Optima's MyPC Media Center is from the latest batch, but is still stuck in the middle ground between your desk and your living room.

It's a capable unit, but unlike several other competitors, has chosen to include only onboard components. This makes the machine strictly about watching DVD's and listening to MP3s. Onboard graphics have never been anything to crow about, and Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator 900 is not going to start the revolution either. The machine garnered a result of 5469 in 3DMark01 SE, which means it will play games that are a couple of years old, but will likely struggle with more recent titles. But, due to the 3GHz Intel Pentium 4 530 and 512MB DDR RAM the unit performed better in applications, with a decent score of 4017 marks in PCMark04.

Features-wise it comes loaded with the Windows MCE remote, a DVD-RW and a TV tuner card. The internals are well set out and there is some room for upgrading -- the only PCI slot in use is for the tuner. And, befitting its use as a loungeroom appliance it comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse also.

As with the HP system reviewed in this issue, size is also a problem, and the Optima is unfortunately based on a mid tower design. MCE is a lifestyle product, and as a result it should be as unobtrusive as possible. The silver-black monolithic case, however, will no doubt draw attention to itself in the average loungeroom.

Overall, Optima has done a good job at providing a reasonably priced desktop machine. Unfortunately, we're expecting more from a machine that will sit alongside our lounge room components.