(Sep 15, 2008)
Rich Brown
Senior Editor
The five systems in this list represent what I consider the current best examples in computing design, and they're more than just the sum of their parts. Whether your aim is to show off your good taste; to upgrade, tweak, and tinker; to frag into the wee hours; or to master and expand your digital-media library (or create some media of your own), you will find something on this list that, if not totally to your liking, will serve as an excellent comparison point as you shop around.
Sony Vaio JS190J (silver)
By virtue of its price, its desktop processor, and its Blu-ray drive, the Sony Vaio JS190J makes a case for itself as the new king of the all-in-ones. Its screen might be a bit smaller than some, but no other all-in-one, including Apple's iMac, can do as much, as fast, for the same price.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Filed in: Best 5 desktops, Best mainstream desktops
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Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.8GHz)
A slight bump to the specifications for the same price in addition to a much appreciated option to upgrade the graphics means the 24-inch iMac keeps the Editors' Choice it earned last year when the brushed-aluminum-and-glass design was first introduced.
Price: $1,748.99 - $1,949.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best performance desktops
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Velocity Micro Edge Z15
Velocity Micro's Edge Z15 represents one of the best deal's we've seen this year in midrange gaming PCs. It has all the power necessary to play current games (even Crysis) at smooth frame rates, and its clean, spacious interior gives you plenty of upgrade room. We recommend this system to any PC gamer looking for a sub-$2,000 desktop.
Price: $1,499.00 - $1,499.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best mainstream desktops
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Maingear Prelude (AMD Phenom X4 9850)
The Maingear Prelude has the best bang for the buck among midrange gaming PCs. It also has a certain stocky visual appeal. It's missing a few features, and you'll have to jump through a few hoops to make upgrades, but on balance, this system is a great deal.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Filed in: Best mainstream desktops
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Gateway DX4200-UB001A
We can forgive Gateway for cramming the DX4200 with more memory than it needs simply because its specs and overall performance are the best in its price class. Of the various do-it-all lower midrange PCs out there, this one gets our nod.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Filed in: Best budget desktops
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