Systemax Applaud 4007 review

This is the second entry in this test that uses the slick AVPC case. But with a little extra pizzazz, the Systemax just edges out Hi-Grade.

Features

The Systemax's built-in media functions are the same as those of the Hi-Grade. They're run by a specially customised version of the Linux operating system, which is tucked away in a tiny (50MB) area of the hard disk. These programs start up almost instantly. You can even suspend Windows, and use the media features while it sleeps.

You can also use the TV tuner and DVD player in Windows. Systemax has included Cyberlink PowerVCR, which lets you record TV to your hard disk - although unlike Media Center, there's no programme guide available in this country. Unlike the Mega PC-based systems, the Systemax and Hi-Grade can play MP3s from the hard disk without loading Windows, provided you save them in the C:/mp3 folder).

Systemax has chosen an 80GB Samsung Silent Rush hard disk, which is quieter than the other drives in this test. The Applaud is hardly a loud system anyway (except when the DVD drive is running), but the extra effort is appreciated.

Despite the lack of an office suite, Systemax deserves full marks in this category.

Ergonomics

The Applaud's display is just as good as the Hi-Grade's, which shares the same basic chassis. It also has the same keyboard and remote control. A lot of thought has gone into the way the media functions work: the music and radio displays occupy only the top of the screen, so you can see them even with the keyboard folded up.

The corded mouse and the slightly tacky feel of the keyboard lose the system a star in this category.

Expansion

This all-in-one system wasn't designed with upgrades in mind. Opening up the case involves removing about a dozen screws and two covers. It's not particularly difficult, but putting it back together is fiddly. Once you've got the back off, you have access to a spare memory slot, and that's about it.

Like the Hi-Grade, the Applaud has a PC Card slot, which you could use to fit a wireless network card. The memory reader can read four common types of card used in digital cameras and MP3 players - although, annoyingly, this doesn't include the popular Compact Flash standard. There are also four USB 2 and two FireWire ports.

Performance

With a fast 2.8GHz Pentium 4, you'd expect this system to be nippy. It scored 962 in our benchmarks, which puts it in the middle of this month's spread of scores - not a stunning result, but fast enough for everyday tasks such as Web-surfing and office work.

As you'd expect, the integrated graphics can't handle the demands of modern games, scoring just 1,440 in 3DMark 2001.

Overall

If you can live with the lack of gaming power and the 15in screen, this slick all-in-one system will do pretty much anything you want. The lack of cables means it's especially good if you want to keep clutter to a minimum.