Sys TaskMaster 850D

WHAT'S HOT: Sys's Duron-850 system scores an impressive 175 on our PC WorldBench 2000 tests--18 points higher than the only other Duron-850 PC running Windows 2000 that we've tested, and 6 points above the average for PIII-866 systems running Windows 2000. With help from a GeForce2 MX-based graphics board (which offers extra ports for S-Video and composite output), the 19-inch Optiquest Q95 monitor displayed rich colors and sharp text.

WHAT'S NOT: Sys doesn't supply a system manual with any of its offerings, though it does pass along documentation from the manufacturers of the individual components. The basic beige minitower lacks a reset button, too.

WHAT ELSE: Opening the tower entails loosening two thumbscrews and popping off the flimsy side. Inside, the small but neat interior contains two open PCI slots and two open drive bays. Expansion cards can be added without tools, thanks to a thumbscrew that holds down a panel securing the PCI cards. The Wake-on-LAN-enabled network adapter prepares this TaskMaster to connect to an office network or a broadband modem. The sturdy Sys keyboard sports hot-keys for sleep, wake-up, and power on and off, but its annoyingly small Backspace key may force you to go on hunt-and-peck missions when correcting mistakes.

BEST USE: This inexpensive, powerful system and its large, clear display are well suited for any small-office environment.

SUMMARY

Sys TaskMaster 850D PC WorldBench 2000 score of 175, Duron-850 CPU, 128MB of SDRAM, 64KB L2 cache, Windows 2000, 30GB hard drive, 22X-50X CD-ROM drive, Gigabyte GA-GF1280T graphics card with 32MB of SDRAM, 19-inch Optiquest Q95 monitor, integrated AC-97 sound card, Altec Lansing ACS21W speakers, network adapter, minitower case. Three-year parts warranty (six years on CPU and memory), five-year labor warranty; free, 24-hour tech support daily for the first year (9 hours daily Monday through Friday thereafter). $1150 800/613-9963 www.sys.com