Desktops & Servers > From 250 GB to 400 GB Desktops & Servers > Intel Core Duo > PC > From 640 GBP to 1000 GBP

Advantages: speed, sound, generous size monitor, Leopard OS
Disadvantages: Power/Sleep light missing

Duration of ownership:2 Weeks Strengths: Sleek and beautiful design, simple and elegant operating system, wireless keyboard and mouse Weaknesses: Power/Sleep light missing Overall Evaluation:I have used Macs (5th one) since mid-90s and have always appreciated their design and OS strengths. Overall, this is an great computer. Everything worked perfectly right out of the box without checking the manual. Considering what is included on this iMac, ...
...peripheral you need to add is a printer! You sure get a lot of features for the money.Price is always a concern, especially compared to PCs. With this model, they have added more "bells and whistles" and not raising the price.Apple has finally gotten its act together by redesigning the popular iMac. ... Read review

Advantages: Speed, looks, ease of use.
Disadvantages: None

I bought my iMac as I my "PC" was due for replacement and had become unreliable. A few of my friends have iMacs and I was instantly grabbed by the design and ease of use when I sat in front of one. Some of this is due to the software that comes pre-loaded onto the iMac. I went for the 2GB version with the 2.66 Processor as the prices had just dropped. The iMac boots up lightening quick compared to my PC. In around 15 seconds I can be using the system ...
...is extremely clear and at 20 inch - large enough for most people to use as their home computer. I thought I would be keeping the PC to one side to use when the iMac didn't have the ability to do a certain job but I have thrown it away now as everything I need to do works. The beauty of the iMac is that it does exactly what you except. No fuss, first time - every time. It comes pre-loaded with the operating system and iLife08 which had iPhoto, iDVD ... Read review

Advantages: Gorgeous design, fast processor, fluid animations, great for media
Disadvantages: Too glossy? Aren't really any disadvantages!

...should have been!) I also got student discount and a free printer (via rebate) so it turned out about £680 for the whole package! =) All from the Apple store themselves too! Blooming marvellous - now upgraded to 3GB RAM, it works like a charm! Definitely recommended! ... Read review

Advantages: Customise your own system
Disadvantages: Better instructions for Vista

The thing I like about Dell is that you can customise your computer to your own requirements, for example adding a DVD Re writer media card, etc, etc. I've had little trouble with mine (touch wood!). The only problem I had was upgrading to Windows Vista. I was left with minimal instructions and actually found the system slower, until I got down to using it on a daily basis. At one point I considered reverting to XP, but thought I would stick with ...
...my own music. A Dell technician was supposed to call and explain how to speed the system up but never did, presumably whilst they were getting the Dell support center up and running, better than having to ring India and spent two hours talking to support when my Dell laptop caught a Greek virus and packed up! On the plus side, plenty of options for either home or business, good with a back up drive and with Windows Vista reminding you every 30 days ... Read review

Advantages: Supports two pc cards (graphics cards etc)
Disadvantages: No Vista support

This was the first computer I bought myself, and when it was released it was one of the best in its range for sff pc cases. The size of this computer doesnt seem so small now due to compettitors like the mac mini and the dell hybrid mini. If your looking for a small computer, this isnt the one for you! It does however offer two pc card slots which many of the other small computers lack, if you are looking for something you can upgrade easily, this ...
...came out and many of the features have been left unsupported, for example the card reader can no longer be used, as far as I am aware there are still no drivers to make this work and would advise anybody buying this computer to stay away from vista at all costs. ... Read review