NEC PowerMate i-Select XL3 A1400

Actually, yes. As there are no FireWire connections on the system, you can't start editing digital video, but that's about it. All the other expected sockets are present and accounted for, including a V.90 modem, a 10/100BaseTX Ethernet adaptor and three USB ports, one of which is handily front-mounted.

Compared to some of the systems in last month's Labs - particularly its NEC stablemate - this isn't the ultimate PC. What it is, however, is the ultimate PC for sensible people. Speakers aside, it's an amazing bit of kit and you get a three-year on-site warranty covering parts and labour too. You could happily chuck £1,899 plus £35 for delivery in NEC's direction and be very, very pleased with what you get in return.

Author: Stuart Andrews