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Best Computers

Computer Product of the Year

AMD Athlon XP: With the October 2001 launch of Athlon XP, a revved-up version of its original Athlon processor, AMD has once again offered PC buyers a powerful, economical alternative to Intel's Pentium franchise.

Athlon XP-based systems have proved the chip's mettle in PC World's PC World Bench 4 tests, consistently outperforming Pentium 4-based PCs that run at higher clock speeds. And despite Intel's aggressive price cuts on P4, systems based on Athlon XP continue to sell for less.

The Athlon XP builds on the success of its predecessors via some notable architectural improvements. By ratcheting down the chip's power requirements, AMD cleared the way for speed increases to boost performance. And the chip's new 3DNow Professional instruction set means better performance in optimized applications and compatibility with Intel's SSE multimedia and 3D instructions.

Despite significant improvements and strong reviews, Athlon XP's ride hasn't been entirely smooth. You can't buy Athlon systems from top vendors like Dell and Gateway, and AMD's use of "performance ratings" (benchmark numbers that suggest performance in comparison to nonexistent versions of the older Athlon) rankles some critics, who oppose labeling a 1.53-GHz chip as an 1800+.

That said, AMD plans to introduce even faster chips. By the time you read this, AMD expects to be shipping a new Athlon XP processor based on a .13-micron manufacturing process (current chips are based on a .18-micron process).

The new process will lead to smaller CPUs, speeding performance inside the chip and further reducing power consumption to permit even higher clock speeds. And Intel, too, will roll out more-potent chips. But for now, the Athlon XP delivers today's most compelling blend of value and performance.

Best Small-Business PC, Best Home PC

Dell Dimension 8200: Dell's bread-and-butter Dimension lines are still among the best PCs around. Members of the 8200 series feature easy-open cases and enough processor and equipment options to let you assemble anything from a sub-$1000 budget machine to a powerful multimedia workhorse. Sure, you can find cheaper PCs, but the Dimensions' record of consistently placing near the zenith of our Top 15 Office and Home PC charts is unmatched. Throw Dell's first-rate service and support into the equation, and you've got yourself a winner.

Best Ultralight Notebook

Fujitsu LifeBook: P-2000 The 1.6-inch-thick, 2.8-pound Fujitsu LifeBook P-2000 costs between $1499 and $1799 and packs a wealth of features, making it our pick for the best ultralight notebook. It has an IEEE 1394 port, an S-Video port, and a modular bay that can accommodate a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combination drive. Extra-long battery life (3.5 hours on one charge), helped by a power-saving Transmeta Crusoe processor, should easily satisfy any business traveler who needs to get work done on the go. An easy-to-use keyboard and a bright 10.6-inch screen also help make this slim, silver marvel tantalizing even for die-hard desktop users.

Best PDA

Sony Clié PNG PEG-NR70V: Packing a keyboard, a big and vibrant screen, an MP3 player, and a digital camera into a package the size of a conventional palmtop, the Clié PNG PEG-NR70V is the best new PDA we've seen this year. The screen is particularly impressive: It's bright and readable in all lighting conditions, and it flips over and twists like a camcorder screen. At $599 this cutting-edge device is the most expensive Palm-based PDA we've seen. But you get plenty of features for your money--and it looks damn cool.

Best Corporate PC

Dell OptiPlex GX240: Dell's OpenManage software and compact, tool-less cases yield an attractive package for business buyers. Solid reliability and service ratings don't hurt either.

Best Notebook

IBM ThinkPad A31P: This stellar notebook line includes options for everything from wireless networking to speedy Mobile Pentium 4 processors and Radeon 7800 graphics chips.