Ajump Matrix 4200

Setup and usability are not among the highlights of the Matrix 4200: Aside from a handy sticker with a diagram of the motherboard, the documentation was remarkably skimpy. There were some detailed manuals for the components, but no overall system manual. Some instructions for hooking up the Creative Labs SBS560 5.1 speaker system would have been helpful, for example. The box from Creative Labs showed the volume control connected to three audio outputs on a PC, but the Matrix 4200 had only one output, and it wasn't labeled on the case. We were able to hook up only a stereo pair of speakers, which did produce crisp and clear sound.

There are five USB 2.0 ports and no FireWire ports, which we found a little skimpy for a midsize tower; the USB port on the front panel sits behind a temperamental drop-down cover that we preferred to leave in the open position than fuss with. A memory card reader also sits behind the cover.

The package of bundled software, which included the Corel WordPerfect Productivity Pack and Quicken 2003, seemed well suited for home use but underequipped for all but the smallest business. The Microsoft Multimedia 1.0A keyboard and optical Intellimouse proved adequate.

The Matrix 4200 offers a reasonable amount of room for expansion. The system has seven bays total, three of which are open, along with two free PCI slots. Two clamps snap off easily for removing the side panel to access the inside, though you'll need a screwdriver to remove and install drives.

Upshot: Though the Ajump Matrix 4200 is fairly fast for a general-purpose PC, its mediocre graphics quality and limited software lessen its appeal.

Edward B. Driscoll, Jr.