Dell's OptiPlex computers are value-conscious companies that need only bare-bones systems for connecting to the company LAN, while the rest of the software and hardware can be added on site rather than bought from Dell. If such is the case with your company, the OptiPlex 170L systems start at only $449 for a ready-to-be-managed core, but can be upgraded to full-fledged systems if needed.

Stripped of all the accessories and most optional components, the OptiPlex ships for a great price and still includes the basic necessities. There's a 2.4GHz Intel Celeron D 320 processor and 256MB of 333MHz RAM.

You can, of course, beef up this power core for reasonable prices. Stepping up to a 2.8GHz Pentium 4 CPU is only a $90 upgrade, while maximizing the system with a 3.2GHz P4 with Hyper Threading is $179. You can double the memory to 512MB for $59, or take it up to a gig of 333MHz RAM for $169. You can also opt for faster 400MHz memory--512MB is $84 over baseline, 1GB is $199, and 2GB is a hefty $699.

So you can get the 170L's power core right where you need it with a few upgrades and adjustments. The default operating system is Windows XP Home edition, so if you company uses Windows, you'll probably want to step over to the Professional version for $60.

The bare bones OptiPlex 170L contains a 40GB 7,200 rpm hard drive, with enough storage for basic application usage. If you need more, you can step up to an 80GB hard drive for $29 or the faster and larger 160GB SATA hard drive for $99.

Graphics and audio are integrated on the 170L, with the internal graphics sharing memory with the main system RAM. They're not great machines for video editing or CAD, but the basic functions are taken care of by the integrated multimedia. There's also an integrated network interface with remote wake-up that makes the system ready for a corporate network.

The OptiPlex 170Ls come with Dell's excellent OpenManage system, allowing system administrators to deploy software across the network, migrate users from one system to another, and keep a current inventory of settings and software of all the users in the network.

That's the essence of a low-cost 170L--they're streamlined systems that can be easily managed by the IT department. But if you need more on the system itself, Dell has plenty of options.

Regarding optical drives, you can add a basic 48X CD-ROM drive for $19 or toss in a 48X CD burner for only $39. There's a DVD-ROM drive option for $35 or a combination DVD/CD-RW drive that lets you play DVD movies and burn audio and data CDs for $59. If you need to create presentation DVDs at your business, you can opt for a 16X DVD+/-RW drive that will burn to both DVD-R and DVD+R disks for $109.

If you need a floppy drive on your 170L, you can add one on for $19, otherwise you can save on this upgrade if you use the network or flash memory drives to get data on or off your system.

There's no monitor included at the low-end price of the 170L. A 17-inch conventional CRT is available for $149, or you can choose the 15-inch E153FP flat-panel display for $229, saving on desk space. There's also the large 17-inch UltraSharp 1704FPV LCD at a reasonably priced $239.

If you need audio output with your 170L, you can add a basic internal speaker for $9 or a pair of external speakers for $29. A 2.1-speaker set with a subwoofer will add $59 to the price tag, or add a space-saving sound bar to the base of a display for 14 watts of decent sound at $39.

There's no modem or wireless card included with the OptiPlex 170L. If you need to connect to the Net via dialup, you can add a modem for $29. If your company uses wireless networking, an 802.11 b/g USB wireless adapter for the 170L is $49.

There are several office software options to add to the 170L: WordPerfect Office 12 is only $49 while the more widely used Microsoft Office Basic Edition 2003 is $125 and includes Adobe Acrobat 6.0.

Input devices are quite generic, with a PS/2 keyboard and a non-optical mouse included with the system. A USB keyboard with eight programmable hotkeys is $29 while a keyboard with a Smart Card reader built in is $49. You can upgrade to a two-button optical mouse from Logitech for $19.

Keeping your Dell OptiPlex 170L at the bare minimum makes it one of the better business bargains on the market. If you need to give it more power and more components, Dell charges reasonable prices for the upgrades.

Pros: Excellent price, upgrades not overly expensive
Cons: Integrated multimedia

Warranty
Three years