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As its name implies, the HP dx2200 Business Desktop targets workplace users. This compact system's low price of $738 (as of November 6, 2006) makes it a good match for small and home offices on a budget.
The dx2200 uses a 3.06-GHz Intel Pentium 4 single-core processor and 512MB of RAM. Powered by these components, the system achieved a WorldBench 5 score of 80--not outstanding, but adequate for workaday tasks.
Our test model came configured as a straitlaced business system (with a basic CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive instead of a rewritable DVD drive, and with no media card slots); however, you can add some of these components as options. The dx2200 lacked support for surround-sound audio, too; to get that, you'd have to buy a third-party sound card. As configured, with integrated graphics, the system delivered adequate graphics performance for business applications; but it would not be suitable for intensive game play.
Despite its small case (13.9 inches high by 6.9 inches wide), the dx2200 has a fair amount of upgrade potential, with four open slots for PCI, PCI Express, or PCI Express x1 peripherals; and three open drive bays (one internal and two externally accessible).
Our test system came with HP's L1706, a 17-inch LCD monitor that produced good colors but slightly fuzzy text. The monitor is difficult to adjust because the screen doesn't swivel side-to-side and you can't adjust the height.
This simple, well-priced system skips the fancy features but delivers a good overall package for business users who need a cheap system for basic computing tasks. It's about a hundred bucks cheaper than similar systems we looked at.
Richard Baguley
