Dell goes the extra mile
Written: Dec 08 '00 (Updated Dec 08 '00)
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Pros: - Excellent graphics/sound cards, Large monitor
Cons: - Exclusion of a CD-RW drive
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| ozgamer's Full Review: Dell Dimension 4100 Series |
System Specifications
Processor: Intel Pentium III 800 Mhz
Chipset: Intel 815E
RAM: 128Mb 133Mhz SDRAM
HD Space: 30Gb Ultra DMA
Graphics Card: 32Mb
Video RAM: Nvidia GeForce2 GTS
Monitor: Dell 1226H 19in
Optical Drive(s): 8x DVD, 4x4x24 CD-RW
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Live! Value
Speakers: Altec Lansing ACS340
Modem: 56 Kbps ITU V.90
Beyond the predictable but sturdy and user-friendly (think thumbscrews) exterior is a high performance system that skimps on absolutely nothing it provides. The 30Gb Ultra DMA hard drive is one of the faster drives available, spinning at 7200 rpm. The Dimension 4100 also provides a 12x DVD drive.
Where Compaq failed to impress, the Dell system far surpassed my expectations. The graphics subsystem is made up of the latest Nvidia GeForce2 GTS videocard and a 19in monitor. In combination with the quick hard drive and solid performance of the 815E chipset, the graphics performance of the Dimension 4100 blows away both the Presario 7000 and the Performance 866. While the other two systems provide 17in monitors, Dell goes the extra mile and bundles a 19in monitor. On paper the difference in screen size seems negligible, but the difference between using each device is phenomenal.
The sound system of the Dimension is really strong, matching its excellent video offering. The soundcard is also provided by Creative, but this time the industry standard Soundblaster Live! Value. The Altec Lansing ACS340 speakers can claim the same quality or lineage as the JBL bundled with the Presario 7000 and the inclusion of a subwoofer is a definite plus. Like the other systems previously mentioned the Dell also comes with an internal 56k modem.
The difference in price between Dell and the other two systems is quite significant. The Dell vying for $200 less than the Presario 7000 and a sizeable $450 less than the Performance 866. This seems to be accounted for the lack of inclusion of a CD-RW drive.
Dell has really impressed with the Dimension 4100. The system provides top-notch performance and excellent value. Dell has shown that they want to be the price leaders in the packaged PC market. The icing on the cake is the 3 year on-site warranty.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1200
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 701-800
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 21-30
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Epinions.com ID:
ozgamer
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Member: Setzer
Reviews written: 60
Trusted by: 23 members
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