Dell Dimension 2200 1.3GHz.

WHAT'S HOT: Although this low-end Dell is not a managed corporate PC, it does feature a case design that lends itself to business environments. The minitower includes a case lock to keep unwanted hands from the system's innards. In addition, removable-media drives can be added to the system without tools, though only one bay is available for expansion.

WHAT'S NOT: The Dimension 2200's 20GB hard drive is adequate for basic office tasks, but most systems at this price (and lower) have 40GB and even 60GB hard drives. In addition, the integrated audio and graphics make this system unsuitable for playing games or editing video.

WHAT ELSE: With a 1.3-GHz Celeron CPU and 256MB of PC133 memory, our Dimension's score of 92 on our PC WorldBench 4 tests landed in the range we expected--a little higher than the 1.2-GHz Celeron systems we've seen, but not by much.

As with other systems from Dell, the 2200 features matching components (black minitower, keyboard, and mouse). Text on the sleek 15-inch Dell E151FP LCD monitor appeared somewhat blurry, though it was still quite legible. Colors and details in our test photo were a bit dark, but flesh tones looked natural.

The included 24X/10X/40X CD-RW drive, while not the fastest available, still burns audio CDs and archives data fairly rapidly. The system also includes four USB 1.1 ports at the rear (more-expensive Dell models, such as those in the OptiPlex line, have front-mounted USB ports).

Dell's detailed documentation includes a handy setup guide and a thick overall manual specific to this model that's packed with illustrations and hefty chapters on upgrading and troubleshooting.

UPSHOT: This no-frills system isn't exactly a bargain--you pay a premium for its LCD monitor and for its Microsoft Office XP Small Business Edition suite, as well as Dell's design expertise and system reliability.

SUMMARY

Dell Dimension 2200 PC WorldBench 4 score of 92, 1.3-GHz Celeron CPU, 256MB of SDRAM, Windows XP Professional, 20GB hard drive, 24X/10X/40X CD-RW drive, integrated graphics, 15-inch Dell E151FP LCD monitor, integrated sound, Harman Kardon HK206 speakers, network adapter, V.92 modem, minitower case, Microsoft Office XP Small Business Edition. One-year parts and labor warranty; paid, 24-hour daily tech support. $1329 800/388-8542 www.dell.com