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Review: Top 15 home PCs

From...


Dell's Dimension 8100 has the new Intel Pentium 4 processor and cost $3149

by the PC World staff

(IDG) -- New Pentium 4 systems from Gateway and IBM grab slots on our power chart, despite the fact that PCs using the 1.2-GHz Athlon processor -- and even some with 1-GHz Athlons -- turned in better PC WorldBench 2000 scores. All other performance features being equal, buyers of the new P4 will pay a large premium over existing Athlons and Pentium IIIs -- for little (if any) speed gain.

To be fair, though, the power chart's new Gateway Performance 1500 and IBM NetVista A60i displayed some of the highest frame rates we've seen in our gaming tests. And both PCs bundle TV tuners and top-notch graphics cards with their systems, as well as plenty of storage options to satisfy home enthusiasts.

In the midrange section, three new Athlon-based machines displace older contenders. Of these, the $1999 Micron Millennia Max XP turned in the highest PC WorldBench 2000 score we've seen yet from a Windows Me system. However, it was still bested by the Dell Dimension 4100 PIII-933, whose superior graphics performance and exceptional reliability and service ratings keep it at the top of the midrange category.

The budget chart features a new value-laden unit, too -- the Tiny Value 900A. For $999, this 900-MHz Athlon system comes with a dedicated graphics card that helps it outperform most other PCs in this category. It also has excellent documentation that makes setup a breeze.

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Top 5 power PCs for the home

Dell Dimension 8100: If you're willing to pay the price, this is a great multimedia and gaming system. Naturally, it can easily handle all other home or home-office duties as well.
Gateway Select 1200: The Gateway Select 1200 will satisfy any demanding home or home-office user. Anyone who frequently adds and removes drives and expansion cards will especially like the interior's new design.
Gateway Performance 1500: Though the Performance 1500 houses enough hardware to satisfy any home or home-office user, it's best suited to gamers and video enthusiasts who will take advantage of the high-quality graphics performance.
IBM NetVista A60i 6848-40U: The NetVista A60i makes a great home-office or home-entertainment package, suitable for both heavy work and heavy gaming. But if you shop by price, look elsewhere.
HP Pavilion 9720: The Pavilion 9720 is a great family or home office system for just about anyone -- even serious power users. But its inviting design will also appeal to technophobes.

Top 5 midrange PCs for the home

Dell Dimension 4100 PIII-933: This Dimension 4100 is a fast, rugged home-office machine; upgrade the sound system, and it could pinch-hit as a respectable gaming or entertainment machine.
Tiny Computers T-Bird 1000: The Tiny T-Bird 1000 is great for first-time buyers or casual users looking for a good deal and lots of extras. The system has the speed to handle demanding applications like big spreadsheets or games, but serious home-office users may find the entry-level printer and scanner a bit too low-end for their needs.
Micron Millennia Max XP: This PC is a first-class choice for any power user who's put off by the high price of Pentium 4 systems. It has the speed to satisfy the most demanding home-office users and gamers. But upgrade to a better printer.
ABS Multimedia System 2: The Multimedia System 2 has the speed required to handle any home or home-office task, and it offers plenty of room, if you're concerned about future upgrades.
IBM NetVista A40i 2284-55U: Anyone attracted to the IBM logo and willing to pay more for a reliable, well-built PC with plenty of power should consider the NetVista A40i.

Top 5 budget PCs for the home

Dell Dimension L866r: Not the best choice if you're looking for a stunning game machine, but a solid, reasonably-priced workhorse for home-office computing.
Tiny Computers Value 900A: A solid budget choice for the home or home-office user unwilling to compromise on performance.
NuTrend Athlon Force2: The Athlon Force 2 is a tempting bargain for home or home-office buyers who crave power and performance. But serious gamers should upgrade to a better graphics card.
Polywell Poly 700KD: This fast, inexpensive system should appeal to PC-savvy home office users. Adding a faster graphics card would also make it a worthwhile investment for gamers on a budget.
IBM NetVista A20i 2276-10U: This is a good choice for the family or home office user seeking an affordable second PC for Internet access or other basic tasks. Serious office users will want a better keyboard.