Artwork: Rick Rizner, John Goddard

One of the first fully configured systems offered by Shuttle Computer that we've tested, the XPC G2 7500 has a lot to offer the mobile gamer or power-hungry user looking for svelte style. Roughly a quarter the size of a typical desktop, the Shuttle XPC is small, somewhat portable, and extremely quiet, whether you decide to keep it above or below your desk. However, the XPC model we tested cost $3049, a steep price that reflects the premium you pay for this system's design.

Those looking for a powerful and expandable system will be disappointed with this machine. With only two expansion slots (and one of those taken by the ATI Radeon 9800 XT graphics card) and no drive bays for expansion, this system won't be able to grow with you as your computing needs evolve. But it does have connections aplenty, with six USB 2.0 ports, two FireWire ports, and an SPDIF in/out connector for digital audio.

The G2 7500 offers relatively snappy performance from a 3.4-GHz Pentium 4, earning a PC WorldBench 4 score of 130. It comes with 1GB of RAM, a 200GB hard drive, and gigabit ethernet. This model also includes integrated Wi-Fi, but only 802.11b--not the faster and increasingly popular 802.11g.

The XPC's small size, quiet sound (thanks to the company's patented I.C.E. Heat Pipe, which it says reduces the need for a processor fan to keep the box cool), and reasonably fast graphics performance (from the included 256MB ATI Radeon graphics card) make it a candidate for use during a gaming party, even though the diminutive unit has no carrying handle.

By contrast, the Shuttle's 17-inch LCD monitor does have a handle, integrated into the top of the monitor frame. The sleek monitor's unusual design means it rests directly on the desk, and tilts back a bit, much as a freestanding picture frame does. The LCD panel itself is fairly bright and stylish, with well-laid-out and responsive controls along the bottom lower left of the LCD panel. The controls brought up an on-screen menu with useful options. The LCD really does a good job of optimizing screen real estate and resolution but doesn't support resolutions greater than 1024 by 768.

The biggest concern we had with this monitor is its reflective plastic cover. Although the cover provides protection for the LCD panel, it also reflects ambient light, which can create eye fatigue during long periods of use. A secondary concern was the monitor's lack of ergonomic adjustments, including height and tilt angle. When viewing the panel from either side, for example, we couldn't see what was on the screen, and the stand for the LCD panel made it difficult to tilt forward.

The unit we reviewed came bundled with a Logitech wireless keyboard. The keyboard was quiet and responsive, making it a good choice for touch typists. The keyboard has shortcut keys and includes a wireless two-button mouse with scroll wheel. The G2 7500 model we tested came with Logitech's X-620 6.1-channel speaker system, which sounded adequate but not overly impressive when playing music through the PC's integrated audio.

Upshot: Shuttle's XPC G2 7500 isn't the most powerful system you can buy, nor is it the least expensive. However, this model does offer a great configuration in a compact chassis.

Victor R. Garza