Dell's Optiplex systems are excellent desktop computers for business users, and their latest series, the GX620, continues the tradition. Available in four different chassis styles--mini tower, desktop, small form factor, and ultra small form factor--the GX620 can be suited for any of your space constraints.

Whatever chassis you choose, the systems in this series come similarly equipped, starting with a 2.8GHz Pentium 4 processor and 512MB of 533MHz DDR2 memory. These desktop computers for business support Intel's new Dual Core CPUs, which offer two processing cores on a single chip, and Dell makes it cost effective ($20) to move up to the 2.8GHz Pentium D. Another consideration is doubling the memory; it will really boost your performance with Windows XP, and stepping up to a gig is an affordable upgrade.

Speaking of Windows XP, the baseline price on the GX620 series comes with the Home version of the operating system. Most business users will want the Professional version, which can add around $100 to the price if you want the installation CDs included.

Since these are desktop computers for business users, Dell includes some appreciated office extras on the GX620. For starters, the systems can ship with Dell's OpenManage software, letting your network administrator update and configure the systems remotely. Dell's TPM, or Trusted Platform Module, ships standard on these business desktop computers. TPM is a hardware security device that adds another layer of security to the system. And all of the chasses feature DirectDetect, a visual display of your hard drive and network activity that can aid in troubleshooting.

Dell includes an 80GB SATA hard drive, which provides plenty of space for the average office user. If you'll be editing video or preparing presentations on your GX620, you may need more room to work. Dell can either expand the current hard drive, add a second drive (to the mini tower model), or both.

Dell kept the starting price low on this series by foregoing some of the basics that you may or may not need in your office, such as a floppy drive and an optical drive. If you rely more on your office network and USB flash drives for getting data on and off your systems, you may want to stay with the savings. If you need either of these drives, Dell has them available. Adding on a floppy drive is appropriately priced at less than $10, while high-end DVD writers are available for not much over $50 on the mini-tower and desktop models (the Slimline DVD writers for the smaller form factor chasses are a bit more). Dell has a variety of single and even double drive configurations for you to choose from on the optical drive front.

The starting price of this business desktop computer line doesn't include a monitor, although Dell is currently offering a free upgrade from a CRT to an LCD if you buy a display from them with your GX620. This means you can get a large 17-inch flat panel display for less than $150, a great price for an LCD. If you go with one of the smaller form factor models, you can get an all-in-one stand with your LCD so your business desktop computer won't take up much desktop space.

In the current configuration, this Optiplex ships with integrated graphics. This will suffice for most business desktop computers, as you probably won't be doing much hard-core gaming or video editing on your GX620. But unlike a lot of other Dell systems, the motherboards inside all of the chassis models except the ultra small form factor feature PCI-Express slots, so you can upgrade to a high-end graphics board if you need the performance boost. Adding a card from ATI with 128MB or more of dedicated video memory starts at under $100.

The keyboard and mouse that ship with these desktop computers for business users are rather plain, although Dell lets you upgrade to a SmartCard keyboard for under $50, for yet another level of security protection.

Since Dell knows their business customers, they include a three-year warranty with on-site service if it's needed at the baseline price on these business desktop computers. Dell's Optiplex systems are known as some of the most reliable performers for any sized office. If you're looking for a desktop computer for business, you need look no further than the Dell Optiplex GX620 line.

Pro: Good office features, great warranty
Con: Some basics missing at baseline

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dell Computer Corporation
One Dell Way
Round Rock, Texas 78682
800-915-3355
http://www.dell.com

Ratings:
Value: 3
Performance: 4
Ease of Use: 3
Features: 4
Overall: 4

Warranty
3-year on site