To replace the old dinosaur-esque desktops of the yesteryears, here are the 10 sleek, powerful, gen-next desktops.
Apple iMac 27 inch
Both a potent multimedia machine and a work of art, there’s simply no other desktop computer that comes close to matching the iMac’s minimalist, all-in-one aluminium design. And now, with uprated Core i-series processors, RAM and ATI graphics, it’s more powerful than ever. The superior IPS screen remains, and the mid-range model offers good value for money. Mainstream desktops have the edge with tech – criminally, there’s still no Blu-ray or multitouch screen option – but the iMac is exceptionally fast and uniquely well crafted. Load Steam on it and it’s pretty handy at games, too.
The first major redesign for the Mac mini is smaller but more powerful than ever. The new look is a squashed interpretation of the old one, and the price is high, but remains a great option, and brings the awesome functionality of the Mac in a cute little package.
Price: Rs 44,900
Apple has always had the edge over PCs in looks and design, and with the Pro it has the performance to back it up. Put simply, although it doesn’t come cheap, this is one of the most powerful desktop systems you can buy.
Price: Rs 1,63,440
Price: Rs 1,63,440
With looks that would put your average UFO to shame and performance to match, the Alienware Aurora is one mean machine. Built for 3D and HD gaming and stacked with a powerful 4.1Ghz Intel Core i7 processor, you’re sure to see your video games come alive.
Price: Rs 1,03,100
With a reputation for churning out dull-as-dust office PCs, you might not expect Dell to bother with high-powered systems. However, the XPS has proven that Dell can do objects of desire and the 7100 sits at the top. Raw power and brilliance, but boring looks.
Price: Rs 57,600
The Inspiron is a lot of PC for a low price, with a bunch of options of how you want to load up the inside of the machine. The slim design means you decide whether you want it horizontally or vertically, and this makes for a classy mid-level home computer.
Price: Rs 25,300
India-based PC manufacturer Zenith has been around for years, and produces good machines for noticeably less than the competition, just like this Mac-lookalike that’s packed to the brim with features and hardware that not many can provide at the price.
Price: Rs 42,500
Price: Rs 1,03,100
Dell Studio XPS 7100
With a reputation for churning out dull-as-dust office PCs, you might not expect Dell to bother with high-powered systems. However, the XPS has proven that Dell can do objects of desire and the 7100 sits at the top. Raw power and brilliance, but boring looks.
Price: Rs 57,600
Dell Inspiron 560s
The Inspiron is a lot of PC for a low price, with a bunch of options of how you want to load up the inside of the machine. The slim design means you decide whether you want it horizontally or vertically, and this makes for a classy mid-level home computer.
Price: Rs 25,300
Zenith Smartstyle H55
India-based PC manufacturer Zenith has been around for years, and produces good machines for noticeably less than the competition, just like this Mac-lookalike that’s packed to the brim with features and hardware that not many can provide at the price.
Price: Rs 42,500
Lenovo IdeaCentre C200
The IdeaCentre C200 doesn’t exactly classify as a powerful desktop, but at this low price, you’re getting more than you expected from similarly priced machines. A simple Atom processor and 18.5 inch screen means this makes a perfect second-room machine.
Price: Rs 23,700
HP deserves high fives for trying to inject some originality into the uninspiring desktop market. The Touchsmart’s touchscreen struggles to rise above novelty status, but anyone who likes their PCs stylish and media savvy will find it’s a strong contender.
Price: 82,000
If you want power in a small footprint, this is the way to get it. The Zino packs potent dual-, triple- or quad-core AMD processors, up to 1 TB of storage and optional Blu-ray, all into a colourful little brick. If it weren’t a mite plasticky and noisy, it’d be near the top.
Price: Rs 29,100
Price: Rs 23,700
HP Touchsmart 600
HP deserves high fives for trying to inject some originality into the uninspiring desktop market. The Touchsmart’s touchscreen struggles to rise above novelty status, but anyone who likes their PCs stylish and media savvy will find it’s a strong contender.
Price: 82,000
Dell Inspiron Zino HD
If you want power in a small footprint, this is the way to get it. The Zino packs potent dual-, triple- or quad-core AMD processors, up to 1 TB of storage and optional Blu-ray, all into a colourful little brick. If it weren’t a mite plasticky and noisy, it’d be near the top.
Price: Rs 29,100
