Not simply a buzz word anymore, media PCs are becoming strong contenders for living room space, even though, at present, it's hard to envisage them replacing existing kit. This is partly due to the fact that no matter how good the individual PC components are, they can't quite reach the heights of quality stand-alones. Also, no matter how hard we try, mentally computers are still confined to the office.

One reason for this is the reliance on Windows-based software. It's more fiddly to set up and use in comparison to its most complicated entertainment electronics counterparts.

It also has, regardless of Microsoft's assurance, an uncanny ability to crash unexpectedly; you don't have to call a software engineer every six months to fix your DVD recorder and would certainly never consider having to re-install the system yourself.

ECS, with its EZ-Buddie 2, has tackled this problem head on. Although much of the functionality of the machine is accessible through its Windows XP Home operating system, it also has a proprietary Linux-based software engine.

Once accessed through a different front-placed 'on' button to the main power switch it allows you to play MP3s, CDs and DVDs without having to wade through anything that resembles a software desktop.

Neat features

Another neat feature is an FM radio that works irrespective of whether the PC is on or off. And it is this primarily that indicates the care that's been taken with the case design. First and foremost, the whole package (which also includes two 10W speakers and a 17in TFT monitor - sadly only 4:3) looks and works like a mini hi-fi or entertainment system.

It's cute, although perhaps in a kids' bedroom kind of way. A large array of buttons and glowing dials exemplifies this. One bonus is a constant indication of the processor speed, which can be overclocked with one of the dials - not great unless you know what you're doing, but handy for big software packages that struggle otherwise.

Connection overload

Round the back of the device is a cornucopia of interesting connections. It can get confusing though, as the base unit comes with all the usual PC ins and outs plus the graphics and sound cards add entirely new sets.