Dell Dimension 4400 Series, Pentium 4 Processor at 1.8 GHz (Dell-D4418SS)

WHAT'S NOT: We've had mixed feelings about Dell's Dimension case design since it first debuted. It has undeniable advantages and aesthetic appeal, but also some annoyances. For example, the first time you try to open the system you may have to spend some time hunting for the button at the bottom of the unit that pops it open. And you'll need to take care when closing the clamshell-style unit, too, so you don't pinch fingers or cables.

WHAT ELSE: Powered by a 1.8-GHz Pentium 4 and 256MB of DDR memory, our Windows 2000-running Dimension earned a PC WorldBench 4 score of 115, just two points below the average for similarly configured systems.

Dell always does a good job of styling its systems--our 4400's keyboard and mouse match the black of the case, as well as that of the 17-inch Dell E771p monitor. The display reproduced our test photo well, delivering vibrant colors and natural-looking flesh tones. At 1024 by 768 resolution, however, 12-point Arial text blurred slightly (although it was still readable).

Our test system came with a helpful setup poster, as well as a thick system manual specific to our model that had loads of illustrations and detailed chapters on upgrading and troubleshooting.

Though useful, the system's 16X/10X/40X CD-RW drive is slow compared with the blazingly fast 32X and 40X drives on the market today (CD-RW upgrades are available when ordering the system).

UPSHOT: Small-business users who want an easily expandable system--that fits easily into their workplace thanks to its useful design and software bundle--should give this Dimension a long look.