Elonex Artisan review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Chris Stevens

Reviewed on: 13 July 2005

Tags: Elonex, Elonex Artisan, Windows applications, DVDs, human

We like:

Friendly design; huge range of output options

We don't like:

Lack of built-in infrared receiver for the keyboard and remote control means you'll need the ugly infrared box plugged into the unit

You might also need:

An aerial and Internet connection is essential if you want to use the Artisan's TV and PVR features

CNET UK judgement:

The Artisan looks and feels like it belongs in the living room. Performance is similar to all Media Center PCs once you've got them up and running, but the joy of the Artisan is the relative simplicity of its setup. We're never sure what to expect when we sacrifice our living room to a Media Center machine, but this one left us pleasantly surprised

Full review:

Microsoft's assault on the living room has been more of a trickle than a stampede, but manufacturers are slowly catching on to the fact that determination is not enough -- this is a battle of stealth. Make your Media Center PC look like a DVD player and you've got a much better chance of getting through the door and into the TV cabinet. While the innards of the Artisan aren't much different from those of any other Media Center PC, Elonex has made a respectable effort to dress the Artisan for the occassion. Continue Reading...