Reviewed on October 23, 2007Dell's new XPS 420 offers almost all of the latest in PC-based digital-video capability, as well as a few unique features you won't find elsewhere. The default configuration fares poorly against the other new PCs, but if you're willing to spend money on upgrades, you can turn this system into a powerful digital-media nerve center.TAGS:Dell XPS, digital media, digital video, home network, Blu-ray, Intel Core 2 Duo, Microsoft Windows Vista, LCD, DVD, Intel, video, PC, Microsoft Windows
Reviewed on July 24, 2006The first Blu-ray burner to hit the market, the Pioneer BDR-101A gives you 25GB of storage on a single disc and its actual write speeds nearly match its rated 2X spec. Still, it's a first-generation drive that's too expensive for anyone but professionals and enthusiasts working with HD video.TAGS:Blu-ray, Pioneer Electronics, Blu-ray disc, CD burner, Roxio, DVD recordable, HD-DVD, optical drive, Sony Corp., CD, DVD, PC
Reviewed on January 22, 2007Shuttle's updated supersmall home theater PC introduces a few new features to bring it inline with similar diminutive living room PCs. It also came to us with Windows Vista Home Premium. If you're in it for the looks (and you don't want HD video), you'll find a system to like here, but we think you'll be able to find more capable PCs on the market soon.TAGS:Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, chipset, Microsoft Windows Vista, Blu-ray, laptop computer, Intel, PC, HP, DVD, Microsoft Windows, video