Dell Optiplex GX240

WHAT'S HOT: Manageability is a big selling point for corporate PCs. And the GX240, which is designed for use in large workgroups, ships with Dell's OpenManage client management software and Dell Diagnostics for remote troubleshooting, high-volume software installation, and control of the OptiPlex's LegacySelect features. Dell's LegacySelect software lets system administrators deactivate various ports and devices (including USB ports and PCI slots) at the BIOS level for tighter control over system security. A twin-loop case lock and a slot for a Kensington cable lock enhance system security further. The GX240 also features hardware and software chassis-intrusion detection.

WHAT'S NOT: Dell's printed documentation is sparse, with only a setup and quick-reference guide that illustrates system assembly. You can find additional information specific to the GX240 on the included resource CD-ROM and at the company's Web site.

No drive bays are open for expansion, so you'll have to make do with what's inside or swap out a drive to upgrade. The unit we tested carried a 20GB hard drive, but you can purchase the system with a 40GB drive instead for $59 more.

WHAT ELSE: The GX series of OptiPlex systems features a Pentium 4 processor, Intel's 845 chip set, and SDRAM. Our GX240 came with a 1.8-GHz Pentium 4 CPU, 256MB of PC133 SDRAM, and Windows XP Professional. It scored a mediocre 91 on PC WorldBench 4.

IT professionals will appreciate this sleek, gray and black desktop system (a base, so you can convert the desktop to a minitower, also ships with the GX240). The easy-access chassis pops open when you press a button on each side of the system's rear, and you can take out almost any interior component without a screwdriver or other tools. The green tabs aid in removing individual pieces, whether a PCI card, a drive, or the motherboard itself. Our OptiPlex had two available PCI slots; the system's design makes them and the other components easy to access.

The 17-inch Dell P793 monitor bundled with our test system produced rich colors, natural-looking flesh tones, and sharp details on our test image. But it didn't fare as well with text: 12-point Arial typeface viewed at 1024 by 768 resolution showed some fuzziness, though it was readable.

The 8X/4X/32X CD-RW and 4X DVD-ROM combination drive is far from state-of-the-art, but it saves space in the small case.

The sturdy keyboard offers three Internet hot-keys and permits quiet typing, but individual keys--especially the spacebar--feel unresponsive. And the two-button mouse lacks the scroll wheel we've come to expect.

UPSHOT: A well-designed system that won't take up much room on a desk, the Dell OptiPlex GX240 delivers a high level of manageability. Its performance and monitor, however, are middle-of-the-road.

SUMMARY

Dell OptiPlex GX240 PC WorldBench 4 score of 91, 1.8-GHz Pentium 4 CPU, 256MB of PC133 SDRAM, Windows XP Professional, 20GB hard drive, 8X/4X/32X CD-RW drive, ATI Rage Ultra graphics card with 32MB of VRAM, 17-inch Dell P793 monitor, integrated sound, Harman/Kardon 395 speakers with subwoofer, network adapter, V.90 modem, desktop case, LegacySelect 2.0 and OpenManage Client Instrumentation software. Three-year parts and labor warranty; free, unlimited, 24-hour tech support. $1441 800/388-8542 www.dell.com