Fujitsu Siemens Scaleo E

The 250GB hard disk is big even by PVR standards and will provide space for plenty recorded video before any additional gigabytes have to be added. If you do start running out of space, recorded TV can always be archived on the double layer, dual format DVD writer.

Quiet operation is imperative when it comes to Media Centers - you're not going to want a noisy PC sitting in your lounge. Thankfully, the Scaleo E is reasonably discreet.

However, noise levels increase when a DVD is spinning or the fans need to crank up to cool down the processor. It's not as hushed as the Pentium M Media Centers we've seen such as the Shuttle M1000.

The on-board 7.1 soundcard has an eight-channel output for hooking up to speaker systems and there are S/PDIF optical and digital co-axial outputs for connecting to external digital decoders.

Sticking with A/V connections, there are S-video input and composite inputs behind a flip-down panel on the front. The headphone and microphone ports are also located here.

No wireless adapter is supplied as standard (Fujitsu Siemens will include a USB device for an extra £30). In total there are six USB2 and two Firewire sockets, plus a card reader on the front that accepts five types of card.

The Scaleo E comes with a MCE remote control and a keyboard with built-in trackball for surfing the web from the sofa, which is a nice touch. There's no extra software apart from MCE but it does carry a one-year collect and return warranty.

Priced at £870, this Media Center represents good value. There's also lots of room for expansion and it offers a host of connections.

Quick look performance results:
Sysmark 2004 SE: 179
3Dmark05: 322

Compare to other PCs