-- Memory Settle for 1GB, though 2GB is supplied in some PCs. Drop to 512MB only if the computer is top-notch. Most systems come with PC3200, but PC4000 is worth snapping up if you can find it.
-- Storage It seems almost unbelievable that anything less than 250GB is now considered a small amount of storage space, but look at our chart and you�ll see most manufacturers opting for it -- don�t settle for anything less. On the other hand, don�t expect anything beyond 300GB. Get serial ATA cabling for rapid transfer rates. Have backup covered with at least a 40/40/24-speed CD-RW. A multi-format DVD writer is obligatory. There are RAM format drives available but it�s best to go for a drive that has support for both �DL and +DL burning. This allows you to store 8.5GB on one disc, but you�ll need quad-speed to make this even vaguely usable.
-- Monitor If you do find a CRT monitor, get a 19in display that offers a resolution of 1,600x1,200 and a dot pitch of 0.25mm or less. Flat-panels can vary wildly in quality -- look for a 17in or 19in screen with a DVI that can support 1,280x1,024, with a response time of 16ms or less so the screen doesn�t blur on fast-moving images.
-- Graphics card The ATI Radeon X800 XL is a good and relatively inexpensive solution. For maximum frame rates, you could set your sights on the X850 range, or a GeForce 6800 GT. The 7800 GTX and GT cards are also beginning to appear, although not yet through to the sub-�1,000 range. We�re also beginning to see the arrival of dual graphics cards in SLI mode. These daisy-chain two cards together for extreme performance, but don�t expect more than a mid-range card. Whatever card you go for you, make sure it�s PCI Express-based.
-- Sound card and speakers Onboard or integrated sound has come on in leaps and bounds, with support for 7.1 channel sound, but it�s still no match for a decent sound card. You should be able to track down a PC with Creative�s excellent Audigy2 card. Add at least 5.1-channel speakers -- but you can get 7.1 speaker sets in this price range.
Power PCs
-- Processor Dual-core is the way to go for prospective buyers. The Athlon 64 X2 chips offer both 64bit computing and the ability to take advantage of dual-core software apps. The 4600+ and 4800+ processors are particularly appetizing at the moment. We haven�t seen any Pentiums for a while, although the Pentium Extremes offer a decent amount of performance for those with the cash.
-- Memory If you want to maximize performance, 2GB is a must. Less than 1GB should be avoided. The faster the chip, the more memory you�ll want. Whatever extra memory you have can only help Windows run more smoothly -- the more the better.
-- Storage Anything less than 250GB is now considered small, but you�ll see most manufacturers opting for 300GB or more -- a few PCs even feature 500GB or 600GB of storage space. Some vendors are bundling twin hard drives in Raid configurations for quicker access to data, and we�re seeing the addition of serial ATA cabling for rapid transfer rates set to make ribbon Ultra ATA cabling obsolete. Have backup covered with at least a 40/32/10-speed CD-RW drive, but you should try to get higher-end 48/48/24- or 52/52/24-speed drives. DVD writers with dual-layer capabilities are a must at this price point, but you should look for at least six-speed -- and preferably eight-speed -- DVD+R DL. DVD-R DL is handy, though you�ll need only one dual-layer writing format.
-- Monitor Virtually all Power PCs come with flat-panel displays, but these can vary wildly in quality -- look for a 19in screen with a DVI (digital visual interface) that can support a resolution of 1,280x1,024. Get a response rate of 12ms or less. Gamers might find the resolution on flat-panels limited, so the best choice might be a 19in CRT with
a resolution of 1,600x1,200 and a dot pitch of 0.25mm or less.
-- Graphics card For ultimate performance, the top buy is any card featuring nVidia�s GeForce 7900 GTX or ATI�s Radeon X1900 XTX graphics chips. However, you could save money by compromising slightly and settling for the older 7800 GTX and GT cards, or for systems running dual graphics cards in SLI mode.
-- Sound card and speakers Onboard or integrated sound has come on in leaps and bounds with support for
7.1 channel sound, but it�s still no match for a decent sound card. If you hunt around, you should be able to get a PC with Creative�s excellent Audigy 4 range. Add at least some 5.1-channel speakers -- five speakers and a subwoofer -- but, at these prices you really should be looking for 7.1-channel support.
Laptop PCs
If you�re planning on mainly using your laptop at home plugged into the mains, get a desktop-replacement system. These models often use processors designed for desktop PCs and feature larger screens, but they can have poor battery life. If you want something to use on the move get an ultraportable device. They are smaller and lighter, and often offer better battery life. Bear in mind, however, that having fewer screen inches means they aren�t as suitable for long work sessions.
-- Processor Desktop-replacement models tend to use Intel Pentium 4 or 4E chips -- while this may result in an increase in performance, you�ll pay for it in battery life. There are two mobile chips available from Intel: the Mobile Pentium 4 and the Pentium M. Pentium M has largely taken over and, when combined with a particular mobile chipset and wireless card, it goes under the name Centrino. AMD�s Mobile Athlon XP is a good chip, but keep an eye out for its more recent Turion 64, which brings 64bit technology to laptops.
-- Memory The standard offering in both categories is 1GB of RAM, although some Power laptops offer more. The more memory you have, the smoother your laptop will run.
-- Hard drive It�s very difficult to upgrade a laptop�s hard drive so you need to make sure the one you originally get is big enough for your needs. If you are buying a desktop-replacement laptop, go for at least 60GB. If you will be using it on the road you won�t need as much.
