RSS
Subscribe to magazine
Follow us on:
  • Recommend:
  • 0 Comments

Top 20 Budget Desktops

Pentium IIs surge onto the chart, with entries from Unicent and Midwest Micro. But PCs with alternative chips challenge, including a $1349 Micro Express midtower based on AMD's K6-233.

  


SUMMARY
Quantex QP5/200 SM-1


PRO: Fast and affordable, 24-hour support
CON: Generic manual


Looking for a fast, inexpensive small-office system? Quantex's $1699 QP5/200 SM-1 delivers better-than-average Pentium MMX-200 performance, scoring a commendable 230 on our PC WorldBench test suite.

The QP5/200 SM-1 offers rich features, especially for graphics. Inside, you'll find the Matrox Mystique 220, a high-end video adapter with 4MB of fast SGRAM. You also get Matrox's Rainbow Runner video capture software and TV Tuner module. The 15-inch MAG InnoVision monitor provides good image quality and easy-to-use controls. Audio is handled capably by an Ensoniq sound card and a pair of Altec Lansing ACS 45 speakers. The 56-kbps fax-modem, which uses the K56flex standard from Rockwell-Lucent, provides swift Internet downloads given optimum phone line conditions. Bundled software includes Microsoft Office 97 Small Business Edition and a nice selection of games.

The QP5/200's case is sturdy and designed for easy expandability. The manual is serviceable but generic--it's the same one that comes with most Quantex PCs. Support is available around the clock. Our anonymous calls got responses within 5 minutes and found friendly, patient support staff.

Would you recommend this story? YES NO

  • Recommend:
  • 0 Comments

Subscribe to the Digital Gear Review Newsletter - weekly

See All Newsletters »
Lenovo Laptop Deals

Subscribe to the Digital Gear Review Newsletter - weekly

See All Newsletters »
Today's Special Offers
Editors' Picks