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We know from the letters we receive that many of our readers use computers to store digital media files but find it hard to make use of them. For example, what do you do when your MP3 collection is on the computer, which is in the study, but you want to play it to your guests, who are in the living room?
Digihome specialises in solving this sort of problem and the NS Optimum is just one of its solutions. The computer itself is small but it lacks nothing in capability: a Pentium 4 3.2GHz processor and 1,024Mb of memory being two powerful attributes. A 120Gb hard disk ensures that you also have plenty of space for digital media.
Graphics are provided by a GeForce FX 5600, which has 128Mb of its own memory. These components proved very capable in our tests for both office work and games. The monitor is a BenQ 15in TFT.
The NS Optimum DH3.2 also comes with additional hardware that takes advantage of its integrated Wi-Fi capability. Firstly, a wireless broadband router with its own firewall is supplied to provide a cable-less internet connection.
The machine also ships with Netgear's Wireless Digital Music Player. This small box connects to a hi-fi and using its Wi-Fi antenna, can stream MP3s straight from a computer. The small display panel allows you to choose particular albums, artists or songs and, with a broadband connection, can tune into internet radio stations.
Considering the size of the case, the connectivity options are impressive. There are six USB 2 sockets, digital audio inputs and outputs, a 5.1 sound card, as well as both mini and full size FireWire sockets. The keyboard and mouse are from Logitech and are of good quality.
This is a great system for anybody who dabbles with digital media files and wants to connect to other home devices wirelessly. It isn't a Windows XP Media Center computer, but it will do sterling work as an all-round PC in your home.
Contact: Digihome 01926 880300
www.nsoptimum.co.uk
See also:
This Packard Bell PC offers good value for money but not much else 08 Feb 2005
A PC designed for the living room that can satisfy all your multimedia needs 01 Feb 2005
A very capable desktop computer built around AMD's low-cost Sempron processor 24 Nov 2004
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