The Hi-Grade Xperian can simply be described as a bundle of essential technology ingeniously put together in one desirable package.

It takes a moment for all the specs to sink in. The Hi-Grade Xperian is a powerful personal computer capable of operating as a standalone radio, television, DVD and CD/MP3 player – without having to access any of these features through the computer's OS. It represents the evolutionary convergence of digital entertainment technology: creating a single media centre.

The test model that arrived in our Labs featured a 2.53GHz Pentium 4 with 512MB DDR RAM, 40GB hard disk, a Mobility RADEON 9000 graphics card and a DVD/CD-RW drive. These core specifications alone describe a formidable mid-range PC. It has FireWire, USB, Ethernet and a built in modem, as well as support for a variety of card media, including SD/MMC and PCMCIA. A built-in FM and TV tuner plays an important part in what makes the Xperian special, and all this is mounted behind a 17in tilt-capable LCD screen. The power adapter is built-in, and as the Xperian uses a wireless mouse and keyboard, the only cables you'll ever need go to the power and antenna sockets in the wall.
Taking a step back away from the specifications, the Xperian will never look intrusive – in fact, looking more like a flat-panel television, it will serve as a high technology fashion accessory for any room in the home. Measuring 20cm long and around 48cm wide, its slim form won't steal any valuable space; the wireless keyboard can be folded up against the screen. The DVD/CD-RW unit is located on the right near the video connectors, and pops out vertically. Side and back panels have USB, FireWire, networking, modem, optical-out ports, and PC card and card media readers. The range of high-speed connectivity options means that the Xperian can function as a hub for peripherals like camcorders and digi-cams. Furthermore, it's able to handle wired LAN and inter-networking, and with a wireless PC card, it is able to wireless network using 802.11/Wi-Fi technology. None of these ports or plugs distract from its lounge room looks.

The LCD screen is covered by a piece of plastic that not only protects the screen from grubby fingers or spills, but also distinguishes the unit from traditional TFT designs.

A look at the wireless keyboard reveals some embedded central controls, including the unit's power/standby switch. The other buttons control the FM, TV/VCR, DVD/VCD, CD/MP3 and PC.

The true versatility of the Xperian is revealed only when you fire it up – it automatically boots into 'PC-mode', or Windows XP; however, this boot may be interrupted to switch the machine to any one of the other modes. In other words, the Xperian can be transformed into a radio, DVD/VCD player, a television, a CD/MP3 player or a PC at the touch of a button within 10-15 seconds without having to wait for  the boot-up to finish. All audio/ visual functions may also be accessed via the supplied wireless remote control.

Though the test model we received was shipped with only a 40GB hard disk and a DVD/CD-RW combo drive, the on-sale models will offer larger capacity drives and DVD-RWs. This means the Xperian will also be able to record and write copyright-permitting media from the TV/VCR, radio and DVDs.
The Xperian looks very polished for a pioneer model converging digital entertainment into one device. It can handle simple day-to-day tasks such as Web browsing, office productivity and reading email, as well as heavier tasks such as gaming, and recording to DVD. It's slim and futuristic design helps its ambient roles as a television or radio playing in the background. You can shake the house by using it as a full theatre system.
But there are things to watch out for. It's easy to carry and portable, but it's not mobile. In other words it is heavy. We found that the handle on top of our test model was not sturdy enough to hold the weight of the unit alone.
You also have to keep an ample supply of AA batteries handy – the mouse, keyboard and remote are the only ways of really controlling or interacting with the Xperian.

Also, the Xperian is not built for upgrade enthusiasts – there is no serious provision for you to pop the hood and insert chunky components at will.
The many benefits of the Xperian outweigh these concerns. There is proof that a lot of thought has gone into the design and development of this machine. The Xperian represents an amazing package of both traditional and new technology – as practical as it is; we feel that it will carry the 'wow' factor for quite some time yet.
Hi-Grade plans on opening the sales for the Xperian with two models – one staring at around $3,950, with CD or DVD-RW and 120GB, which is due very soon – around mid-June; and a the other a $3,500 model due to be released a month after.

This unit will also have DVD/CD-RW and an 80GB hard disk. Also scheduled for release are models with 19in and 20in TFT screens.