Sys Technology Sys SlimLine Si200

The SlimLine Si200's compact case (made by In-Win, model IW-BT566T) is easily opened, but has little room for expansion inside. All three drive bays--two external, one internal--are occupied, so you'll need to use the USB connectivity ports (no FireWire ports are provided) if you want to add another hard drive. The system has four open slots (one PCIe x16, one PCIe x8, and two PCI) but they accommodate only low-profile (half-height) expansion cards. Using the plastic "feet" that come in the package, you can also place the Si200 case in a vertical position, if you prefer, though you can't reorient the DVD drive.

The bundled Logitech input devices were both workable, but basic: a ho-hum standard (106-key) keyboard and a two-button optical mouse with a scroller wheel. The Si200's printed and online documentation was helpful and reasonably thorough.

My main disappointment with the SlimLine Si200 is that it comes with Windows Vista Home Basic, instead of Vista Home Premium, the operating system bundled with all the other value systems here. Since Home Basic lacks the Media Center interface, you must rely on third-party applications to keep your multimedia files organized, and you can't use Windows' Aero graphical interface.

--Richard Jantz