Micro Express MicroFlex 32A

WHAT'S NOT: For a system with such great gaming performance, the sound quality from the Juster SP-3D105 speakers was very disappointing. We heard squeaky, unnatural trebles and flat, hollow bass notes at high volumes. They might be sufficient for tasks requiring simple sound such as voice chats or in-house audio presentations, but they're a poor choice for playing games or editing video. Micro Express doesn't allow you to substitute another set of speakers on this particular system.

Although it includes applications for burning CDs and watching DVDs, the MicroFlex 32A doesn't come with a business productivity suite at its $1339 price. You can add Microsoft Office XP Professional for an additional $370 or Microsoft Works 2003 for $100 when ordering, though.

WHAT ELSE: Armed with AMD's newest CPU, the 2.2-GHz Athlon XP 3200+, and 512MB of DDR433 memory, this MicroFlex 32A earned a PC WorldBench 4 score of 130, which makes it about average compared with similarly configured systems we've tested.

The 32A has two externally accessible drive bays, one memory socket, and four PCI slots available. To access the system's neat and roomy interior, you must use a screwdriver to take off a top panel before removing the side panel--an extra step typical of other MicroFlex systems.

The wireless keyboard has seven programmable hot-keys for launching Web sites and e-mail, but none for adjusting audio levels.

Micro Express includes a hefty manual dedicated to the Windows XP Professional operating system. It's comprehensive and can answer most questions regarding the ins and outs of the operating system. Other documentation consists of separate component manuals, but no system guide. The last Micro Express system we saw had one, but it was woefully out of date: The company seems to have dropped it rather then updating it.

UPSHOT: The well-equipped MicroFlex 32A should satisfy gamers looking for top speed, but we recommend purchasing better speakers from a third party.