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, LCD, Microsoft Windows Vista, Intel, DVD, video, PC, Microsoft Windows
Reviewed on February 12, 2007Velocity Micro's first full-fledged home theater PC pulls very few punches in providing a complete digital media experience. It's big, it lacks a built-in audio receiver, and it invites PC gaming into the living room, which has never been the best fit. It's also the victim of a few Vista-related growing pains. On balance, though, Velocity Micro has as complete a home theater PC as we've seen.TAGS:Velocity Micro, home theater PC, CableCard, Blu-ray, NVidia, Microsoft Windows Vista, movie, PC, games, Microsoft Windows, video
Reviewed on December 14, 2006The Aspire L310 works as a trim, affordable computer that will also serve light home-theater-PC duties. It doesn't offer as much room for improvement as its competition, but as long as you don't have plans for upgrading or running Windows Vista full bore, this system will serve you well.TAGS:Acer Inc., Acer Aspire, Microsoft Windows Vista, graphics chip, PCI, HP, memory, laptop computer, video, Microsoft Windows