Dell Dimension 8300

Video editing isn't overlooked, either: the system has a sound card-mounted FireWire 400 port in back, a 200GB hard drive that should provide ample storage for large video files, and a DVD+R/RW drive you can use to burn the finished product.

Eight USB 2.0 ports (six on the back of the case, and two on the front behind a flip cover) provide plenty of ways to hook up both USB devices that you want to leave connected (such as scanners) and those you want to plug and unplug often, such as digital cameras.

WHAT'S NOT: All these high-end goodies come at a price many may find hard to swallow: $3807. But apart from that, we found little in this system to quibble about.

WHAT ELSE: Like other high-end Dell systems, the 8300 has a case that swings open like a book after you depress latches at the top and bottom of the case. Because the drive bays are installed in the swing-out section of the case, you have very easy access to the drive cages. And you can add and remove cards and drives without tools. Dell conveniently attaches rails for two of the three free internal drive bays to the inside of the case. The system has one memory socket and two PCI slots available.

The software that came with our review unit included Microsoft's Office XP Small Business Edition and Sonic MyDVD Plus (for burning video out to DVD) in addition to preloaded image editing applications like Paint Shop Pro and Dell's Image Expert 2000 for managing photos. Dell's documentation is thorough and well illustrated with sections for upgrading components and troubleshooting common problems.

UPSHOT: This new Dimension 8300 is a tricked-out workhorse that will satisfy well-heeled power users looking for a versatile machine.