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

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

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.

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

Dell XPS One (with Blu-ray drive)

It's outclassed as a computer by Apple's iMac, and as a home entertainment system by a recent HP, but in the weird niche of high-end, digital-media-friendly all-in-ones (of which we know of one other competitor) the Dell XPS One gets our nod. If you're not shopping in that narrow market, move on.

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

Gateway FX4710

The Gateway FX4710 provides enough performance to get you through most of today's games and multimedia software, but the ahead-of-its time memory is wasted on current applications. You can make your PC dollar go further today on a desktop with a more balanced configuration.

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.4GHz)

Apple's smaller-scale iMac remains our favorite all-in-one. And while its looks, its ease of use, and its performance are all selling points, Windows PCs are starting to catch up (at least with the latter). A few components could also stand an update, but in general you'll find the 20-inch iMac a remarkable computer for its price.

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

HP Pavilion Slimline S3330f

The HP Pavilion Slimline S3330f delivers a remarkable combination of features, value, and flexibility. It excels as both a traditional desktop, and a full-fledged living room PC, complete with a Blu-ray and HD DVD drive. Any nongamer in the market for a sub-$1,000 PC should put this system at the top of their list.

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

Dell Studio Hybrid

If you're considering all of the computers in the $700 to $1,000 price range, the Dell Studio Hybrid is not very compelling. However, if you limit yourself to the very specific niche of small PCs, you'll appreciate this system's clever design and its relatively powerful hardware.

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

Dell Inspiron 530

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.

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

HP Blackbird 002

HP's Blackbird 002 earns the highest rating this editor has ever given a desktop PC. Its design rivals the Apple Mac Pro, it takes risks that benefit your upgrade path, it's fast, and it's competitively priced. If you can afford it, and you want a high-end gaming PC, buy this one. End of story.

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.4GHz, 1GB RAM)

With its super-elegant new design and a strong configuration, Apple's new iMac competes with the PC desktop market better than perhaps any previous Mac to date. Unless you're a gamer or an upgrade enthusiast, we can think of very few reasons not to make an iMac your next desktop.

Fri May 23 11:04am 2008

HP Pavilion Elite m9040n

HP's new digital-media-oriented Pavilion Elite m9040n is fast, loaded with features, and its new looks and newly integrated receivers improve its profile. Our main issue is the redundant bays for two of HP's proprietary external hard drives. If you can get past that, there's a solid desktop here.