The biggest surprise in this budget PC is its 64-bit, AMD Athlon 64 processor. This is the only viable desktop processor with a 64-bit architecture and the version here, the Athlon 64 3200, is one of the fastest in the range. Although it's 64-bit, it's fully compatible with 32-bit applications such as the copy of Windows XP Home that's installed on this Carrera computer.

The company has supported the processor with 512MB of main memory and an 80GB Hitachi hard drive. It's also squeezed in fast CD-RW and DVD drives, both from Sony, and a fair 17-inch Samtron monitor, which gives a decent picture, though its face is more rounded than some.

The monitor is driven by a GeForce FX 5200 graphics adapter, which is a bit sluggish under 3D testing. It's obvious economies have to be made somewhere at this price point and the graphics performance is not too bad, but this isn't the best system to choose for games playing. Other leisure pursuits, such as DV editing, should be fine, though, as the system includes both FireWire and USB 2 ports.

Sound is provided by a CMedia 5.1 channel chip on the system board, which runs a set of 2.1 channel Cyber Acoustics 3001 speakers. Although the speakers are small, with the sub-bass unit about the same size of a jewellery box, sound output is generally not too bad and there's certainly more bass than in typical two-speaker sets.

When it comes to the application benchmark, the 64-bit processor shines through with a SYSmark index of 276, marginally higher than from any of the other systems in this group. To make good use of this, Carrera bundles a copy of Works 7, Microsoft's home-based integrated suite, which is easy-to-use and well-suited to most home and home office tasks.

Overall, the Vision 64 ITR is a well-designed system with the extra potential of its 64-bit processor. The only weak link is the graphics adapter and even this is not that flabby. For anybody considering a budget system for general office duties and the occasional leisure pursuit, this system is a high-performance choice.