Review: Shuttle XPC SG31G2 desktop computer

A small and desirable PC with plenty of power for most tasks

Shuttle specialises in small PCs, but even so, the SG31G2 is one of its smaller designs, standing just 18.5cm tall and 20cm wide.

The size is achieved by only including space for one DVD writer, rather than two, and by having space for a single-width graphics card, ruling out high-powered double-width cards (but since these are only used by high-end gamers, it's no great loss).

The silver-plastic DVD writer is the only thing that stands out from an otherwise attractive, all-aluminium case. The front face has a striking selection of buttons, some of which glow blue, and two easy-to-access USB ports and a Firewire connection. On the rear side of the rectangular cube there’s a larger Firewire socket, which carries power, needed by some external hard disks and camcorders, and a further four USB ports.

Audio connections (stereo and surround) are provided front and back respectively, as well as DVI and VGA outputs (so you can stretch your desktop across two screens).

A Core 2 Duo E4400 processor provides the brains of the PC. It’s one of Intel’s slowest dual-core chips, but at 2GHz its speed is more than enough for internet and office tasks as well as processing home videos, photos and music.

The 1GB of memory, however, is less than impressive, because the supplied Windows Vista really needs more, and the 160GB hard disk is stingy compared with most desktop computers.

Vista Business comes installed, which is a better choice than Vista Basic because it includes the fancy 3D display, but it’s less desirable than Vista Home Premium, as it lacks the Media Center software for easily browsing your music and photos.

There is no graphics card - the computer relies on a built-in chip, which is capable of running a few older games, but newer games won’t run at anything other than the lowest quality settings. This chip, combined with the run-of-the-mill Intel processor, means the SG31G2 isn’t suited to high-defini tion video playback.

Upgrading the processor or graphics card could prove difficult because the power supply is capable of only 250 watts, which usually isn’t enough to power faster components. Other than that, the power supply is fit for purpose, always remaining quiet and cool and, combined with the SG31G2’s compact size, makes it ideal to go into a living room or bedroom.

While some Shuttle PCs come with a remote control, making it easy to flick through photos from a sofa, the SG31G2 doesn’t, relying instead on a cheap mouse and keyboard - both of which are wired. You’ll have to add your own monitor too, which may push up the price if you don’t already have one, but otherwise this is a capable computer for a home office or study.

Vista compatible: Yes