eSys ePC 415007UK

Although it's true that PCs are cheaper than they have ever been, it's still a shock to see a PC priced at less than £300. This eSys ePC, which is being sold through Asda, comes in at a shade under £280, and includes almost everything needed to get started, with one exception: a monitor.

As might be expected from a £280 computer, the components are not exactly top-of-the-range. It comes with an Intel Celeron D 320 processor, which runs at 2.4GHz. This may not sound slow, but the Celeron processor is not as powerful as a Pentium 4 running at the same speed.

The main problem as far as power is concerned is the memory. The computer comes with 256Mb, of which 64Mb is required by the on-board graphics. This leaves just 192Mb for the rest of the system, and where Windows XP is concerned this is just not enough for many tasks.

The PC is capable of running the supplied Works software, or Microsoft Office, and for general web use and emailing, it's also fine. But anything more strenuous is likely to put quite a strain on it.

Likewise, the graphics and sound, both onboard chips rather than expansion PCI cards, are capable for general tasks but will not cope with recent 3D games, or much video editing.

The 40Gb hard disk seems small compared with the 120Gb models regularly found in other PCs, but is more than enough for this sort of computer. It will provide room for Windows, several applications and thousands of pictures and music files.

There is room in the case for another hard disk or optical drive, and there are two free PCI expansion slots, as well as an AGP graphics card slot. However, these are older standards, as is the IDE used for the hard disks, so it could be increasingly hard to find compatible hardware in future.

There is also a combined DVD-ROM and CD-RW drive. In addition to Windows XP Home and Microsoft Works, the computer comes with the Nero disc-writing software and PowerDVD film playback program.

The setup poster is simple to follow, and it comes with restore discs for Windows, and the program CDs for the aforementioned software, as well as a one-year on-site warranty. The included keyboard is reasonable and the mouse is fine, although it is an old fashioned ball mouse rather than an optical model. The two small speakers are also tinny.

The lack of a monitor is a big drawback, however. Although 17in CRT monitors can be found for as little as £50 and flat screens for £130, the fact is that for little more than the price of the combined setup it's possible to pick up a complete Pentium 4-based computer from Dell that is capable of far more power.

That said, anyone looking for the absolute cheapest internet-capable PC around, this is a decent contender. Unfortunately, availability is not guaranteed in Asda stores, although eSys says the PC will soon be available at Dabs.com.