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Which PC Do You Need?

One computer doesn't fit all. We look at systems for the office, the home, and the road to help you find the right machine.

Roy Santos

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Photograph: Marc Simon
In a world filled with so many different types of PCs, is it possible to find one that fits you to a T? When it comes time to replace your home or office PC, you could opt for a big tower, a little shoe box-size unit, or a hefty desktop-replacement notebook, to mention a few possibilities. With so much variety, how do you decide which PC is appropriate for you?

We examined and lab-tested several types of computers to find out what you can and can't do with them, and to learn what trade-offs you make when you choose one over another. We scrutinized four categories: big tower PCs; small systems, including all-in-ones (units that integrate case and monitor); wide-screen desktop-replacement notebooks; and beige boxes. Using test systems in each category, we compared size, performance, upgrade potential, overall design, and price. We discovered that no matter what your quirk, there is probably a PC--whether huge or tiny, portable or nearly immobile, fully equipped or basically stripped--waiting out there for you.

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