Cybermaxx P4

This system from Cybermaxx doesn't look particularly impressive, but it packs a powerful punch. Inside the cheap-looking brushed metal and plastic finish is a 3.6GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor with 512Mb of memory.

The processor is one of the faster ones available and, not surprisingly, the system did extremely well in tests. Performance from the PCI-Express-based 128Mb ATI X300SE graphics card was less impressive, but the powerful processor is quite capable of picking up the slack.

Alongside the graphics card is a combined modem and TV and radio tuner. Because of their size, though, they block the two remaining PCI slots on the motherboard. That said, this PC is so well equipped, most home users are unlikely to upgrade for a while.

On the front of the case is a recordable DVD drive (which will write all DVD formats except DVD-RAM, as well as CD-R/RW), a normal DVD drive and a floppy disk drive.

The 200Gb hard disk should be more than enough for most, and because it uses the Serial ATA connection data can be transferred faster than standard disks. There is also one Serial ATA drive bay free. The internal cabling, while a little untidy, is well organised, making it easy to fix or fit components.

The front panel slides down to reveal an array of readers for all types of memory cards, plus all the media input sockets you are ever likely to need including S-Video. But if you do run out, there are more at the back of the case.

The P4 comes with a Benq 17in TFT monitor, a remote control and wireless keyboard and mouse, as well as Windows XP Home, Works Suite 2004, RalliSport Challenge, home cinema software, and Nero 6 for DVD/CD burning.

It's a comprehensive PC with plenty of software, but you will have to get down to a Toys 'R' Us store to pick one up.

Contact:
Toys 'R' Us 0800 0388 889
www.toysrus.co.uk

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