Review: Advent DHE X22 desktop computer

Small form factor PCs continue to shrink, but with the power they're capable of delivering heading the other way, the idea of having one in the front room becomes all the more appealing.

The diminutive and Viiv-compatible Advent DHE X22 can operate upright in its stand or laid down horizontally. And measuring just 4cm wide and 27cm deep, it will fit alongside existing AV equipment or, if it's destined for the study, allow a lot more desk space.

Despite its small dimensions, the DHE X22 encompasses one of Intel's new Core 2 Duo processors (a 1.6GHz T2300), 1GB of DDR2 Ram and a 100GB hard disk. Advent has also shoehorned in a multi-format DVD writer, a hybrid TV tuner and 802.11g wireless networking.

The Intel integrated graphics is provided with 128MB of Ram, but it didn't perform too well in our 3Dmark05 benchmark, scoring just 537. High-performance gaming is obviously out of the question, and you'll need to turn detail levels right down in most titles if you want smooth gameplay.

The Sysmark 2004 SE result of 192 and PCmark05 score of 3,402 are comparable to that of a similarly specified notebook, which is essentially what this desktop computer is, albeit without a screen. Nevertheless, this computer will cope with most modern day computing tasks.

Given its suitability for a lounge environment, Advent has sensibly opted for Windows Media Center as the operating system and supplied it with a hybrid analogue/digital TV tuner. Media Center has no requirements for high-powered graphics, so the low 3Dmark05 benchmark score shouldn't be a concern in terms of employing the DHE X22 as video, photo and music hub.

Along with the DVD writer, the front edge of the chassis is home to a three-in-one memory card reader, Firewire and USB sockets. There are two more USB sockets on the back, along with Ethernet, modem and S-video ports.

The keyboard and mouse are wireless, however this highlights a major flaw of the DHE X22 - an oversized USB wireless dongle. Plug it in to the rear and its girth means the other USB and the VGA sockets are blocked. Use the front-mounted USB port and it impedes on the sleekness of the design; definitely something Advent should have looked at more carefully.

Overall though, the Advent DHE X22 is a well-sized Media Center that's ideal as an entertainment system in the lounge. The £900 price tag is hefty for a computer with no display, but you'll always pay a premium for a small form factor design.

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