Hardware

Dell XPS 210

Processor:  The Dell XPS we evaluated comes with the Intel Duo 2 Core E6300 that runs at 1.86 GHz with a front bus speed of 1066 MHz. This is a pretty good choice, but if you need something a little faster they offer the E6400 for only $50 more.

Memory:  The basic configuration of this system includes 1 GB of RAM and a 320 GB SATA hard drive. Since it takes a GB of RAM to run Vista Aero, you may want to consider upgrading to 2 GBs.

Video/Audio:  The graphics card this PC comes with is a 256 MB ATI Radeon X1300 and it has an integrated sound card. It is configured for 7.1 surround sound. The video card is highly capable, but the Alienware offers a 512 MB.

I/O Devices:  As mentioned above, this Dell only comes with an analog monitor, we would like to see a digital monitor included in the package. Besides the monitor, it also has an 8X burner that can burn DVDs and CDs, a 13–in–1 media card reader and a keyboard and mouse.

Multimedia Features:  Dell includes the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system which includes media organizing and editing elements. This system also includes a remote, a TV tuner, and speakers with a subwoofer.

Price/Value:  This system is average priced for the components.

Support/Warranty:  The Dell XPS 210 comes with a two year parts and labor warranty. On Dell’s website you can find volumes of product information and driver downloads. You can contact them by telephone, email or chat. However, often we have contacted Dell and spoke with a representative and left the conversation without feeling like our issues were resolved.