The LX1000 from Philips, a PC World special offer, really is a multimedia computer. Not only is it good looking enough to put in the living room, it can connect to a television too. Good job, as it doesn't come with a monitor.

The idea with PCs that run the Media Center Edition of Windows - as this one does - is that all media is stored on the computer (or a networked hard disk) and can be accessed using one box. That means no CD player, no more DVD player, and so on.

The Philips LX1000 also includes a hybrid TV tuner – for both analogue and Freeview – so you can watch television through it too. It also comes with other bits of software, such as the Cyberlink suite for playing and making DVDs (something Windows Media Center can’t do on its own).

The processor is an AMD Turion 64 ML-34 which runs at 1.8GHz. It has 1GB of memory, although 64MB of this is used by the graphics card, which is an Nvidia Geforce Go 6600. Both of these, eagle-eyed readers will have spotted, are designed for use in notebooks. That they’re featured here is a testament to how packed-in the LX1000 is.

Because it’s so small, a normal processor and graphics card would generate so much heat in the small case that it would probably melt. Hence the mobile technology, which uses less power and generates less heat. However, they are also less powerful in computing terms, so don’t expect the performance of a similarly priced desktop PC.

The low power use is also the reason why the power supply is contained in a separate ‘brick’, the same as a notebook, which plugs into the main tower. That’s not really a big deal, and it does mean the PC is far quieter than most desktops, as it needs fewer fans to keep everything cool. That’s vital in a media PC, which is designed to play music and video that shouldn’t be drowned out by the roar of a fan.

It won't cope well with the latest games, chiefly because the graphics performance isn't up to much, but it's certainly capable of playing back DVDs and video files, and even video editing shouldn't tax it too much.

The PC comes with a multi-format DVD writer, which is a nifty slot-loading model, so you just feed discs into the front of the unit. That means the good looks and mirrored finish of the case aren’t spoiled by a CD tray.

There’s also a card reader (MMC/SD/MS) in the front. At the back are four USB ports, along with the DVI port (a VGA adapter is in the box), network, surround sound and television connections (both for video input and output). There’s a socket for an infrared receiver, but there’s a receiver in the front of the unit, to take signals from the small remote control.

Being a media PC, the LX1000 can output to a television. A multi-adapter is supplied, which provides both s-video and component connections (the component connection can show HD video). However, the actual cables aren’t, so you’ll need to add these to your shopping list.

The supplied wireless keyboard is pleasant to type on, but the mouse, while not too bad in use, isn’t the most ergonomic we’ve ever used. Still, this being an entertainment PC, the idea is that the mouse won't be used too much.

In all, the LX1000 is an excellent proposition as an entertainment PC.

Also consider:
Advent DHE X22
A small form factor desktop with notebook components at its core

Apple Mac Mini
A good option for those wanting to try out a Mac for the first time or have a PC connected to their living room TV.

All desktop computer reviews