Desktops Dying? Hardly. Here's What's New in PCs

Every year, some industry analysts dutifully point to the growing popularity of notebooks--and predict that the PC will soon be dead. But that's far from the truth. In fact, rumors of the desktop's demise have been greatly exaggerated. According to our research, PC buyers will be enticed with faster chips, massive storage options, different form factors, and better screens for viewing video, as well as reliable hubs for home networks--making it easier for you to beam video, audio, and other digital media to devices throughout your home and office.

Bargain hunters can expect to see very attractive prices: Budget boxes sold without monitors, such as the Gateway 310SE, priced at $400, and the EMachines T2642, priced at $400 (the EMachines' price does not include a $50 rebate), provide more than enough computing power for the average family. Granted, these budget boxes don't have fancy rewritable CD and DVD drives, TV tuners, built-in wireless routers, or personal video recorders; however, each of them has empty bays to accommodate these accessories down the road.

Pricing aside, here's our take on the five hottest trends you need to keep in mind when you go shopping for your next PC.

For the latest PC reviews, specifications, and prices, check out our product ratings in Top 15 Desktop PCs.