Desktops

Gateway FX4710 desktop computer
The Gateway FX4710 provides enough performance to get you through most of today's games and multimedia software, but the ahead-of-its time memory is wasted on current applications. You can make your PC dollar go further today on a desktop with a more balanced configuration.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 (2.5 GHz), 6 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 640 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Tower, 667 MHz, Core 2 Quad, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, Max 2 x 2 GB module, 512 MB

eMachines T5274
With stiff competition from other sub-$400 PCs, eMachines' T5247 has a hard time standing out. It will certainly serve as a basic productivity system, but other desktops will help you stretch your computer dollar even further.
Specs: Intel Pentium Dual Core E2180 (2 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Tower, 667 MHz, Pentium Dual Core, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, Max 2 x 1 GB module

ZT Affinity 7221Xa
The ZT Affinity 7221Xa is an inexpensive, relatively powerful computer. You definitely won't be gaming with the integrated graphics chip, but if you just need an inexpensive, no frills desktop for light photo editing and to run simple applications, the 7221Xa won't disappoint.
Specs: AMD, 4 GB, 500 GB Standard, Vista Home Premium

ZT Affinity 7225Xi-35
ZT's Affinity 7225Xi-35 is a cleanly built midrange PC that will get you through all of your everyday tasks with ease. It's not a particularly flashy desktop, and you may be able to find more aggressively configured PCs for the same price, but if you need an affordable workhorse, this system will do the job.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo Q6600 (1.6 GHz), 4 GB, 500 GB Standard, Vista Home Premium, Core 2 Duo

Velocity Micro Vector Campus Edition
As much as we like the look and feel of Velocity Micro's Vector Campus Edition desktop, we can't recommend it. It suffers from poor bang-for-the-buck, a lack of configurable options, and a narrow upgrade path.

AVADirect Core 2 SLI DDR3 Gaming System
AVADirect has a very strong value proposition in its Core 2 SLI DDR3 Gaming System. Assuming you can navigate the daunting shopping Web site, we recommend this system to tech-savvy shoppers who know exactly the components they want.

HP TouchSmart IQ506
HP's new-and-improved TouchSmart all-in-one PC refines the touch-based concept it introduced last year. Faster all-in-ones, and Apple's iPhone, make the TouchSmart seem a bit behind the times, but the convenient software and its kitchen-friendly design offer functionality that's unavailable elsewhere.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo T5850 (2.16 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 500 GB Standard, 22 in, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Desktop, 667 MHz, Core 2 Duo, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, 256 MB

Gateway FX7026
The Gateway FX7026 offers a quad-core processor at a modest price tag with specifications that any high-end gamer will be satisfied with. You might want to replace the peripherals and the video card down the road, but this system is an excellent option for a nonconfigurable, off the shelf desktop.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 (2.5 GHz), 4 GB DDR II SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Tower, 667 MHz, Core 2 Quad, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, 512 MB

Averatec All-in-One
Like other Windows-based all-in-ones, Averatec's All-in-One can't compete with the iMac for sheer power. The Averatec's larger screen and few features it has that Apple doesn't might be enough to sell you, but the iMac remains the all-in-one to beat.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 (2.4 GHz), 2 GB DDR II SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, 22 in, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, All-in-one, 667 MHz, Core 2 Duo, 1 year warranty, Personal computer, Max 2 x 2 GB module

Gateway FX541XT
Gateway's highest-end performance desktop aspires to be everything to everybody. It takes a few missteps, but mostly it succeeds, especially with its price.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 (3.66 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 750 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Tower, 800 MHz, Core 2 Extreme, 1 year warranty, Media center, 512 MB