Product Reviews

Unlike laptops, desktop PCs can't be stowed away when you've finished with them. So unless you like to show off your shiny metal monolith, it's good to find one that's unobtrusive. The Zoostorm 4-2353 does a fair job of keeping a low profile, its smallish midi-tower case looking clean and crisp in glossy black plastic and brushed metal. It's not perfect: the buttons at the front, one of which opens the dual-layer DVD writer, are flexible tabs of plastic that give no click to indicate when you've pressed them; the flap covering the multi-format memory card reader is positively flimsy; and the keyboard is Microsoft's Basic wired model, serviceable but uninspiring. Overall, though, you could do a lot worse with a PC that costs under 500 quid.

The AMW X1910WDS 19 inch widescreen monitor continues the positive first impressions. Its screen is matt, rather than the contrast-enhancing glossy type currently found on flashier models, but that means you avoid distracting reflections. It's brightly and evenly lit, with wide viewing angles, so colours still look true even when you're not looking at it straight-on - handy if users of different heights will be sharing, or several people want to watch a video. At first, the image looked slightly hazy, with a granular texture. Swapping the supplied D-Sub cable for a digital DVI cable fixed this immediately - worth bearing in mind.

Intel's recently introduced Core 2 Duo E6550 processor provides a solid basis for everyday performance, and it's

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served by a sensible 2GB of RAM. The 250GB hard disk isn't huge, but big enough for most people, at least until you add a TV tuner and start archiving all your favourite shows. It's a sound enough overall spec for a budget PC, as was borne out by an impressive score of 186% in our general (2D) benchmark test.

Where the Zoostorm came unstuck was in our demanding 3D gaming test, which uses Call Of Duty 2. It did complete the test, which is more than some budget PCs have done, but scored just 34%, representing ten frames per second. To actually play the game, or other current titles, you'd need to turn down the video settings and miss out on the best of the visual effects, and even then the Zoostorm might struggle. But the 256MB GeForce 8500GT graphics card is fine for non-gaming purposes, and you could upgrade it later.

Sensible compromise

In reality, most buyers won't find themselves endlessly filled with the desire to stuff their PC with the latest hi-tech wizardry the moment it hits the shelves. But it's good to have the option, because adding a new graphics card, more memory or a bigger hard disk will help stave off the day when your PC finds itself in the recycling bin. That's one reason to choose a desktop rather than a laptop.

The Zoostorm offers a sensible compromise, giving you a good set of core components that won't run out of steam too soon, while providing scope to add bits later. Two slots are free for extra RAM, catering for 4GB. With two PCI and one PCI-Express card slots free, there's room for add-ins like a fancy sound card or whatever must-have interface emerges in the next couple of years, and there are free drive bays to supplement the modest storage. No speakers are included, which leaves you to choose your own or use an existing set, a better option than wasting a few pounds on a tinny little set for the sake of appearances.

With 2D performance that's more than sufficient for most purposes, the Zoostorm gives you all the basics you need, and none of the frills you don't, for a very reasonable price.