Joel Strauch

Dell Dimension 4100

The latest update of Dell's Dimension 4100 sped to a score of 198 on our PC WorldBench 2000 tests, an impressive 20 points above the average mark for Pentium III-1000 systems carrying 128MB of RAM and running Windows 2000. In fact, this Dell's performance score rivals the average mark achieved by far more expensive 1.5-GHz P4 systems. The excellent 19-inch Dell M991 monitor (which captured a Best Buy in our most recent Top 10 Monitors chart dedicated to 19-inch displays) yielded vibrant colors in our test images and produced crisp text that began to blur only at the unit's maximum resolution of 1600 by 1200--higher than most users will need to go.
Though you can take off the side panel of this tall, thin, beige midsize tower by removing a single thumbscrew, snapping the panel back into place can require a bit more effort.
The system's speedy 12X/8X/32X CD-RW drive allows accelerated data backups, and the software bundle includes Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition. Five open PCI slots and four open drive bays offer plenty of options for extra devices and added storage. The system manual contains lots of detailed troubleshooting information. A quick-setup poster and color-coded, icon-labeled rear ports aid assembly. Dell's QuietKey keyboard allows smooth but somewhat noisy typing.
Priced at a reasonable $1699, the Dimension 4100 runs circles around comparable PCs. Small to medium-size businesses will appreciate its performance and Dell's strong record for reliability.

Buying Information

Dell Dimension 4100 PC WorldBench 2000 score of 198, Pentium III-1000 CPU, 128MB of SDRAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows 2000, 20GB hard drive, 12X/8X/23X CD-RW drive, ATI Radeon graphics card with 32MB of DDR SDRAM, 19-inch Dell M991 monitor, integrated SoundMax sound, Boston Acoustics BA 735 speakers, network adapter, midsize tower case, Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition. One-year parts and labor warranty; free, unlimited 24-hour toll-free tech support. $ 1699 PC WorldBench 2000 score of 198, Pentium III-1000 CPU, 128MB of SDRAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows 2000, 20GB hard drive, 12X/8X/23X CD-RW drive, ATI Radeon graphics card with 32MB of DDR SDRAM, 19-inch Dell M991 monitor, integrated SoundMax sound, Boston Acoustics BA 735 speakers, network adapter, midsize tower case, Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition. One-year parts and labor warranty; free, unlimited 24-hour toll-free tech support. http://www.dell.com 800/388-8542