Gateway 5200XL

Snazzy design; double-layer DVD burner; solid performance and quiet operation; great sound system; lots of USB and FireWire ports.

Analog LCD produces slightly fuzzy text and graphics; not much room for internal expansion; you have to burn your own recovery CDs; wired mouse and keyboard.

With its killer looks and a try-to-please-everyone roster of components, the midrange Gateway 5200XL gives you what you need in a generalist PC.