Dell Dimension 8300 3.0GHz

Partnered with the 18in TFT monitor, this makes for an excellent entertainment system. The screen deals respectably with fast-action gaming and DVDs look great, with very little ghosting. The colours are also crisp and vibrant through the DVI input at the native resolution of 1,280 x 1,024, and the viewing angles are impressively wide too, with the screen image still visible from a 90-degree angle. If there's one disappointment, it's that the screen is slightly reflective, which could prove distracting in bright conditions, but it's a minor complaint.

The 8300's predecessor, the 8250, sat on our A List as the Ultimate PC for several months before being knocked off by Evesham's phenomenal £1,849 Axis 3000+ TD2 (see issue 104, p112). And, fair enough, the Evesham leaves the Dell behind with its 2D score of 2.08 and 228GB hard disk RAID array, but the Dimension 8300 is hot on its heels in every other way, particularly with its incredible price of £1,299. This even includes a three-year, on-site, next-business-day warranty (use E-Value code 200-D52REV).

Due to the new technology, Dell is predicting a lead time of up to 30 days on the Dimension 8300, but if you're prepared to wait you won't regret it. While its 2D performance isn't mind-blowing, the DVD burner, cutting-edge graphics, brilliant 18in TFT and stunning speaker set make it a bargain.

Author: Ross Burridge