Panamax Power P4

WHAT'S NOT: Despite the aforementioned noise-reduction features, the CPU fan was distractingly loud.

The 17-inch Impression 7LSP LCD monitor that we received with our system delivered mixed results in our image quality tests. Text screens showed crisp fonts at all sizes, but colors were overly dark, even after adjusting brightness levels. Because our review unit didn't arrive with a set of speakers, we relied on those built into the LCD. Unfortunately, in audio tests running MP3s and a DVD movie, trebles sounded hollow and bass notes weak.

WHAT ELSE: The 128MB Sapphire Radeon 9700 Pro graphics card delivered middling frame rates (compared with similarly equipped systems) in our test games Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Unreal Tournament 2003. Though the keyboard seems flimsy, typing on it felt steady and sure. Unfortunately, the keyboard lacks extras such as hot-keys for launching Internet-related applications and adjusting volume settings.

Aside from a few preinstalled apps, this PC did not ship with any software suite. Most systems at its price level offer one of the major office productivity bundles--at least the inexpensive Corel WordPerfect Office Suite. At the company's Web site, you can order Microsoft Office XP Small Business Edition for an extra $200.

Amax's documentation is bare bones and mostly useless. The user manual discusses the quiet power supply, but it leaves out important information such as setup instructions, troubleshooting tips, or upgrade advice. The guide also referred to a motherboard manual, but our test system didn't include one.

UPSHOT: This PC offers a highly expandable, state-of-the-art case and has the wherewithal for business tasks. But opt for an LCD with better color quality.