Mesh Matrix 3000+MX TFT review

The 3000+MX TFT may not be the most aesthetically pleasing PC on test, but for sheer value it's hard to beat. Evesham's new case may win fans, but Mesh's bundle just pips the Axis to the winner's post.
It isn't the difference in CPU speed, as hinted in the naming structures, that helps Mesh pull ahead. Both machines are more than powerful enough to cope with the latest applications, but Mesh's Radeon 9800 gives a significant 3D advantage over Evesham's Radeon 9600.
The usual 512MB of PC3200 memory is installed into an Asus A7N8X Deluxe Revision 2 motherboard. This has dual Ethernet ports as well as Serial ATA RAID, both of which are missing from the Axis 2600+. The two systems feature identical 120GB Maxtor hard disks and Sony multiformat DVD re-writers. Only the choice of the second optical drive differs, with Mesh preferring a DVD-ROM over Evesham's fast CD-RW.
Audio subsystems are also inseparable. Integrated nForce six-channel sound is fed to a set of Creative Inspire 5.1 5300s, providing a reasonable soundstage for DVDs and music. However, the road forks where TFTs are concerned, with Mesh favouring an analog Sharp and Evesham opting for a digital Philips display. Despite the lack of a DVI input, the LL-T17A3-B delivers a crisp, bright image that's only marred by poor vertical viewing angles. Thankfully, it doesn't suffer from any noticeable lag and also benefits from integrated stereo speakers.
The black Logitech keyboard and mouse supplied by Mesh are comfortable to use and - although not wireless - will never give you connection problems or require new batteries.
Keen upgraders should note that the Mesh has only a single two-thirds-depth 5.25in bay spare, while Evesham leaves two full-depth bays empty. Cabling isn't as neat as we're used to from Mesh either, but the easy-to-maintain case with a lockable side panel and reasonably quiet running are still highlights.
Three years of on-site warranty matches other machines, but it's the extras that finally tip the balance. Mesh's inclusion of a joystick and gamepad is thoughtful, but the real bonus is Microsoft Works Suite 2003, which comprises Word 2002, Money 2003, Works 7 and three other useful programs. This, along with the great balance between features and performance, earns Mesh the Labs Winner award.