Desktops

Updated with a touch screen, a new stand, and up-to-date components, the Dell XPS One 27 leads the inaugural class of Windows 8 PCs.

A compelling experiment in tablet-desktop hybridization, the Sony Vaio Tap 20 is a great fit for home tech enthusiasts willing to try something new.

HP has made an aggressive move in the budget PC space with this big-screen all-in-one that will serve as an affordable, generally capable home computer.

Forgive its quirks, and people looking for a big-screen all-in-one to serve as a small-room entertainment hub will find the Vizio CA27-A1 a price-competitive possibility.

The IdeaCentre A720 has some enticing touch capabilities and design elements, but not enough meat in its apps or its core features to justify its cost.

Budget desktops might not be all that exciting, but the Gateway SX2870-UR10P slim tower shows you can still find a worthwhile day-to-day PC for under $500.

The Velocity Micro Vector Campus Edition is a great fit for those who need fast, affordable CPU performance and midtower expandability.

Most gamers would change very little about Digital Storm's preconfigured Ode V2 Level 4.

The pixel-dense Dell XPS One 2710 is one of the best Windows-based all-in-ones available and, barring a new iMac, an easy high-end recommendation.

We don't recommend the Falcon Northwest Tiki for general-purpose high-end gaming, but this system is your best bet if you want a luxury-priced blend of speed and space savings.