All Computer Systems

The Bottom Line: Packed with a great graphics card and good audio, but lacking Intel's latest Core i7 chip, the Asus G60VX-RBBX05 is a very solid all-around gaming solution for less than $1,000.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.13 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 7.3 lbs, 16 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: The Dell Inspiron 545s-3055NBK improves on previous models with more upgrade options and faster performance. Its modest components can easily handle the most common tasks, but shoppers looking for a home theater PC should consider the Gateway SX2800-01 or Dell's forthcoming Zino HD instead.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 (2.93 GHz), 6 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 750 GB Standard, Intel GMA 3100, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

The Bottom Line: HP's Pavilion Elite E9220y strikes out because of slow performance and underwhelming features for its price. We can't recommend this desktop to anyone.

Specs: AMD Phenom II X4 910 (2.6 GHz), 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1 TB Standard, ATI Radeon HD 4350, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer

The Bottom Line: Toshiba's basic Netbook doesn't break any new ground, but offers better battery life and a faster CPU than many in the same price range.

Specs: Intel Atom (1.66 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Starter, 2.9 lbs, 10.1 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: HP's excellent workhorse, the Mini 110, gets a cool graphical makeover, but you can get similar components for less.

Specs: Intel Atom (1.6 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Starter, 2.6 lbs, 10.1 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: The Asus 1005HA remains one of the best overall Netbooks available, but this model, even with a 3G antenna, is starting to feel a bit long in the tooth.

Specs: Intel Atom (1.6 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3, 2.4 lbs, 10.1 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: The HP Pavilion dv7-3065dx is a low-cost, big-screen laptop that will win you over with its Blu-ray player and pleasing design. It may lose you, however, when you hear its speakers.

Specs: AMD Turion X2 Ultra (2.4 GHz), 4 GB, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 7.7 lbs, 17.3 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: We're fond of the Gateway DX4300-11's clever design, but halfhearted performance scores mar its overall worth. The TV tuner and 1TB hard drive may tempt you to stick it in your living room as a media center PC, but your money is better spent on the Asus Essentio CG5270-BP004.

Specs: AMD Phenom II X4 805 (2.5 GHz), 8 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 1 TB Standard, ATI Radeon HD 3200, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Media center

The Bottom Line: Maingear's Shift is the boutique vendor's new flagship gaming PC. It brings almost everything we expect to find in such a system, from expert craftsmanship to fast overclocking to a case that makes a statement. We found a few minor sticking points, but, on the whole, this PC sits comfortably alongside the top tier of luxury gaming boxes, and we recommend it if you have the means.

Specs: Intel Core i7 960 (3.86 GHz), 6 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1500 GB Standard, 2x ATI Radeon HD 5870

The Bottom Line: With Blu-ray playback, a large screen and decent discrete graphics, the Sony Vaio FW560F/T is a very compelling sub-$1,000 multimedia notebook.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.13 GHz), 6 GB DDR II SDRAM, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 6.9 lbs, 16.4 in TFT active matrix