Ideal for business-minded buyers, the Dell Dimension L866 offers Pentium III performance, a worthwhile software bundle and a sharp 17-inch monitor. However, its admirably compact case limits your expansion options, and its integrated Intel video chip hinders 3D graphics performance (and steals 4MB of system RAM).
Most systems priced under AU$3,000 force you to make a few tradeoffs. The Dell Dimension L866, for instance, showers you with Pentium III performance, a splendid monitor, and loads of good software. In return, you give up strong video performance, a DVD-ROM drive and expandability.
Though outfitted with 128MB of RAM, the Dimension allots 4MB of it to the integrated Intel graphics accelerator. (It is possible to disable the onboard video in favour of a PCI graphics card, but the system manual barely discusses it.) While the system performed well in most of the benchmark tests, it turned in dismal 3D WinBench 2000 scores (and was unable to run the 32-bit-color portion of the test). Fortunately, the Dimension can still fly graphics-intensive games like Quake III, although its middling 26.5 fps clearly reflects the penalty imposed by integrated graphics.
The compact tower case stands a few inches shorter than most and only about two-thirds as deep. It's also amazingly easy to open, thanks to a pop-off panel that's just as quick to replace, as it is to remove. Alas, your expansion options are severely limited, with only a single PCI slot and 3.5-inch drive bay available. Should you care to add, say, a CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive, you'd need to choose external models or replace the existing 48X CD-ROM. Expansion-minded shoppers should also be aware that the Dimension has only one serial port.
A rare find in a budget PC, Dell's E770s monitor delivers vibrant colour and a sharp picture. At a resolution of 800x600, the 17-inch tube looks absolutely stellar; at 1,024x768, it's above average, though text does get a bit fuzzy at smaller sizes. A pair of Harmon Kardon speakers provides audio for the Dimension; they sound slightly flat and don't get very loud, but do offer one nice perk: a headphone jack. There's also a microphone that can be mounted on the monitor, should you desire videoconferencing and/or Internet telephony. Dell stocks the Dimension with worthwhile software; including Microsoft Works Suite 2001 (which includes Word and Money), Norton AntiVirus 2000, MusicMatch Jukebox and several utilities and tutorials. For Internet newcomers, two clicks of a desktop icon get you signed up with a DellNet account (an MSN offshoot). For users in reach of a broadband connection or LAN, an Ethernet adapter comes standard.
Dell continues to avoid the souped-up-keyboard trend, sticking with its comfortable but ordinary 104-key model. The company does earn high marks for its effectively illustrated set-up poster and extensive reference/troubleshooting manual. Set-up couldn't be much simpler, thanks to colour-coded plugs and ports. Also on the rear of the case, a bank of four LEDs helps diagnose system problems ranging from the BIOS to the USB ports -- an excellent innovation on Dell's part.
For budget-PC buyers who don't need DVD and place a low priority on games and audio, the Dimension L866 ranks as a fine choice. It may not have every bell and whistle, but it's a well-appointed and desirable machine nonetheless.
Dell Dimension L866 Pentium III 866MHz
Company: Dell On-Line Australia
Ph: 133355
Price:
- Basic AU$16661
- With Extras AU$2897.40 (See page two for list)
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