Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.8GHz)

The good: A minor specification update results in some significant performance gains; graphics upgrade an option on this 24-inch model; sleek, polished design didn't receive an update, but we won't start clamoring for a new design until the current one is at least 12 months old.

The bad: Free phone support runs out after 90 days.

The bottom line: A slight bump to the specifications for the same price in addition to a much appreciated option to upgrade the graphics means the 24-inch iMac keeps the Editors' Choice it earned last year when the brushed-aluminum-and-glass design was first introduced.

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Description: The Apple iMAC (24-inch, 2.8GHz) is a Core 2 Duo-based, high-end personal computer. Compared to other high-end desktops on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,795. This desktop also comes with a 24-inch flat panel display that supports 1920 x 1200 resolution. This PC comes with 2 GB RAM, and a 320GB hard disk.

Pros: Has an ATI Radeon HD 2600PRO graphics chip. Also, this desktop has a DVD? RW(? R DL) disc drive, which is more preferable than some similarly priced desktops. Also, this machine's Core 2 Duo based processor is burly enough to handle demanding applications, such as database and development software.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: A performance desktop, suited for image editing, digital video, and 3-D gaming, beyond basic computing tasks. Comes with a DVD writer, allowing you to convert home movies from your digital videocamera onto DVDs. You can compile mp3 CDs with this desktop’s CD writer.

Value: In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this desktop has great features for the money. Also, note that the purchase price also includes a 24-inch flat panel display. ( Click here to see current prices and the latest reviews.)

Suggestions: (1) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital camcorders and other equipment and rapidly upload data to the computer's hard drive. (2) If you plan to be playing the latest 3-D games, you may want to invest in a more powerful video card from NVidia or ATI, which are popular with the gaming community (requires an open AGP or PCIe slot).