While a few tweaks such as an in-built wireless receiver for keyboard/mouse and a video input so it could double as a monitor for your laptop would be nice, if you're looking for a cheap all-in-one PC, it's hard to ignore the Vostro 320 as an option.

Cheap

Wireless receiver isn't built-in for keyboard/mouse, Can't be used as an extra monitor, iMac offers better value proposition

The RS700-E6/RS4 1RU bare-bones server, features dual-socket Xeon 5500 series support and 12 DDR3 1066/1333 sockets for a maximum 96GB RAM. You'll need to bring your own components to fit these though, depending on your needs.

This is a well-built workstation with quad-core power to spare, although it could do with more storage options...

Choice of 45nm Xeon quad-core processors, Up to 12GB of DDR3 memory, Nvidia or ATI video cards

Limited storage options, Monitor not included

LG's external Blu-ray writer is huge, but does the job. We're still not in the age of Blu-ray though, and we wonder if we ever will be.

Comprehensive format support, Writes up to 6x on Blu-ray, Reasonably priced

The device is large, USB 2.0 interface, 6x Blu-ray media not available, Requires a power brick

LG's BE06 is a good drive for a reasonable price — we'd imagine the market for external Blu-ray writers is quite small, but if you have the need, check this one out.

For undemanding users who aren't into HD video, Asus' Eee Box B206 is worth a look; however, it's not powerful enough to take on other media-centre PCs.

Appealing design, Relatively low price

Poor performance, Can't play most high-definition video formats

The Asus Eee Box B206 falls between two stools — it's not powerful enough to take on other media-centre PCs and can't play back high-definition video as well as many of the cheaper media streamers on the market. That said, for undemanding users ...

The HP Z800 has the looks and the performance of a winner, and only a cataclysmic failure at the last minute will stop this having a huge impact on the industry. We look forward to reviewing the unit soon.

If you are in a processing/graphics-intensive role and your employer wants to increase your productivity, then start your purchase requisition for a Xenon Nitro Z5 Visual Workstation.

Perfectly suited for a role in graphics and processor intensive applications, Very sturdy chassis, Component and build quality is impeccable

Two of the memory slots are obstructed by the hefty, but necessary, CPU heatsink and fan assemblies, Similarly two of the PCI slots are blocked by the bulky video card

A high performance workstation at a relatively attractive price

Apple's new eight-core Mac Pro demonstrates marked improvements over the older model in high-intensity digital media and multitasking scenarios.

Best-in-class desktop design, Interior makes upgrades and parts replacement simple, Strong performance on HD video and 3D rendering thanks to new Intel CPU and faster RAM

Relatively slow performance on programs such as Photoshop that rely on single-core CPU speed, We wish it had eSATA instead of FireWire 800 for external hard-drive connections

Apple's new eight-core Mac Pro demonstrates marked improvements over the older model in high-intensity digital media and multitasking scenarios. We also love the design tweaks that improve on Apple's already industry-leading sensibilities. Any Apple ...

Size has stayed tiny, despite hardware upgrade, Nvidia chipset offers better 3D and video decoding

No Blu-ray, No HDMI out - Apple TV is still a stand-alone product, RAM upgrades overpriced

Apple's newest Mac Mini is set to be a hit, being both small and powerful. We suspect that if Apple had managed to squeeze Blu-ray support in there, it would take a large chunk of the home theatre pc market.

Apple made a number of changes to the 24-inch iMac, but making it available at this price is the most impressive. The rest of the updates are welcome, and Apple's multitasking capability remains unmatched.

One of, if not the, most affordable 24-inch all-in-one PCs, Twice as much hard-drive space as older models, Fast Nvidia graphics chip makes the iMac a capable gaming system, Best-in-class multitasking performance, iLife digital media suite comes ...

Fewer interesting hardware features compared with recent Windows-based all-in-ones

Apple made a number of changes to the 24-inch iMac, but making it available at this price is the most impressive. The rest of the updates are welcome, and Apple's multitasking capability remains unmatched. Provided you like your all-in-ones best as ...