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The 2.4GHz Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor is generously paired with 3GB of RAM. It stormed through our benchmarks, especially our video encoding test, so it should be able to handle demanding tasks with ease for some to come. Not all programs will be able to take advantage of the extra cores though, so the iMedia won't necessarily be significantly faster than a dual-core PC. The spacious 320GB hard disk is generous at this price and should be able to hold a sizeable collection of photos, videos and music.

Unsurprisingly, the iMedia can't play the latest 3D games at high resolutions since it relies on an integrated Nvidia GeForce 7050 graphics

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chip. Less demanding titles may run fine though. Fortunately, there's a PCI Express x16 slot so you could add a faster graphics card. The lack of any mounting points for case fans means a powerful card could overheat, though. Plus, the weedy 250W power supply could have trouble powering some of the latest graphics cards.

Other corners have been cut to keep the iMedia's price down. The mouse uses an antiquated and inaccurate ball mechanism and the keyboard's spongy feedback simply isn't as comfortable as others we've used. There's only one spare optical drive bay and one empty internal hard disk bay, so you'll have to choose your internal storage upgrades carefully. Finally, as is obvious from the photo, no monitor is included.

The iMedia's quad-core processor and low price may seem like a bargain, but it's only worth considering if you regularly use applications that will take advantage of the four cores. Even then, PC Nextday's Core 2 Quad Q6600 Advanced PC (see What's New, Shopper 244) is better value. It costs £30 more but has the same processor, comes with a 19in monitor and its case is better designed for expansion.

If you still want to buy the iMedia 2414, it's available exclusively from PC World stores.