Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz processor

I bought one three weeks ago from PC World without a monitor in the Clearance - as Packard Bell have brought out a new range - for £796. It was a shame the store did not know the right spec or they may have sold it sooner (eg thought it had a 80GB hard drive, not the 120GB it does have).

Was buying as a replacement base unit for a 5 year old Time machine, and what a difference. You can't hear it when it is working, it is responsive and does not keep seizing up. I had been pleased with the way my old maching had lasted, with upgrades etc, and wanted something that would last a similar amount of time but can not see the point in paying over the odds just because something is new on the market. With this spec it is better than others around, 2.8GHz Pentium 4 (but it is not hyperthreading), 512 memory (if you want 1024 you could always use one of the separate slots for another 512) and a separate graphics card (so could be upgrade if you want, so many have integrated graphics that limit your options).

Only minor problem was that it did not seem to like my old monitor, kept sending the screens off the side of the screen - solved by buying a flat screen monitor that I was going to buy anyway (PB 727, separate review).

Have not used the DVD re-writer yet, but speed for DVD and CD seems more than adequate although not sure what it is. They are Poineer, only can record to DVD- not DVD+. But at the price I paid not going to complain.

No problems with cordless keyboard and mouse - keyboard even works accurately when facing away from base unit and does not need to be in direct line of receiver (handy when you want to type onto the screen, but not let your toddler see that they are not really doing it!! and you can easily move if out of the way to let them use the mouse). Also, includes OK speakers, external 6 in 1 card reader and a small range of software (microsoft works not office unfortunately).

Seen in other PC Worlds with a 17" CRT monitor for just under £850, as clearing for PBs new range in white (but imagine how much dirt that will show up!!)