Shop for desktops

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 31 reviews

The Bottom Line: Gateway's SX2800-01 offers a strong combination of performance and features all wrapped up in a design that fully embraces the merits of a slim tower PC. We recommend this system to anyone looking for a fast, affordable desktop for the home office, the living room, or anywhere in between. Read review

Specs: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 (2.33 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 640 GB Standard, Intel GMA X4500, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.2 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

The Bottom Line: Acer's Aspire Revo 1600 might be the first Nettop we don't actively dislike. We'd rather have an Xbox 360 in the living room, but the Aspire Revo 1600 would be suitable as a PC for young kids or as a low-profile cloud kiosk. Thanks to its $199 price tag, you won't feel too much remorse if it breaks or you outgrow it. Read review

Specs: Intel Atom N230 (1.6 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, NVIDIA ION LE, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.5 stars Very good

  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 15 reviews

The Bottom Line: The Acer X1700-U3700A is slightly slower than the competition, but it gives you almost every component you need in either a basic desktop or a light-duty home theater PC. If you prefer functionality to performance, we recommend this model out of the three systems in the current lineup. Read review

Specs: Intel Pentium Dual Core E2220 (2.4 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 640 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce G100, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent

  Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 33 reviews

The Bottom Line: With new polish and a whole lot of bang for the buck, HP's new Pavilion Slimline s3020n leads the small PC field overall. The glossy black chassis, added expandability, and even a new keyboard make this system attractive both inside and out. Read review

Specs: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (2 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: The Gateway SX2800-03 desktop: so small you can fit it almost anywhere. So powerful, you can speed through the hottest digital media, content creation tasks and 3D gaming. You have ... Read more

Specs: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 (2.33 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 640 GB Standard, Intel GMA X4500, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 22 reviews

The Bottom Line: If you're considering all of the computers in the $700 to $1,000 price range, the Dell Studio Hybrid is not very compelling. However, if you limit yourself to the very specific niche of small PCs, you'll appreciate this system's clever design and its relatively powerful hardware. Read review

Specs: Intel Pentium Dual Core T4300 (2.1 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, EPEAT Gold, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic Service Pack 1, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular

  Overall score: 9.1 (4.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 15 reviews

The Bottom Line: The HP Pavilion Slimline S3330f delivers a remarkable combination of features, value, and flexibility. It excels as both a traditional desktop, and a full-fledged living room PC, complete with a Blu-ray and HD DVD drive. Any nongamer in the market for a sub-$1,000 PC should put this system at the top of their list. Read review

Specs: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ (2.8 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 500 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 2 reviews

Manufacturer description: Mac mini is made from sleek, anodized aluminum with refined, rounded corners and a pearly white cover. But the power of its design is on the inside: the Intel Core ... Read more

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.53 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 500 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, EPA Energy Star, Apple MacOS X Server 10.6, Server

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: Live the digital life in stylish simplicity - up to four times faster. Just 6.5 inches square and 2 inches small, Mac mini lets you have more fun with ... Read more

Specs: Intel Core Duo (1.83 GHz), 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM, 80 GB Standard, Intel GMA 950, EPA Energy Star, Apple MacOS X 10.4, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 2 reviews

Manufacturer description: Small enough to fit just about anywhere, the Aspire X1300 series desktop is ready to satisfy your home computing expectations. Loaded with a combination of fine multimedia-enhancing technologies, this dynamic ... Read more

Specs: AMD Athlon X2 7450 (2.4 GHz), 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 8200, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: Mac mini is made from sleek, anodized aluminum with refined, rounded corners and a pearly white cover. But the power of its design is on the inside: the Intel Core ... Read more

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.26 GHz), 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, EPA Energy Star, Apple MacOS X 10.6, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.8 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: We cringe at the idea of recommending such a slow PC when you can get significantly better performance for just a few more dollars. That said, it's hard to argue with the eMachines EL1300G-01w's low price, clean good looks, and relatively complete budget feature set. As long as you have no ambitions for this PC performing anything resembling serious work, it will make a fine second or third home system. Read review

