Desktops with a view on offer

GIZMO GALLERY

Vu (pronounced 'view') has introduced its Boss PC Limited Edition (only 500 PCs). Despite tweaks to the design and specifications, it's a modest, non-radical desktop PC but does make your head turn.

An Intel Core 2 microprocessor, 1.66GHz and 2MB integrated L2 cache and 80GB memory promises to deliver performance. However, it cannot match a desktop with core duo processors.

Boasting a new industrial-designed chasis, Vu's Vista-ready desktop, includes user (and back) ""friendly features like power buttons and memory card slots""located conveniently in the front.

However, the PC""with a 22-inch monitor, CPU and keyboard""is priced at Rs 65,000 and with only the CPU and keyboard will cost Rs 40,000. It would have been good, though, to see the Vu pack in 3GB RAM that would have enabled it for most applications and for running Vista in Aero mode.

Dell Dimension E521, on the other hand, does not set the field afire with its performance or looks. However, at Rs 20,000 (list price), including a 17-inch LCD monitor, this system is powerful enough to handle basic computing tasks.

Equipped with a 1.8-GHz AMD Sempron processor and 512MB of RAM, the E521 is adequate for tasks such as web browsing or word processing and nothing more.

The machine does not have the fastest processors, but they still perform very well in all aspects of computing. The system is not good for high-end games. It also did not perform well when we tried to play a DVD movie and convert an MP3 file simultaneously.

Lenovo has unveiled Lenovo 3000 H limited edition Power Rangers Mystic Force themed desktop that is targeted at children. A vibrant red skin with the valiant superheroes of the Mystic Force series is good enough to lure the kiddies.

The desktop is powered by the ultra-quiet Intel Core 2 Duo processor E 4400 2.00 GHz. The desktop also comes with 1GB RAM, a 250 GB HDD, 16xDVD, read-write drive, in-built modem, Power Ranger branded speakers and an optical mouse. It is preloaded with Microsoft Vista Home Basic edition.

It would be advisable to look for 80 GB drive as the minimum. If you feel you need more space or the extra space doesn't cost more, get the upgrade. As for performance, 7200 rpm (revolutions per minute) drives are the best choice currently. If you really want performance, look for drives with 8MB or 16MB of cache.

The Lenovo 3000 H models carry a retail price (exclusive of taxes) of Rs 29,490 to Rs 39,990 based on the configuration chosen, with the Lenovo Power Rangers series tagged at Rs 40,100.

The Lenovo 3000 H is positioned for the mainstream home segment. It comes with a High Bright 17-inch flat CRT with upgrade options of 15-inch TFT LCD and 17-inch TFT LCD.