Sony VAIO TP2

Design, Blu-ray player, wireless keyboard with touchpad, HDMI output, 500GB storage

External USB TV-tuner, no battery

We like the new form factor, we like the Blu-ray player and we like the HDMI output, but the external USB TV-tuner should really be an internal device. That aside, the TP2G is a good performer and has a reasonable amount of space on board for media...

Stunning performance ; Looks great ; HDMI available

Too expensive ; Over-powered

Undoubtedly the best media centre PC on the market, but at this price, there are more sensible options around.

Well rounded in both form and spec sheet, but just a little too noisy for our delicate ears

Unique design ; Pop-out ports ; HDMI connectivity

Expensive ; TV Tuner not integrated ; Living browser deserves to be dead ; Keyboard feels cheap ; Overbearingly white

Ultimately, the factor that makes the TP2 far less interesting than it really should be is that it feels like a product that should have been available at least two years ago. In the intervening period, we've seen no end of home A/V devices that cover...

You're paying Sony top dollar for a media centre PC, yet you'restill left to do much of the hard work. Media centres are notout-of-the-box products for the non-tech-savvy, they're forcomputer enthusiasts who like to tinker. Such people could build...

Does the job ; Has pioneered future home entertainment

Gawdy asthetics ; Tacky and cheap feel ; External tuner ; More USB ports please