Make no doubt about it – Alienware is king in the computer gaming world. Their machines cost a pretty buck but deliver top end gaming performance. The Alienware M15x is a vast improvement over previous generations: it’s 15.6″ screen has a shows high def in all it’s glory (1920 x 1080 resolution), it’s Core i7 720QM CPU scores ultra high on PCMark Vantage, and it’s video card scores above average compared to others in its class. The chassis is a little bulky and speaker quality somewhat sub par. At max settings battery life is limited to two hours. CNET gives the M15x 4 out of 5 stars because of the amazingly powerful CPU & Video card.
The top end tricked out system costs $3,199. If you’re a gamer looking for your next rig the M15x is worth every penny.

Velocity Micro has produced a highly capable mid range gaming desktop with their Micro Edge Z30. This $1,349 system has strong and stable performance and high build quality. The system features a Core i7 860 chip CPU overclocked at 3.2GHz, 8GB 1,333MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 1TB 7,200 rpm hard drive, and a 896MB Nvidia GeForce GTX video card. The machine comes with a second graphics slot which isn’t standard at the $1,300 price range.

Checkout this CNET review. They love the compact profile case, the expansion options, and lower power consumption scores. The biggest surprise is that Z30’s CPU outpaces systems from Asus and Maingear in at the $1,349  price. The Nvidia video card has enough power - Far Cry 2 runs at 60fps. The bottom line with this system is that you get the power of a $6,500 Alienware system with a budget of less than $1,400.

Note: Read our full review of the Gateway SX2800-01 here.

If you’re scouting for a fast & inexpensive desktop for your home or office consider the Gateway SX2800-01. The best aspect about this PC is the price for the overall power – for $500 you get an system that has Intel Quad Core CPU, 4GB RAM, and a respectful 640GB  Hard drive. The SX2800 is all contained with a slim tower design that’s only 4″ thick. Excellent.

This CNet Video explains that the SX2800-01 offers a strong combination of performance and features all wrapped up in thin pc design. Cnet recommends this system to those hunting for a fast and affordable desktop for the home office, the living room, or anywhere in between.

HP’s TouchSmart 600 is the next step in the continually evolving all-in-one PC. This multitouch PC can be easily wall mounted in your kitchen and used for pulling up recipes and cooking on the fly. The touch screen can also used to surf the web and take notes, flip though photos, or watch videos via Hulu and Netflix. You can ready the CNET review here or see this PDF of all the specs.

The system (with Blue Ray player) is priced $1,599 at MacMall & the HP Home Store. If you forego the Blue Ray player you’ll only need to shell out $1,199 at Newegg and PC Mall.