-- Visuals What you intend to use your laptop for dictates the screen size you�ll need. If you�re after a desktop-replacement machine, go for at least 15in. For DVD movie playback, 17in wide-screen models are perfect.
For ultraportables, look to get something no bigger than 14in. If you want to play games or watch DVDs, choose the 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon X700 or one of the GeForce Go 7800 or 7900 cards. If you won�t be doing such intensive visual work an integrated onboard chip is adequate.
Digital cameras
-- CCD 3�4Mp is standard for a budget camera -- don�t opt for anything less. But size isn�t everything; some manufacturers cut corners to house a large sensor.
-- Storage Look for around 16MB. If you�re going to be away from your PC a lot it�s a good idea to get yourself plenty of memory. Remember to factor the price of media into the cost of your purchase -- expect to pay �25 for 512MB and �50 for 1GB.
-- Peripherals Look for rechargeable batteries and the necessary charger. It�s also worth looking for USB connectivity so you�ll be able to download pictures quickly. Some companies produce cradles with built-in printing and sharing capabilities.
-- Zoom A zoom of at least 3x is standard in the Budget chart, with some models stretching to 4x or even 8x. Be sure when evaluating this that you concentrate on the optical zoom. Most cameras will bolster the zoom lens with some software interpolation, but these often render grainy images and are no substitute for a good optical zoom.
Digital camcorders
-- Megapixel rating Image quality is not as easy to gauge with digital video as it is with stills. �800,000 pixel CCD� slapped on the side of the box refers only to the resolution of the still pictures it produces. DV camera resolutions tend to be much lower than those of cameras. Camcorders offering 1Mp quality are still in the minority and few of the models in our chart can top this figure.
-- Resolution Video resolution is given as a horizontal and vertical resolution for the number of lines of color that go to make up the picture on your TV screen. The vertical resolution for DV camcorders is usually 540 lines. The horizontal resolution will vary between models, but the basic rule is that the higher the number of lines, the better the video quality is likely to be.
-- FireWire To edit your video footage on your PC you need FireWire-in and FireWire-out. You can record from PC to a MiniDV tape without experiencing any loss of picture or sound quality.
Color laser printers
-- Consider technology Multi-pass printers apply each color separately. This takes longer than high-end single-pass printers. Quality is just as good as that produced by more expensive models, however. For monochrome, all printers use just a single pass.
-- Output values While photo inkjets can offer glossy photo prints, lasers can look dull -- although images can be made more glossy using high-quality paper.
-- Lasers vs inkjets Laser printers are often quicker than inkjets, especially if producing many identical pages. They�re good for everyday work -- bulkier and noisier than inkjets, but generally cheaper to run.
-- Which printer? If you print A3 pages, color lasers are available, but prices start at around �2,500. An A3 inkjet will be cheaper to buy -- but ink is expensive. If you print infrequently, or require photographic output, an inkjet is still best. But for higher workloads, low-end color lasers offer value. If you print only text, a mono laser is good value -- you can get a good one for under �100.
Graphics cards
-- Graphics processor Speed is determined by the graphics processor. The highest-performing chips are the nVidia GeForce 7900 GTX and ATI Radeon X1900 XTX, although cards equipped with these processors tend to be expensive. For modest frame rates, the GeForce 6600 range has some great bargains. Game players may have to switch off some detail settings with a cheaper card, though.
-- RAM Unless you�re looking for a cheap card, don�t settle for anything less than 128MB of DDR RAM. For high-end boards we advise that you go for 256MB.
-- Features If you�re spending in excess of �100, support for DirectX 9.0 and PCI Express will keep your graphics up-to-date in the coming months. Digital connectors are becoming increasingly common and demand a DVI (digital visual interface).
-- Dual-display support Allows you to stretch your desktop over two displays, in effect doubling your workspace. This reduces clutter and you won�t need to keep flipping from one window to another.
Digital projectors
-- Brightness For business use, look for at least 1,300 Ansi lumens; for home use more than this will be overpowering. If the projector�s confined to a small room a short-throw lens will produce a larger picture, but color and focus options may
be reduced. Economy mode sacrifices brightness.
-- Portability If you need to carry the projector over long distances, look for a model that is 1.5kg or lighter. A memory card slot means you can leave the laptop behind in the office, while wireless facilities let you control the projector from several PCs without playing around with leads.
-- Image detail The higher the resolution support, the more detail used to generate the image. XGA support is preferable for displaying apps, while SVGA is fine for low-detail programs and video.
-- Additional costs Unless you are constantly using the projector you shouldn�t need to change the lamp too often, but still compare the price of a replacement with the number of hours it will burn.
Flat-panel displays
-- Price The cost of flat-panels continues to fall. You can now snap up a 17in model for �223. 19in models are finally becoming affordable, with some very strong models available for �250��300. Screens of 20in and above are almost prohibitively expensive.
-- Resolution Native resolution is the optimum screen setting for your flat-panel. A 15in model should have a resolution of just 1,024x768, while 17in, 18in and 19in models tend to have 1,280x1,024. Beyond 20.1in get 1,600x1,200 or 1,680x1,050.
-- Extras If you want to maximize desk space look for onboard speakers. Height-adjustable stands make it easier to position the screen, and pivot facilities are worth looking for.
-- Response rate LCD flat-panels tend to take longer to refresh; as one image appears, parts of the last one may still be visible. On fast-moving programs such as games, this can be distracting. The key is response rate: 16ms should be fine; 8ms and below is perfect. A rate of 25ms could cause problems.
