Evesham Inspection III
One key difference between the two competing systems is in the TFTs. You wouldn't think so, with both supplied by Viewsonic. The 17" VP171s appears, on the face of it, to be a downgrade from the 18.1" VP181b supplied by MESH. However, whilst the 171s gives away 1.1" in screen real estate, it more than compensates for it with excellent design and a 16ms response time.
The same thin bezel and excellent adjustment, both side to side and vertically. It's surprising how different two TFTs from the same company can be. The 181b produces a rich, warm image that seems to favour reds. The 171s, still with a native 1280x1024 resolution, provides a cooler, blue-tinted image from its DVI connection. A higher contrast ratio of 500:1 and a brightness of 260 nits cd/m2 gives it greater separation of light from dark. In pure 2D, it's the better panel, helped no doubt by its smaller screen area and identical resolution. Whereas the 181b can lose just a touch of clarity with text and images, the 171s is excellent.
The major difference, though, is in the response time. A lower response time infers less lag in fast-moving games. Response time itself is an issue that's none too clear. Manufacturers, of course, all are too eager to latch on to the definition that suits them best. The acid test was in gaming, and the 171s handled itself admirably. It's certainly more CRT-like than either the Samsung 181T or Viewsonic's own 181b. Moving and targeting in UT2003. for example, is discernibly better than the others.
The 171s is a decent panel from all standpoints. If 2D work is your primary focus the 181b is probably a better choice due to its larger screen area. Gaming-wise, there's no real competition. The 171s wins hands down.
The 171s, naturally, supports a DVI connection. However, it also provides 2 standard HD15 ports in the place of the 181b's 4-port USB 2.0 hub. We're happy to see either panel in a £1299 machine, and more than happy with Viewsonic's attempts at providing a better TFT gaming experience. The sample, incidentally, contained no dead or discoloured pixels.
The Creative Inspire P580 5.1 speaker set, for all intents and purposes, seems like a pared-down version of the Inspire 7.1-T7700s. The front two speakers, pictured above, resemble the four rear satellites from the T7700s. Three further speakers then add 5.1-channel support by providing centre and rear positioning. The remote control features the same bass and volume control, but does without the M-PORT portable docking point for the MuVo line of players. The subwoofer / control unit, too, is similar to the T7700's but lacks the overall size and sheer room-filling sound. That's not to say the P580s are bad. It's just a case of having to lower your expectations if you've heard the T7700s first. Considered in isolation, though, they're acceptable.
Almost a carbon copy of the 7.1-T7700s. They can't quite match its in-your-face impact, though.
Software and setup
More similarities are unearthed with respect to the software bundle. Windows XP Home Edition SP1 seems to be a popular choice (the benefits of a monopoly are all too apparent). Evesham supplies a very similar restore CD to MESH. The accompanying documentation is at least as good, and it makes a refreshing change to see sharp, concise English in use. We've become all too used to motherboard manufacturers 'Engrish' over the past few years. I like the fact that the user guide doesn't take a know-it-all, condescending tone. There's just the right balance between plain English and technical explanation. It also covers initial setting up and operation.
Evesham also opts for Microsoft Works ver. 7.0. We're not going to see a full-blown copy of Office XP, sadly. Works is a competent set of office-based programs. It does add value to the package. Pinnacle's Instant CD/DVD SE v7.06SE is a viable alternative to Nero's burning program. Pinnacle's Studio 8SE was pre-installed on the system and serves as a reasonable video manipulation tool. WinDVD4 SE allows you to watch your favourite DVDs immediately. The rest of the hardware / software that you can see pertains to the various components. The Radeon 9800SE AIW almost needs a separate box for its gubbins. There's no major games with this bundle, but that doesn't appear to be its raison d'etre.
Warranty-wise, Evesham matches MESH. The Axis 64 3200+ is covered by the same 3-year warranty. The customer support procedure is, again, similar. An 0870 number provides the first line of reference. Any problems will be evaluated and appropriate action taken. Aftersales support has to be built into the final price. We're pleased to have at least 2 years of on-site service.
Noise
There doesn't appear to be any real noise-making components or cooling present inside the case. Most of the shrill is caused by an overzealous CPU fan that spins at 4200 RPM. We reckon that Evesham should have investigated the use of a larger cooler, and by inference a larger fan. Momentarily stopping the fan took away more than half the perceived sound. The Athlon 64 3200+ is a cool-running CPU, so there's little need to mount a high RPM fan on.
