WHAT'S HOT: Pairing a 2.2-GHz Pentium 4 processor with 256MB of DDR memory worked well for our Sys Performance 2200--its score of 112 on our PC WorldBench 4 tests lands two points above the average for similarly configured systems.

Its unique floppy drive will appeal to users of flash memory devices such as digital cameras and MP3 players. Not only does it take the standard 3.5-inch disks, it also has additional slots for SmartMedia and CompactFlash I and II media. Users can connect their digital devices to the Sys via two USB 1.1 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, or the single IEEE 1394 port on the SoundBlaster Audigy sound card. None of these ports are on the PC's front, however.

The system has an 80GB hard drive, which takes advantage of the motherboard's built-in Ultra ATA/133 RAID controller.

WHAT'S NOT: As with all of the Sys PCs we've reviewed lately, this model came with thorough documentation for individual components and a setup poster from the system's motherboard manufacturer, Gigabyte. But the Performance 2200 has no overall system manual--a potential drawback for less technically astute PC buyers.

The configuration of the system we tested has a price tag of $2800, making it a hefty purchase for most users. (Note that you pay a premium for the 2.2-GHz Pentium 4 processor. Currently, jumping from a 2.0- to a 2.2-GHz CPU adds over $200 to the price of the PC.)

WHAT ELSE: The 18-inch analog LCD monitor accounts for some of the system's premium price as well. Though LCDs frequently appear too dark or too light when you're not looking at them directly, this system's roomy flat panel was bright even when viewed at fairly severe angles. Text was very readable and generally sharp, but we noticed some occasional, distracting blurring of individual characters. In our test with a photo image, colors appeared a little light but flesh tones looked natural.

The Performance 2200 has an ordinary beige-box case, like those we've seen on other Sys systems. The chassis' design is upgrade-friendly, however: Simply release two thumbscrews and slide off the side panel to access the interior. Sys provides a metal loop on the back of the case for a padlock or cable to prevent unwanted entry. Our system had three open PCI slots and four open drive bays (two for removable-media drives and two for hard drives); unfortunately, the interior was somewhat cluttered.

The PC comes with Microsoft's Internet Keyboard, which allows for smooth and accurate typing, and features an attachable wrist rest and 10 Internet shortcut hot-keys.

UPSHOT: Experienced PC users looking for a system with built-in media readers should find the Sys Performance 2200 a particularly good choice for their home or small office.

SUMMARY

Sys Performance 2200 PC WorldBench 4 score of 112, 2.2-GHz Pentium 4 CPU, 256MB of SDRAM, Windows XP Professional, two 40GB hard drives in a RAID configuration, 16X DVD-ROM drive, 24X/10X/40X CD-RW drive, Leadtek WinFast Ti 200 graphics card with 64MB of DDR SDRAM, 18-inch Sys 180L LCD monitor, Sound Blaster Audigy sound card, network adapter, Altec Lansing AUS300W speakers, midsize tower case; Corel WordPerfect Office 2002, Norton Antivirus 2002, Norton Personal Firewall 2002. Parts warranty varies depending on the component, five-year labor warranty; free, unlimited, 24-hour daily toll-free tech support. $2800 800/613-9963 www.sys.com