If your off-the-wall PC is to be used for work as well as leisure, ensure the basic specifications include a 2GHz or faster processor -- dual-core is a near must unless you're choosing a Linux-based model. Several hundred gigabytes of storage will also be helpful, although as long as there are free USB 2.0 or FireWire ports, external storage is an option.

If it's going to be running Vista at any point in its life, a 256MB dedicated graphics card supporting DirectX 10.0 should also be considered.

To get anything done in a hurry, you'll ideally want 2GB of DDR RAM. If it's to be more of an occasionally used curiosity, you'll want to be able to swap screens and plug in or add a supplementary hard drive.

For the meanest system around, you'll want to keep up with friends' superspecced systems and make frequent upgrades to your powerhouse, beefing up the graphics, the power supply, and the cooling setup.

Upgrades can be a problem for compact PCs and notebooks; with all-in-one systems, there's the added problem of what happens if the screen flakes out or your needs outgrow it. In a fixed environment -- a kitchen or somewhere with a finite, inflexible space -- a single-unit setup such as HP's TouchSmart can be a brilliant option, but we wouldn't recommend it as the basis of a family home entertainment system. You're sure to want a larger screen.

Opting to buy a specialist system immediately narrows down your options, but that doesn't mean you should content yourself with a standard tower system. And even if you do decide that power and up-to-date specs are more important than quirky design, you can always personalize your PC with a distinctive paint job such as Commodore Gaming's C-Kins.

Pimp my PC
You don't have to buy a whole new PC to attain a more memorable-looking machine. A few cosmetic changes can make a huge difference -- and not just to its looks. The most obvious update is to the exterior.

It's not just cars that lend themselves to being "pimped." You can give your dull grey box an outrageous makeover too. Rather than simply replacing a plastic case with a more durable brushed-aluminium one, you can make a statement while you're at it.

If you're not keen on replacing your PC's case, but do want to give it a whole new look, red, green, or blue LEDs and cathode-ray tubes running along its exterior could be just the ticket. These cost as little as £6 ($11.90).

LCDs that reside in a spare hard-drive bay slot also have the benefit of keeping you informed of how hot or cool your PC is running -- critical if you've installed dual graphics cards and overclocked things to the max.

If you're looking for dials to crank up the processor speed and fans, plus pumps and radiators to keep things cool, try PC Advisor Shopping, dabs.com, overclockers.co.uk and maplin.co.uk.

Crystal-clear
Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana may be yet to embrace the designer wrapping for svelte home electronics concept, but there's nothing stopping you from adding some bling. InWin does a floral case encrusted with rhinestone jewels. Philips' Swarovski crystal-covered USB thumb drives and earphones will complete the look.

And, if you really must, a Hello Kitty crystal-encrusted NEC laptop is available for import from the Far East.

But if you simply want to create a distinctive look for your system, shop around at sites such as eBuyer.com, PC Advisor Shopping, dabs.com, overclockers.co.uk, and maplin.co.uk for cases that fit the bill.