Dell OptiPlex GX280 SD

Storage options aren't extensive, relying solely on the 40GB 7,200rpm Seagate SATA hard disk. Alongside that is an HL-DT-ST (Hitachi-LG Data Storage) CD-ROM drive. The OptiPlex GX280 therefore has neither hardware support nor software for playing DVDs in this configuration - an increasingly popular format for presenting in business. If you need this, a DVD-ROM drive will cost an extra £30.

IT managers will also want to see some after-sales commitment assurances. Released in July, Dell says this platform has a minimum lifespan of 15 months, and it's backed by a three-year, next business day on-site warranty: an excellent inclusion considering the low price.

It all stacks up very well against rivals like the IBM ThinkCentre A50 SFF (see issue 123, p62), which includes some useful bonus 'ThinkVantage' software to help manage your system, and is more compact, but was also notably noisier than the OptiPlex and couldn't match it for speed. With Dell's impressive reliability, as shown by reader feedback in our 2004 Service & Reliability survey, the OptiPlex GX280 is a hugely attractive business purchase. Note that if you want to order this particular configuration, you must quote E-Value code GX280-REV.

Author: Roger Kirkwood