CNET Desktops Reviews are the most comprehensive resource for unbiased personal technology advice.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Dell's XPS 430-121B, sold exclusively at Best Buy, outpaces the competition and carries an impressive set of media-centric features. Heavy gamers can find a more suitable system elsewhere, but digital media enthusiasts will appreciate this Dell in their home network.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Dell Studio One 19 Desktop Computer (Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200, 500GB HDD, 4GB)

We suspect lower-end configurations of the Dell Studio One 19 all-in-one desktop will draw consumers looking for a low-cost, "fast enough" PC. But even its multitouch interface can't save our expensive review unit from other vendors' similarly priced all-in-ones with better features for the dollar.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Dell Studio XPS Desktop Computer (Intel Core i7 750GB HDD, 6GB)

You can find flashier PCs than Dell's $1,299 Studio XPS, but few have as much power where it counts. We don't recommend its small, pared-down case for upgraders, but this PC will satisfy anyone who needs a loaded, powerful PC for gaming and consumer-level digital media editing.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

HP TouchSmart IQ816

No other all-in-one PC can offer touch-based input or an LCD screen as large as that of the HP TouchSmart IQ816. It's hard to deny that those features make this a compelling desktop for families with a place to put it. Weak performance hinders its suitability for work, and it's not the best digital entertainment center, but we recommend this system to anyone looking to get in early on the touch-computing experiment.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Apple Mac Mini (2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 120GB, Winter 2009)

While we're still impressed with the Mac Mini's ability to pack so much into a tight package, Apple can't get away from its PC competitors that offer more features for less money. If saving space and the Mac OS are dominating factors, then the new Mac Minis are a viable option, but your dollar will stretch much further with a budget Windows desktop.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Dell Inspiron 530 Desktop Computer (Intel Pentium Dual Core E2200, 320GB HDD, 2GB)

PC vendors have very few tricks remaining to differentiate their systems from the competition, which makes the built-in Bluetooth in the Dell Inspiron 530 unique. There's little else that makes this system stand out, but if you need Bluetooth in your budget desktop, we can recommend no other.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Acer Aspire X1700-U3700A

The Acer X1700-U3700A is slightly slower than the competition, but it gives you almost every component you need in either a basic desktop or a light-duty home theater PC. If you prefer functionality to performance, we recommend this model out of the three systems in the current lineup.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Winter 2009)

Apple made a number of changes to this $1,499 iMac, but making a 24-inch screen available at this price is the most impressive. The rest of the updates are welcome, and Apple's multitasking capability remains unmatched. Provided you like your all-in-ones best as straightforward desktop computers, the iMac will meet your expectations with speed and elegance.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Dell Studio Desktop Computer (Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200, 750GB HDD, 6GB)

This off-the-shelf version of the Dell Studio Desktop reminds us of a classic Dell computer. This system is faster and better equipped than its competition, and at a better price. You can certainly get away with a cheaper everyday PC, but this one is a bargain among lower midrange desktops.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Apple Mac Pro (Two 2.26GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, Winter 2009)

Apple's new eight-core Mac Pro demonstrates marked improvements over the older model in high-intensity digital media and multitasking scenarios. We also love the design tweaks that improve on Apple's already industry-leading sensibilities. Any Apple-bound design professional would welcome this new tool in his or her arsenal.