Compaq X GX5000Z

The widescreen LCD is the first thing you notice about the Compaq X GX5000Z. The 23-inch beauty leads you to believe there's a multimedia machine attached. Instead, you get a gaming machine that's mediocre when compared with similarly priced systems...

Gorgeous 23-inch widescreen LCD. 16X dual-layer DVD burner. Aluminum case is not your "typical Compaq

Gaming performance not quite in line with price tag. Hard drive capacity not on a par with the video-friendly LCD

While it's HP's gaming box, as configured, the Compaq X GX5000Z will dazzle movie lovers a little more than it will gamers seeking "cred."