The musing continues unabated
Other bits and pieces
The asking price dictates that a good monitor be used. LG's 24in W2425T has 1,920x1,200 pixel coverage and a static contrast ratio of 800:1. A DVI input is expected, and we'll take a closer look at its performance on the following page.Powering the lot is a stout FSP Quiet PSU (FSP 700-80GLN) that lives up to its name - we barely heard its rear-mounted 120mm fan spin-up during prolonged load.
Finishing kit is supplied by Logitech, in the form of the G15 gaming keyboard and mouse combination. We're fans of the keyboard's GamePanel LCD and the mouse is pleasant enough to use.
Software-wise, the system ships with Microsoft Vista Home Premium 64-bit that's augmented by PowerDVD 7.3 and Nero 7 Essentials. The basic operating system is good enough , but we see no reason why PC Specialist could not have included an open-source Office-like suite such as, well, OpenOffice.
Warranty
As specified, the Apollo Q260GTX is backed by a one-year return-to-base warranty. Claims are made by calling a local-rate (0845) number where, if deemed appropriate, an RMA number will be allocated.PC Specialist covers the courier charges for collection and re-delivery of the machine. The company says that this is usually within five working days of the agreed collection date.
You'll be emailed once the repaired PC has left PC Specialist's premises. Should no fault be found, however, the customer will be liable for a £35 charge, covering the courier costs.
Common sense dictates that you keep the box that the system was originally shipped in - it will be needed to protect the system during transit for any warranty-related claims.
Bear in mind that it's not an insurance-backed warranty, so if
PC
Specialist happens to go under whilst the PC is still under warranty,
chances are the warranty won't be worth the paper it's written on.
Summary
The PC Specialist Apollo Q260GTX is a well-balanced PC that could do with a little refinement of the hard-drive storage and, perhaps, better speakers.Value for money? We've totted up the individual cost of the components, excluding warranty support, and, coincidentally, arrive at a figure of £1,350, excluding any shipping-related charges.
Of course, you could choose different components yourself, but we suppose the argument for building it yourself becomes relatively moot if the components cost just the same.
Tentatively, then, the system offers value for money.
