This time last year, Dell's top-of-the-line Dimension was the 8100. Now, 12 months later, Dell's Dimension 8200
has a host of features.
The Dell Dimension 8200 comes stuffed with a 2GHz Pentium 4, twice the memory, a faster graphics card, and double the disk space; and is priced from AU$2999 (excluding delivery).
The Dimension 8200's configuration mirrors that of current upscale Pentium 4 systems. Our test unit included 256MB of RDRAM, a GeForce3-based graphics card, and a 60GB, 7,200rpm UltraATA/100 hard disk (Dell now offers an 80GB model instead). Unsurprisingly, all of the Dimension 8200's significant benchmark scores fell within one percent or two percent of the average when compared to PCs such as the MicronPC Millennia Max XS and the ABS Performance System 8.
As with most systems, if you upgraded to Windows XP, you could expect to see even better performance over Windows Me in many areas. The Dimension 8200's performance supplies excellent support for ripping music and watching movies. Its 10X/16X/40X CD-R/RW drive will play your audio CDs and let you compile your own CD library. It can also be used to back up your system if you're more practical. The Dimension 8200's 16X DVD-ROM drive is a movie magnet, especially coupled with the Dell M991 monitor. This 19-inch display handles wide-screen movies with ease. If you're a gamer, the monitor's .26mm dot pitch allows for crisp graphics, while the Nvidia GeForce3 graphics card is a proven winner. Both a modem and a network card come as part of the package.
The Harmon Kardon HK-695 three-piece speaker system puts out competent sound at 40 watts per channel. The two champagne-flute-like satellites and the chunky subwoofer provide reasonable but simulated surround sound for music, games, and DVDs. If you want better audio, however, you have just one, pricey choice: Dell's THX-certified Altec Lansing ADA-995 system. It sounds great (the massive subwoofer could house a family of five) but it'll add about US$600 to your system's total price.
Dell's connect-the-dots documentation provides illustrated step-by-step setup procedures and clearly displays where cables attach. All software comes preinstalled; in our evaluation unit, that meant Microsoft Works Suite 2001, Money 2001, and Windows Me. Windows XP and Office XP are also options.
Though getting into Dell's new-style minitower may seem tricky at first, it's actually a smart design, similar to that of the Power Mac. You press a button on the top and bottom of the case to release latches, and the case opens up horizontally like an old vertical steamer trunk. It sounds awkward--it is awkward the first time--but it makes incredible sense. The motherboard goes to one side and the drive bays go to the other, giving you maximum access to all areas with minimal obstructions.
Of course, unless you feel compelled to fill the single available PCI slot or one of the two available 3.5-inch drive bays (one internal, one external), you may never need to poke through the guts of your new Dimension.
Everyone is angling for your computing dollars; Dell's claim to your wallet rests on the quality of its systems and the strength of its warranty and support options. In Australia, Dell provides a one-year on site warranty with the Dimension 8200.
For speed and features, the Dimension 8200 matches anything in its class. Unless you're looking for a THX home-theatre setup, though, you'll find a wider variety of speaker options elsewhere.
Editor's note: The above review configuration may not match configurations offered by Dell in the Asia-Pacific region exactly. In Australia, Dell's Dimension 8200 with P4 2.0GHz, 256MB RDRAM, 80GB 7200 RPM HD, 64MB GeForce 3, a 17" LS monitor, and WinXP Home is AU$2999 (excluding delivery). With a 19" HS monitor the price is $3699 (excluding delivery). Also note that Dell quotes screen-sizes in VIS. Actual viewable display areas may be significantly smaller.
Dell Dimension 8200
Company:
Dell Australia
Price: AU$2999 (with a 17" monitor, excl. delivery)
Distributor: Dell Australia
Phone: 1800 808 312
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