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We've already told you why we love this machine; now we'll get to the gear talk. The Infinia comes crammed with everything that makes it the perfect machine for your whole family: gamers will love the thundering sound from the built-in speakers and subwoofer. A small module that snaps into the monitor offers one-touch access to the TV-tuner, radio, CD- player and answering-machine features. The top model, which sells for $3,548 with a 17-in. monitor, includes a Pentium-200 processor, a 3.0-GB hard drive and an 8X CD-ROM drive. The machine also comes with a fantastic collection of software. (800-334-3445)
the buzz JULIE COHEN, Home PC: "The Infinia is totally different from any other computer in its overall style and the components it includes. They did a nice job of coming up with a fresh design. The 'in-touch' module in front is remarkably convenient too."
runners-up
Compaq Presario 3000 Series This stylish $3,499 PC combines the monitor and system into one portable unit, outfitted with a smaller, laptop-like screen. (800-345-1518)
Sony PCV-90 For a Pentium-200 with 3-D surround sound and dozens of bundled titles like Quicken, Encarta and MechWarrior 2, look no further than the $3,478 PCV-90. (800-476-6972)
POWER NOTEBOOK
winner IBM ThinkPad 760ED
IBM is infamous for blowing its hard-won head start in the desktop-personal-computer business in the early 1980s. Now it's staging a credible come-from-behind charge in the laptop marketplace with a series of thin, lightweight machines that perform well and look great. The strongest of the wonderful bunch is the 133-MHz Pentium-powered 760ED. With a luminous 12.1-in. screen, 16 MB of memory standard in each computer and a large 2.1-GB hard drive and built-in fax modem, the 6.7-lb. computer is powerful enough to handle the strictest demands of Road Warrior computing. (800-426-2968)
the buzz BILL HOWARD, PC Magazine: "IBM has added a lot of flexibility to the ThinkPad 760. It has the best pointing device, the screen is among the best for its size and vivid color, and there's a modular bay for putting in a CD-ROM drive, a floppy drive or a second floppy."
runners-up
Toshiba Portege 660CDT For a balance between power and portability, the 5.7-lb. Portege is a good choice. For $5,299 you get a 1.26-GB hard disc, top components and a built-in CD-ROM drive. (800-334-3445)
Compaq Armada 4120T This chameleon-like $3,899 notebook can serve as a streamlined lightweight with just the basics or a hefty multimedia workstation with 4X CD-ROM drive and stereo sound. (800-345-1518)
GAMING
winner Compaq Presario 8712
If playing computer games is among your supreme joys, the $3,148 Presario 8712 is for you. With 6 MB of memory to enhance video quality and an 8X CD-ROM drive, everything onscreen looks better. The JBL Pro Premium speakers and subwoofer deliver terrific sound for playing such included titles as Descent II, MechWarrior 2 and Yukon Trail. The 3.8-GB hard drive gives you enough room to load dozens of programs, and the Pentium-200 processor and 32 MB of ram offer enough power to run any game on the market. (800-345-1518)