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Desktop digest: 13 things you need to know to buy the perfect desktop

Despite the laptop gaining strength as the PC du jour in recent times, the desktop still has a place in the home. Here are our top 25 things to consider before buying or building your own desktop.

Windows 7 means new laptops

While most vendors are simply installing Windows 7 across their existing range, a number of new laptops will be available for purchase now that Microsoft's new operating system has hit the market.

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Reviews

  • Asus N10 (Intel Atom N270 Processor 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM)

    You'll pay a bit more for the privilege, but the Asus N10 is unique because of its discrete, switchable graphics and extra ports.

  • Dell Inspiron 13

    The Dell Inspiron 13 is great for those hampered by a tight budget, but who still want a competent and power-efficient thin-and-light notebook with a decent design.

  • Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.8GHz)

    A slight bump to the specifications for the same price, the option to upgrade the graphics means the 24-inch iMac keeps the Editors' Choice it earned last year.

  • Microsoft Windows Vista SP1

    Microsoft pushes its first service pack for Vista out the door. Is it a salvation, a non-event or a flop?

  • Canon Pixma MX700

    The Canon Pixma MX700 is a great choice for small offices with a wide variety of print tasks. This inkjet multifunction beats out the competition with a winning combination of features and performance.

  • Apple Mac Mini (2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo)

    The Mac Mini remains unique as the smallest mainstream desktop, but competition from Dell and HP has narrowed the gap in features while also offering room for expansion, and at a better price.

  • Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.4GHz)

    With its super-elegant new design and a strong configuration, Apple's new iMac competes with the PC desktop market better than perhaps any previous Mac to date.

  • Apple MacBook (White, 2.16GHz)

    The latest MacBook looks identical to the old model but benefits from faster components. As a result, it's even better value for money.

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Features

  • Apple Mac OS X on x86: a first test

    Steve Jobs might not approve, but Apple's latest operating system can be installed on any x86 hardware. How well does it function? Read our preliminary labs test to find out.

  • CNET Labs' Dream PC

    We started with a custom-painted case, then sought out the most powerful PC components we could find to make our desktop dream a reality.

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DIYs and How-to

  • DIY: Desktop buying guide

    What you need to know -- from finding the type of PC that fits your lifestyle to catching up on all of the latest trends.

  • Handhelds buying guide

    Choosing the right handheld is all about finding the perfect balance of size, weight, performance, features, and cost.

  • Planning makes perfect -- know your PC components

    Your new PC will only be as good as the sum of its parts. Here's a quick guide to the main PC components you'll find available in 2006, so you can match your performance requirements and budget realities.

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The Explain Series