Computers
General-Purpose PC
The 4600 line continues Dell's tradition of building strong-performing systems that can be configured to your liking. Dell's range of processors, optical drives, sound systems, and other components let you get a basic or decked-out PC for a reasonable price. $749 to $1500
Performance PC
Alienware Aurora Extreme FX 53
You want fast? The AMD Athlon 64 FX-53-based Aurora Extreme obliterated the competition in our tests, notching the fastest-ever PC WorldBench 4 score of 150. Though pricey, our test system (with CRT monitor and speakers) costs less than similar PCs from fellow elite builders Voodoo PC and Falcon Northwest. $4619
Specialty PC
A model of elegant design, the Hush ATX is the first PC to combine good performance and quiet operation. Using today's mainstream processors (we tested a 2.8-GHz Intel Pentium 4-based unit), the Hush ATX uses a unique heat pipe system to dissipate heat through its aluminum-finned case, eliminating the need for noisy fans. Available in business or media-savvy configurations, the Hush ATX should be welcome anywhere silence is golden. $2264
Desktop Replacement Notebook
Toshiba's Satellite P25 tips the scales at over 10 pounds, but its large frame holds lots of features. It blends entertainment (with a beautiful 17-inch wide-screen LCD, fantastic sound, and Windows XP Media Center), speed (courtesy of a 3.2-GHz Pentium 4), and flexibility (with 80GB of storage and a DVD burner that supports all DVD formats). This powerful configuration makes the P25 the ideal desktop replacement. $2599
Ultraportable Notebook
With the ThinkPad X40, IBM has perfected the ultraportable. Not only is it extremely thin--barely an inch top to bottom when closed--but it weighs a mere 2.8 pounds. Despite its small size, the X40 has a comfortable keyboard and a bright, sharp 12.1-inch screen. Powered by a low-voltage 1-GHz Pentium M processor, the X40 turns in sprightly performance to boot. $2024
Tablet PC
A notebook with a twist (that is, the screen twists and folds flat onto the keyboard), the Portégé M200 series lets you use a digitizing pen to jot down notes at meetings, or you can type on it as if it were a traditional notebook. Microsoft's OneNote software is included, for keeping your scribbled notes organized. $2199
