(Oct 27, 2009)
Rich Brown
Senior Editor
The five systems in this list represent what I consider the current best examples in computing design, and they're more than just the sum of their parts. Whether your aim is to show off your good taste; to upgrade, tweak, and tinker; to frag into the wee hours; or to master and expand your digital-media library (or create some media of your own), you will find something on this list that, if not totally to your liking, will serve as an excellent comparison point as you shop around.
Maingear Ephex (Intel Core i7 965)
Maingear's Ephex is the fastest PC we've reviewed, and also the most expensive. You can find better service policies from other boutique PC vendors, but the Ephex's overall speed and build quality are enough for us to recommend it to those in the market for the best desktop they can find.
As Reviewed: $8798
Check manufacturer's site for availability
Filed in: Best performance desktops
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Apple iMac (27-inch, 3.06Hz Intel Core 2 Duo, ATI Radeon HD 4670, fall 2009)
Apple's new 27-inch iMac will charm plenty of you with its screen size alone. Fortunately, that won't lead you astray. Behind its expansive display, Apple has packed one of the fastest all-in-ones available, and added a few useful extras to sweeten the deal. This iMac isn't perfect, but its positives far outweigh its negatives. We can think of few users to whom we wouldn't recommend this system.
Price:$1,694.99 - $1,699.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best performance desktops
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HP TouchSmart 600
If HP's TouchSmart 600 won't at least get you thinking about the idea of bringing a PC into your kitchen, the concept truly has no hope. With well-though-out touch apps, a wide, easy-to-use array of digital media features, and an attractive, flexible design, HP's new all-in-one is not the fastest new all-in-one, but it has the most comprehensive and compelling set of features of any all-in-one launching alongside Windows 7.
Price:$1,049.99 - $1,199.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best mainstream desktops
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Gateway SX2800-01
Gateway's SX2800-01 offers a strong combination of performance and features all wrapped up in a design that fully embraces the merits of a slim tower PC. We recommend this system to anyone looking for a fast, affordable desktop for the home office, the living room, or anywhere in between.
Price:$448.53 - $488.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best budget desktops
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Velocity Micro Edge Z30 (Intel Core i7)
Velocity Micro's Edge Z30 is the best deal going right now for midlevel gaming PCs featuring Intel's new Core i7 chips. The overclocked Core i7 860, a fast Nvidia graphics card, and a solid selection of features all around make it easy for us to recommend this system to anyone looking for a capable gaming desktop
Price:$1,099.00 - $1,099.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best mainstream desktops
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