In the June issue of PC Authority we’ve tested Dell’s XPS 630 and XPS M1530. The latter is one of the best laptops we’ve had through our labs. And if you want to pair a desktop with the best available monitors, check out the Samsung and Dell models also in this issue.
We’ve a feature this month on the 50 best downloads. It contains utilities, office suites, graphics editing, diagnostics and much much more. We’ve even got 30 of these great apps on the June coverdisc. Talking of great software, we’ve got a copy of our A-Listed Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0 for anyone subscribing this month. What are you waiting for?
We have an absolutely massive graphics card test as well. If you’ve been wondering which card gives you best bang-for-buck, or how to select the right card for your system, you’ll need to check out this issue.
It’s tricky enough getting two operating systems to run on a single machine, but Will Head has managed three. His feature shows you how to get both Vista and XP running under Boot Camp, alongside Mac OS X. To continue the Mac theme, our new Mac column, Apple Source, debuts this issue.
What's on the disc?
• AVG Internet Security 8
• 30 of the webs best downloads
• Shopfactory E-Trader
• Magix Movie Edit Pro 14 Silver
• UEFA Euro 2008 Demo
A lightweight and cost efficient power supply.
Great value case for the price, though nothing special to set it apart from the crowd.
A superb piece of case engineering that costs a lot, but suits top end PCs to a tee.
Superpowered and workgroup friendly with great features, but with a steep learning curve for administrators. Find out what the "other" side of the server world looks like
A great media-centre card with some nice features – and at an affordable price
Disappointing gaming ability and a higher price than media-centre cards rule this one out of contention
Impressive performance for an affordable card, but the 9600 GT treads on its toes.
It was all looking good until Nvidia’s new cards overtook it on the final straight.
Two of the best small compacts on the market. Quality differences are on a knife edge, but the Canon wins for superior features and handling.
One of our favourite power supplies, with loads of headroom for everyday use.
A quality PSU with an excellent 5 year warranty.
Stunning image quality and every feature imaginable on a LCD, and the price is just about affordable too
Form and function meet in the middle in one supremely well-made package
Highly efficient PSU keeps things cool and quiet.
Expensive, but eye catching and very powerful.
More power, a little noisy and less watts.
This case has nice clean lines, but the value's not market-leading.
All the current chipsets from both the big gaming guns – ATi and Nvidia – tested, reviewed and rated.
A solid and stylish case with a wealth of drive bays.
Add high-definition reading and writing capabilities to your PC with a Blu-ray drive, or save money with a plain DVD writer
Protect your personal data with these essential downloads that offer spyware protection, data encryption and more
Whatever size your business is, now is the time to bite the bullet and upgrade to Server 2008
Video and almost decent gaming at fantastic prices
It may be affordable, but we’d rather spend a little more to guarantee some genuine gaming ability
Affordable and fast, the 8800 GS was our top budget choice until the 9600 GT arrived to spoil the party.
Great performance at an appealing price, although the 9600 GT encroaches on its turf
Hugely powerful for such a reasonable price, it’s far more appealing than a GTX or an Ultra
A popular and fast top-end option, but it’s losing its grip to new competition from both sides.
It’s incredibly powerful, but recent releases offer similar performance for significantly less money.
A wonderful return to form, leaving the disappointment of the 8600 GT as just a distant memory.
Takes the crown as today’s fastest graphics architecture, but you’ll have to pay for it
Foam insulated to dampen noise and five hard disk bays, makes this an excellent case.
Quiet PSU with good efficiency.
If you value the stability of your system and want to minimise your electricity costs, invest in a high-quality power supply.
A Power supply built with a little too much power and too little warranty.
Buying the right case is highly important when building a new PC. We put five through our checks
Stack your system full of software without paying a penny, with our guide to essential downloads
