Evesham E-scape Li

Both the OS and the E-scape Li itself are geared towards the 'value' consumer, with bridge programs to help fill the divide between Microsoft apps and the brave new world of Linux. Applications to view, copy and print Word, Excel and PowerPoint files are included, and StarOffice via Click-N-Run does a decent enough job of providing a Microsoft Office-like, general-purpose software suite.

With its lack of floppy drive and small footprint, the E-scape Li looks destined to become a value-for-money network box - most likely with Windows XP, with which we benchmarked the E-scape. After all, if LindowsOS doesn't appeal, you can easily install XP, and Evesham will even supply it for an extra £60. You can't complain at £249 inc VAT, though, and in spite of its limited upgrade potential and unproven operating system the Evesham E-scape Li offers all the bare essentials. If this is what you're after, you won't find it much cheaper in the UK.

Author: Davey Winder