Desktops

Psystar OpenPro
We commend Psystar for pushing ahead with its mission to sell its own PCs with Apple's Mac OS X operating system. We're also impressed by its continuing efforts to ensure reliability. And although the OpenPro is a better deal than any PC currently offered by Apple, you can get a faster PC overall from traditional Windows vendors.

Shuttle KPC K-4800
We liked Shuttle's original low-cost Linux desktop, but even though the KPC K-4800 adds a DVD drive and a few other upgrades, the price increase takes a toll on its overall value. Regardless of their operating system, too many Windows PCs give you more hardware for the money.
Specs: Intel Celeron 400 sequence 440 (2 GHz), 2 GHz, 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 80 GB Standard, Foresight Linux, PC barebone

Dell Studio Desktop
Dell's new Studio Desktop introduces 64-bit Windows Vista to the Dell desktop line-up, but that's about the only thing this system does well. Its biggest, and deal-killing, fault is the overpriced and less than aggressive selection of configuration options.
Specs: Intel ® Core 2 Quad Q8200 (2.33 GHz), 2.33 GHz, 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 40 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista? Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-Bit

HP Pavilion Slimline s3500f - Athlon 64 X2 5400+ 2.8 GHz
As opposed to previous Slimline models, the HP Pavilion Slimline s3500f tosses aside home theater aspirations and targets budget buyers looking for a compact, cheap PC.
Specs: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ (2.8 GHz), 2.8 GHz, 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 500 GB Standard, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Media center

Shuttle XPC P2 4800X
Shuttle wants the XPC P2 4800X to compete with Falcon Northwest's FragBox 2 as a small gaming PC. But from the case to the configuration Shuttle sent to us, we don't get any sense that Shuttle knows what PC gamers really want.

Velocity Micro Edge Z15
Velocity Micro's Edge Z15 represents one of the best deal's we've seen this year in midrange gaming PCs. It has all the power necessary to play current games (even Crysis) at smooth frame rates, and its clean, spacious interior gives you plenty of upgrade room. We recommend this system to any PC gamer looking for a sub-$2,000 desktop.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 (2.66 GHz), 2