Advent AIO-200 review

Advent’s AIO-200 is unique this month as it’s the only all-in-one PC on test.

Designed to save space, it looks like a black version of Apple’s iMac, but it’s noticeably thicker so you can’t tilt it with one hand. As we’d expect, there are no PCI slots or spare drive bays. You can fit an extra 2GB of RAM, but accessing the memory compartment is awkward. The hard disk isn’t designed to be replaced, so if you want more storage, you’ll have to connect an external hard disk to one of the six USB ports. The AIO-200 is very quiet, though, and its one-year warranty provides onsite service.

Unlike any all-in-one PC we’ve seen, the AIO-200 has a quad-core processor, Intel’s Core 2 Quad Q8200. It has only 2GB of RAM, though, whereas most of the PCs here have 4GB. This meant it was slower than the competition in our application benchmarks, coming near the bottom of the table. The Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS graphics chip isn’t up to playing the latest 3D games, as its single-digit results in our games tests show.

Instead you can entertain yourself by using the built-in TV tuner, which can record one analogue or digital broadcast at a time. The remote control slots into the cordless keyboard when not in use. Thankfully the receiver for the remote is built into the AIO-200’s case, rather than occupying a USB port.

We were disappointed by the poor image quality of the integrated 22in widescreen display. Colours looked washed out and the glossy finish is highly reflective. Images have a blue tint and the backlight is uneven. Viewing angles are also fairly narrow, so images won’t look their best unless you view them straight on. You could add a better-quality second display using the DVI port.

Advent’s AIO-200 is attractive if you want a quad-core PC in a cramped space, but only if you don’t mind a below-par screen. If you don’t need the quad-core processor and can live without an integrated TV tuner, Sony’s Vaio VGC-JS1E/S has a much better screen but costs £225 less.