Whenever I write about a product that can come in hundreds of configurations, I always list my personal setup.
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My personal configuration
Processor: 1.7Ghz Intel Pentium 4
RAM: 512MB of PC800 RDRAM
HD: UltraATA 7200RPM 60GB
O/S: Windows 2000 Pro SP3
Video: 32MB GeForce 2 AGP card
Optical Drives: 16X CD-RW drive and DVD drive
4 USB ports/Intel LAN card/56k modem/A07 BIOS
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Initial Impression

I bought this system when it debuted back in October of 2001. I've had 10 months to play and experience the fun this system has to offer. I primarily use my computer for writing web pages, playing games (not the video-heavy ones), watching DVDs, playing MP3s, writing reports for school, and administering my 10 user LAN at home. I picked Dell because they had always treated me right and I knew their reputation. I received this PC and proceeded to hook up everything, my printer, scanner, gamepad, Palm cradle, etc. At the time, Windows 2000 SP2 was the OS offered and it handled everything fairly well (although my scanner and gamepad needed new drivers from the net). Once I had everything set up correctly, I found the system to be very fast- DVDs played perfectly and CDs burned quickly too. The monstrous 60 gigabyte drive seemed endless and today I've only filled 1/3 of it! 4 USB ports really came in handy for all my peripherals too. I installed many apps and none of them caused a problem, the system performed great on all of them. Dell was very good about releasing updated drivers for anything I would need (BIOS updates, etc). For the "power user" it's a great buy, plenty of speed on hand, room in the drive, ample USB ports, etc. This system was perfect for me.
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The "less fun" aspects

As nice as the system is, it does have some issues. I have always noticed that on my particular model, the case fan can be quite loud when I have a video-intensive app going or am burning a CD- I got used to it but I shouldn't have had to. Also, although the system has 4 USB ports- Dell should now be offering mobos that have integrated USB 2.0 ports and firewire on their top end system. Another thing that isn't great is that with a LAN card and a modem, Dell only leaves you with one free PCI slot (add a firewire or USB 2.0 card and I have no room for any more cards). Finally, I'd only advise power users to buy this system, typical school-age children, grandmothers sending email, kids going off to college, and business men using Office 2002 don't need so much power- they should choose the 4500. This is a high end system and as such costs a fair penny.
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Overall

Overall the system is great, functions perfectly and can always take on another piece of software or even hardware. It's also nice to have Dell releasing BIOS and driver updates at regular intervals- makes me feel supported. Their tech support is average, but I fix my Dell myself in almost all cases. Get the 8200 if you think you it qualifies well for your needs, otherwise pick up the cheaper 4500 which is still a fantastic system.

8.5/10

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1700
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50