Well, an impoverished enthusiast, for example, wants basics, fleshed out with inexpensive applications but which allows for upgrades. A physics student might want processor power and memory to run complex simulations and a whacking great hard disk to store results, but is less likely to care about fancy multimedia software. And an office manager's primary concern would be that the machine is good enough to run standard office software, syncs into the network and will be properly supported by its suppliers if something goes wrong. First of all, it helps to separate your wants from your needs. Other must-haves include sufficient power to allow you to surf the Internet, enough storage for the demands of Windows and any software you might need.
Luxuries can always wait.
For instance, graphics need to work well with Windows, but 3D gaming power isn't really essential to start with. Even audio isn't really required until the MP3 collection gets going or games become irresistible. So we expect a variety of machines in this Lab Test. Some will be great straight from the box, but only in limited ways. Others might be less complete, but will have much more potential.