JAL CA3000

The JAL CA3000 proves that it is possible to buy a computer capable of most tasks without breaking the bank. Beige is becoming a rare colour for computers these days and in keeping with this trend, the CA3000 is clad in cool black with silver trimmings. Behind this attractive exterior is an AMD Athlon XP 3000+ processor with 512Mb of memory. Graphics are provided in the shape of a 128Mb GeForce FX5700.

In our tests we found this combination to be very powerful in both games and office work. The results are displayed on a great-looking Iiyama 17in TFT monitor.

The hard disk is a very respectable 120Gb. This should be sufficient for most tasks, even digital video editing. There's an eight-speed recordable DVD drive that can write to both the plus and minus formats but not DVD-RAM. It also contains a 7-in-1 memory card reader, which no doubt will please those with digital cameras and MP3 players. A separate DVD-ROM can also be used for disc-to-disc copying.

There are some useful connections at the back for audio enthusiasts including S/P-DIF in and out. This lets you copy music on to and off the computer in a purely digital form without losing any quality. You also have the choice of a 2.1 or 5.1 set of Altec Lansing speakers when you buy this PC. This is a great idea, as not everybody uses or has space for a surround-sound system.

The keyboard and mouse that come with the package are the Logitech wireless models.

The JAL CA3000 is also an attractive option for upgrades. The large case has plenty of space inside, which means air can circulate freely, keeping the temperature down and thereby increasing the reliability and life of the computer. There are three usable PCI slots, two free 5.25in drive bays and a couple of internal 3.5in bays for extra hard disks.

If you are looking for a computer that will comfortably be a jack-of-all-trades for some time to come, the JAL CA3000 is ideal.

Contact: JAL Computers 0870 752 5810
www.jal.co.uk

See also:

Packard Bell Imedia 3082

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Packard Bell iMedia 3070

A compact PC that comes with lots of software but is that enough?  17 Aug 2004

Evesham Voyager WS A25

A versatile notebook with plenty to attract music lovers.  16 Aug 2004

Mesh Matrix 64 3200+ XT

A solid PC that's basic in design but copes easily with everyday tasks.  12 Jul 2004

Tiny Tornado

A low-cost, high-power PC but be quick - it won't be around for long.  29 Jun 2004

Tiny Power 3000-64 VQ

The reborn Tiny.com reveals its first PC.  18 Jun 2004

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