Mesh Elite Pulse HD

This graphical performance is matched by a speedy processor. It may not match the quad-core parts used by rival machines - the previous A List champion used the Core 2 Quad Q6600 - but a solid benchmark score of 1.32 indicates that the 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo E8200 is able to pass the most gruelling of tests.

The rest of the Elite Pulse HD is similarly well-specified. 2GB of DDR2 RAM is plenty for Vista, and the 500GB hard disk will allow for storage of a vast media collection. The only downsides are minor: the standard Logitech keyboard and mouse feel cheap and plasticky, and the S220 2.1 speakers don't make the most of the system's 5.1 outputs.

These are minor quibbles, though, in an otherwise brilliantly-specified system. The Blu-ray drive is the standout component, but it's not the only positive. Factor in the competent processor, brand new graphics and a monitor large enough for full-HD movie playback and you've got the best sub-£1,000 PC we've seen for months - and one that we have no hesitation in placing on the A List.

Author: Mike Jennings