Top 20 Budget Desktops

With the Quantex QP6/266 M-2X, compromise is the name of the game. This Pentium II-266 is not the fastest PC you can buy--in fact, its 138 PC WorldBench score makes it the slowest PII-266 we've tested--but at $1499 it costs at least $500 less than any other Best Buy PC. Add a pile of useful software and Quantex's extensive support policies, and the M-2X makes a fine budget-minded system for the home or office.

Quantex cut a few corners to achieve the low price. The system comes with 32MB of RAM--half the amount used in most PCs on the budget chart--and the 4.1GB hard disk is among the smallest installed on chart-making systems. But Quantex packs on the software, throwing in business applications such as Microsoft Office 97 SBE, the Learning Company's Project Manager Pro, Compton's Reference Collection, and SoftKey's OfficeMate, Form Designer Pro, and Day Planner software.

The 17-inch Mag 720V2 monitor impressed us with pleasing images--a critical advantage for those who work long hours--and includes the innovative Jag control dial for adjusting display settings. In addition, the STB Velocity 128 AGP graphics card comes with 4MB of SGRAM and provides first-rate 2D and 3D acceleration, though video playback is poor. Unfortunately for audiophiles, the Altec Lansing ACS90 speakers sound tinny and lack the range needed for producing extreme highs and lows.

Upgrades are eased by the conveniently designed case, which slides right off after removing three thumbscrews. Manuals provide comprehensive technical information, and one booklet shows you how to access the Internet with the generic 56-kbps (K56flex) modem--but not how to make the modem work with the included desktop microphone or Ring Central telephony software. Quantex staffs the phones 24 hours a day every day and provides a three-year parts and one-year labor warranty.

SUMMARY

Quantex QP6/266 M-2X PRO: Great software bundle, crisp monitor, TV tuner CON: Slow performance, poor speakers