Computer Reviews

WinBook Products

WinBook Jiv Mini
Positives: One of the smallest PCs we've ever seen; includes built-in TV tuner; less than 3 pounds; great design; includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Negatives: More expensive than competing Core Duo small-form-factor systems; fixed configuration; hard to upgrade. Facts: With tons of features, including a TV tuner, built-in Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, packed into a tiny case, the WinBook Jiv Mini impresses with its features-per-square-inch ratio. We've not seen more features stuffed into such a small case. ... View Review

WinBook PowerSpec 7501
Positives: Vista-friendly core configuration; large 320GB hard drive; Windows Media Center operating system qualifies for free upgrade to Windows Vista Home Premium. Negatives: Paying the $899 price tag requires jumping through a mail-in rebate hoop; competing systems are more attractive and more powerful. Facts: If you're simply looking for a basic PC that will run Windows Vista, the PowerSpec 7501 is a good choice, both for its current configuration and for its upgradeability. But this is not exactly the most attractive PC we've ever seen, and we're not fans of mail-in rebate programs. For folks willing to take those lumps, you can find a good deal here. ... View Review

WinBook PowerSpec 9800
Positives: Strong application performance and overall bang for the buck; factory-overclocked; dual 10,000rpm hard drives. Negatives: Boring case; cramped interior. Facts: Its case design has room for improvement, but for pure bang for your buck WinBook's PowerSpec 9800, with its factory-overclocked Core 2 Extreme CPU, makes a tempting offer. Look elsewhere if you want to make a strong visual impression, but its performance compares well to systems that cost hundreds more. ... View Review

WinBook PowerSpec T470
Positives: Two DVD burners, one with LightScribe. Negatives: Underpowered for its price; cramped interior is difficult to upgrade. Facts: WinBook's PowerSpec T470 would have been easy to recommend two months ago. In the new Vista-powered world of desktops, you've got to give a little more. Faster systems that cost as much or even less than this one make WinBook's latest mainstream offering look dated. ... View Review