Multivision Vision NF 4400

We get a great many powerful PCs to look at and the Vision NF 4400 from Multivision is one among many. With an AMD Athlon XP 2000 and 512Mb of DDR memory, the impressive performance expected is part of the package.

A 60Gb hard disk means that storage isn't a worry and, even if it should be in the future, the 32-speed CD-RW drive can store 640Mb of data on a CD-R disk in less than three minutes.

The DVD-Rom drive, an integrated 5.1 surround sound and Videologic speakers mean the Vision is also well set for a spot of movie watching.

The most interesting point of the specification is the GeForce 4 Ti graphics card. Regular readers have seen several GeForce 4 cards but this is the first Ti 4400 we have seen.

In graphics card hierarchy, this slots in above the MX and Ti 4200 cards but below the fire-breathing 4600. Combined with the impressive sound system, it helps make the Multivision a games machine to be proud of.

The graphics are viewed through a very nice Mitsubishi 740SB monitor. We'd rather see a really nice quality 17in monitor than an indifferent 19in display for the same price and, to that end, the flat-screen monitor is a joy to use.

With a 56K modem and a network controller installed, the Vision NF is ready for the internet. The normal selection of ports are all present with the biggest criticism being a lack of either FireWire or USB 2 ports. There are five vacant PCI slots so adding a card at a later date shouldn't be too tough.

The Logitech keyboard and mouse are unexciting fare but are pleasant enough. Windows XP Home is the operating system of choice here and Lotus SmartSuite is supplied to get the owner working as soon as their new PC is delivered.

Price: £1,199 (incl. VAT)

Contact: Multivision 0870 220 2822
www.multivision.com

Also consider: Advent 3974SP
Well specified and desirable. £1,449 ****.