Rock Meivo

The back of the system is fairly sparse. Three more USB ports plus an e-SATA port complete the Meivo's external connectors, while S-Video and composite video-in ports make it possible to connect external video sources to the system. Otherwise, the back is bare - there's no way, for instance, of connecting the Meivo to a high-definition TV via HDMI.

Rock's decision to leap into the dangerous waters of the media centre PC is certainly a brave one, and the system design, although not terribly original, is daring for a first effort. The Meivo will only be practical in a certain number of places in the average house - a 22in screen might seem huge on a desktop, but it won't be enough in a big living room. But if the price remains under £1,000 when the system goes on sale at the end of April, it will make the Meivo more than a match for similar-looking systems from the likes of Sony, and even Apple's iMac.

There will only be a certain number of people willing to spend so much money on a system that will only be practical in a bedroom, kitchen or study. But the design works, the chassis is excellent and the Meivo will be tempting for anyone looking to lend a small room a touch of luxury.

Author: Dave Stevenson