Dell OptiPlex GX1p 500

Dell OptiPlex GX1p 500

SUMMARY

PRO: Great performance, easy-access case, top-notch company reliability and support policies CON: PCI-based graphics, so-so monitor

If you're looking for a high-performance corporate workstation, put Dell's $2544 OptiPlex GX1p 500 on your shopping list. No other system here matches its combination of speed, features, vendor reliability, and support.

The GX1p 500 is a great choice for any organization with a host of computers and a very busy IS staff. For fast upgrades or repairs, the case's side panels lift off quickly, and you can easily pull out the card-slot tray for efficient board-swapping.

Our test machine came with Microsoft's Natural Keyboard, featuring keys arranged for ergonomically proper positioning of your hands and arms while typing. Though we found it comfortable to use and reasonably easy to adjust to, the layout won't please everybody; you should definitely test-drive a Natural Keyboard before deciding to buy one.

Besides a whopping 20GB hard drive, you also get a 100MB Zip drive. The system offers six open slots--plenty of room for additional adapters--but a scant two open drive bays. In keeping with the OptiPlex line's corporate focus, a network interface card comes standard on the GX1p; for $89 you can opt for an Aztech Rockwell V.90 modem instead.

The unit's only significant flaw is the 17-inch Dell 1028L monitor--it produced somewhat dark images and slightly fuzzy text. Upgrading to the superior 19-inch Dell UltraScan 1200HS costs about $200.

Setting up the OptiPlex is straightforward. All the ports are color-coded, making it easy to hook up devices. Dell includes surprisingly detailed documentation for this corporate PC: user guides for all the peripherals, an in-depth system installation manual, a big foldout chart, and a guide for assistance once you're up and running. Plus, Dell maintains around-the-clock technical support.

Respondents to our most recent survey gave the company Outstanding marks for reliability. And Dell's service, while not perfect, still ranks among the best you can find in the industry.