Best desktops

Apple iMac 27inch

The good: The new 27-inch iMac offers the best performance among current all-in-ones, along with the largest display, the best design, and exciting potential from its Thunderbolt ports.

The bad: We still miss built-in HDMI inputs for easy media component integration, and, as usual, custom hardware options for the iMac remain more expensive than those for its Windows-based competition.

The bottom line: We recommend Apple's new 27-inch iMac to digital media editors and others with serious performance needs on the strength of its impressive speed, its connected device potential, and its market-leading 27-inch display.

Gateway SX 2850-33

The good: One of the fastest budget PCs we've tested; wireless networking and HDMI port make it perfect for the living room; room to upgrade via free expansion card slot.

The bad: Only USB 2.0 for data connections; had to manually correct overscanning when we connected it to an HDTV.

The bottom line: The latest in Gateway's line of versatile slim towers, the SX2850-33 stays current with a fast Intel Core i3 CPU, and more importantly adds Wi-Fi to improve its suitability as a living-room desktop. It might cost more than a Nettop or a dedicated video-streaming device, but for its overall speed and flexibility, we'd pick this system as a budget PC or an online living-room content center.

Origin Chronos

The good: The Origin Chronos offers best-in-class gaming performance in a tidy, overclocked package.

The bad: Despite the Chronos' nice variety of options, gamers using multiple monitors will want to look for a system with room for multiple graphics cards

The bottom line: The Origin Chronos shows the strength of small boutique vendors with a fast, affordable, and compact little desktop that I can recommend to any PC gamer.

Digital Storm Ode level 3

The good: The attractive Digital Storm Ode Level 3 offers fast gaming performance and a strong feature set for an aggressive price.

The bad: Some sloppy external wiring mars an otherwise polished system design.

The bottom line: The fixed-configuration Digital Storm Ode Level 3 earns top marks in an increasingly competitive gaming PC market thanks to a smartly chosen set of components and an enticingly low price tag.

HP TouchSmart 610q 1065q

The good: The HP TouchSmart 610q's benefits include fast performance, competitive pricing, and innovations to its case design and video inputs.

The bad: We have few complaints about this system, although it would have been nice if HP had included a video output port.

The bottom line: We recommend the HP TouchSmart 610q with few reservations thanks to its speed, its competitive pricing, and an innovative tilting case design that makes this a best-in-breed touch-based all-in-one.

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