireless keyboard needs some refining.

The bottom line: If you're inclined to spend a lot for silence and slim design, Sony's new XL3 Digital Living System delivers better than any other full-size home theater PC we've seen. If you're looking for customizability and the most bang for your buck, other vendors have this system beat.

Specs: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (2.13 GHz); RAM installed: 2 GB DDR II SDRAM; Hard drive: 250 GB Standard See full specs >>

Price range: $2,385.00 - $3,299.99

Dell Inspiron 531s Desktop Computer (Sempron 3600+ 2.00GHz/250GB/1GB)

Product summary

The good: Wi-Fi option and a forthcoming built-in Bluetooth receiver brings Dell's connectivity into the 21st century; more expandability than HP's SlimLine; strong support

The bad: Core hardware costs more than in a comparable PC from eMachines

The bottom line: Dell may not have the most bang for the buck in its new, trim Inspiron 531S, but it offers more options than the competition in this new, small-scale Windows desktop. For systems in its slimmed down class, we recommend it. For budget PCs in general, you can find a better deal if you shop around.

Specs: Processor: AMD AMD Sempron 3600+; RAM installed: 2 GB; Hard drive: 320 GB See full specs >>

Price range: $399.00

Logitech MX Air

Product summary

The good: Media-friendly features in a gyroscopic mouse; extra sensors always know that up is up, even if the mouse is turned sideways.

The bad: No trigger for gyroscopic mode may make it difficult for beginners to use; gyroscopic mice in general are an acquired taste.

The bottom line: The gyroscopic mouse finally gets a mainstream makeover with the Logitech MX Air, aimed at Media Center users.

Specs: OS Required / Type: Microsoft Windows XP; Form factor: External; Interface required: USB See full specs >>

Price range: $129.99 - $159.99

Drobo

Product summary

The good: Protects your data without your interference; can take a 3.5-inch SATA drive of any capacity and from any vendor; hot swappable; your data is available while Drobo is formatting a new drive (even if one drive fails); runs quietly; dashboard lets you track the condition of your Drobo.

The bad: Currently, only a USB version is available; Data Robotics has plans for an Ethernet version, but we'd like to see a FireWire or eSATA version, as well. Additionally: no FAT32 support, and we'd like to see Drobo bundled with a good backup application.

The bottom line: Drobo takes the pain and confusion out of data protection and lets you tailor and expand the drive according to your needs. This so-called storage robot works exactly as promised and is the most innovative storage device we've seen in a long time. We want one.

Specs: Compatibility: PC,; Mac; Connector type: 4 pin USB Type B; Hard drive type: Standard See full specs >>

Price range: $468.43 - $499.99

Canon Pixma MP600

Product summary

The good: Inexpensive; high quality prints; fast print speeds overall, particularly quick with photo printing.

The bad: Scans should be improved; can't use the PictBridge port to connect USB storage devices.

The bottom line: The Canon Pixma MP600 occupies the sweet spot between quality and price. It's one of our favorite photo all-in-ones for home users.

Specs: Office Machine Functions: Copier,; Printer,; Scanner; Printing Technology: Ink-jet; Scanner Optical Resolution: 2400 x 4800 dpi See full specs >>

Price range: $149.95

Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave

Product summary

The good: Unique, comfortable key layout; easy to get used to; affordable compared to other ergo-minded keyboards.

The bad: Inconveniently placed media keys.

The bottom line: Logitech's Cordless Desktop Wave stands out for its comfortable ergonomic touches, an easy learning curve, and its affordable price. We have minor issues with its hot keys--the media controls get short shrift--but heavy typists will like what Logitech has to offer here.

Specs: Form factor: External; Compatibility: PC,; Mac; Battery size: AA type See full specs >>

Price range: $68.43 - $92.04

Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse

Product summary

The good: Two modes for the scroll wheel let you spin through long documents quickly; very portable; the Logitech VX Nano laser mouse is shaped for both left- and right-handed users; programmable buttons; tiny receiver stores inside the mouse; laser tracking for precision on many surfaces.

The bad: Somewhat expensive; may be too small for people with large hands.

The bottom line: If you can afford its high price, you'll be pleased by the Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse's comfort, features, and extremely portable design.

Specs: Form factor: External; Compatibility: PC,; Mac; Battery size: AAA type See full specs >>

Price range: $54.99 - $79.00

Razer ProType keyboard

Product summary

The good: Near-perfect typing response; integrated iPod dock; configurable macro keys; well-placed media and image control keys.

The bad: Less customization and higher price than Razer's gaming keyboard of similar design.

The bottom line: We wish Razer had considered the value proposition a bit more with its iPod dock-equipped ProType keyboard, but if you think minimized cable clutter is worth an extra $30 and the loss of some configurability, you'll find yourself with an attractive keyboard that's a pleasure to type on.

Specs: Form factor: External; Compatibility: PC; Interface required: Line-out, USB See full specs >>

Price range: $71.99 - $109.99