IBM NetVista A60i 6832-22U

WHAT'S HOT: As configured, this black NetVista minitower offers graphics pros the advantage of a top-notch graphics card. The ATI Radeon All-In-Wonder, a consistent top scorer on our Top 10 Graphics Boards chart, features an on-board TV-tuner, along with ports for S-video-in and -out, so users can capture and export analog video. To help capture, edit, and export video, IBM includes an IEEE 1394 card, a 12X/8X/32X CD-RW drive, and two helpful software titles, PictureIt Publishing 2001 (a low-end image editor) and NetObjects Fusion 5.0 (a SOHO-level HTML editor).

On our 3D games, the NetVista A60i produced smooth game textures and above-average frame rates. IBM's G96 monitor displayed attractive colors and sharp text at resolutions up to 1152 by 864 pixels; DVD playback on our test movie yielded lifelike skin tones.

WHAT'S NOT: This $2626 system's PC WorldBench 2000 score of 150 was seven points lower than the mark posted by a P4-1300 we tested with only 128MB of RAM--and 18 points lower than a typical 1.2-GHz Athlon machine with 128MB of RAM. The IBM NetVista A60I's most limiting feature, though, is its lack of expandability: No PCI slots or drive bays are open.

WHAT ELSE: IBM's 345W speakers sounded somewhat muffled, but the subwoofer resonated with strong, heavy bass. Though IBM's multimedia keyboard felt flimsy, it sports a wrist rest, audio controls, and several programmable keys for Internet- and PC-related functions. Meanwhile, IBM's mouse had a nice springy feel that made mousing a cinch. The interior of theNetVista's minitower case is easy to access by removing three screws. IBM provides a printed quick-reference guide that documents troubleshooting and upgrades, as well as including a manual for the monitor; more extensive documentation is online. IBM's warranty extends for three years, but free tech support ends when the warranty does.

BEST USE: Beginners at digital video may be attracted to this package of video hardware and software, but the price is pretty steep for a basic setup, and performance is mediocre. SOHO users would do better to choose a less loaded PC that runs business applications faster.

SUMMARY

IBM NetVista A60i 6832-22U PC WorldBench 2000 score of 150, Pentium 4-1300 CPU, 256MB of RDRAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows Millennium Edition, 40GB hard drive, 16X DVD-ROM drive, 12X/8X/32X CD-RW drive, ATI Radeon All-In-Wonder graphics card with 32MB of DDR SDRAM, 19-inch IBM G96 monitor, Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live Value sound card, IBM 345W speakers, V.90 modem, minitower case, Microsoft Works Suite 2001, NetObjects Fusion 5.0. Three-year parts and labor warranty; unlimited 24-hour toll-free tech support for three years. $2626 888/746-7426 www.ibm.com/products