Specs: AMD Athlon 2650e (1.6 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE, EPA Energy Star, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: Mac mini is made from sleek, anodized aluminum with refined, rounded corners and a pearly white cover. But the power of its design is on the inside: the Intel Core ... Read more

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.53 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, EPA Energy Star, Apple MacOS X 10.6, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 1 review

Manufacturer description: PRODUCT FEATURES: The compact, space-saving PC for unlimited fun and creativity Alluring look in sleek designer black with parts that light up in luminous azure blue Compact, space-saving design with ... Read more

Specs: Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 (2.5 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 500 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 7100, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: Lenovo's first home theater PC - the IdeaCentre Q700 - provides high definition 1080p playback and digital surround sound for a variety of multimedia formats displayed right on a ... Read more

Specs: Intel Pentium E5200 (2.5 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 640 GB Standard, Intel GMA X4500, WEEE, RoHS, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  2.5 stars Average

  Overall score: 5.8 (2.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 6 reviews

The Bottom Line: Despite a few useful features, the Asus Eee Box is a novelty at best. It can't come close to the same performance and robustness of even the most basic standard budget PC, and a low-end laptop can do everything it can do and more. The appeal of Asus' Eee PC does not carry over to the Eee Box. Read review

Specs: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 80 GB Standard, Intel GMA 950, EPEAT Silver, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 1 review

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 (2.66 GHz), 4 GB DDR II SDRAM, 750 GB Standard, NVidia GeForce 100G, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: The sleek and compact Aspire X3810 is just one-third the size of a traditional PC, allowing it to fit practically anywhere in your home. This desktop features high-quality components perfect ... Read more

Specs: Intel Pentium E5200 (2.5 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, Intel GMA X4500, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: Just one-third the size of a traditional desktop PC, the Veriton X270 series packs a very powerful punch. The latest hardware combined with easy expandability and straightforward manageability in a ... Read more

Specs: Intel Pentium E5300 (2.6 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 7100, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Business / XP Professional downgrade, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: Boasting NVIDIA graphics and Athlon X2 processors, Aspire X1200 is truly a dynamic entertainment center. Its stunning features are all encased in a stylish, space-saving chassis that occupies less than ... Read more

Specs: AMD Athlon X2 4850e (2.5 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 8200, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: HP Pavilion Slimline s3700 Desktop PC series is an attractive, space-saving PC at an affordable price. This slimline desktop gives you a power-packed PC in a compact and ultra stylish ... Read more

Specs: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (2.6 GHz), 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: Boasting NVIDIA Hybrid SLI graphics and the AMD processors the Aspire X3200 series is truly dynamic entertainment center. Stunning graphics, an HDMI port, a multi-in-one card reader, nine USB 2.... Read more

Specs: AMD Athlon X2 5600+ (2.9 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 640 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 8200, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: Lenovo's first home theater PC - the IdeaCentre Q700 - provides high definition 1080p playback and digital surround sound for a variety of multimedia formats displayed right on a ... Read more

Specs: Intel Pentium E5200 (2.5 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, Intel GMA X4500, WEEE, RoHS, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

• CNET Editor rating:
  3.0 stars Good

  Overall score: 6.1 (3.0 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 2 reviews

The Bottom Line: Sony's distinctive, midrange VAIO TP1 Living Room PC trades performance and features for its cutesy appearance. Unless you really like the looks of this Roomba-like PC you can find a much better deal from a variety of standard desktop PCs. Read review

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (1.83 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 300 GB Standard, Intel GMA 950, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Media center

• CNET Editor rating:
  Not yet rated
• Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!

Manufacturer description: The eMachines EL1331 desktop is as space-saving and affordable as ever with reliable AMD Athlon processing, rich graphics performance and plenty of storage space for your media and files.

Specs: AMD Athlon 2850e (1.8 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer