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Review roundup: Tiny desktops with big media dreams

Roundup of five small desktops ready to plug into your living room.

Rich Brown Former Senior Editorial Director - Home and Wellness
Rich was the editorial lead for CNET's Home and Wellness sections, based in Louisville, Kentucky. Before moving to Louisville in 2013, Rich ran CNET's desktop computer review section for 10 years in New York City. He has worked as a tech journalist since 1994, covering everything from 3D printing to Z-Wave smart locks.
Expertise Smart home, Windows PCs, cooking (sometimes), woodworking tools (getting there...)
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Rich Brown
Gateway's Editors' Choice-winning SX2850-33. Sarah Tew/CNET

Larger, more expensive, and less user-friendly than dedicated streaming devices, small form factor PCs still deserve consideration for living room content delivery. The reason? Freedom.

Whether you opt for a PC that offers good looks, a Blu-ray drive, fast computing performance, or the capability to play PC games, each of the systems in our roundup will provide you with access to all of the content you can find on the Web. No streaming device can say the same.

We'll concede that bringing a PC into the living room won't appeal to everyone. For those who are willing, you'll be rewarded with a rich, empowering, and versatile digital media experience.

Check out our roundup of five living room-friendly desktops.