Gateway uses the BTX chassis for all of their desktop computer lines, including their budget DX110 series of PCs. Starting at around $400, these low-cost systems are great second desktop computers for home or good PCs to send with the kids heading off to college. And the BTX cases mean these home desktop computers run more quietly, with better cooling and more expansion room, than previous ATX chassis.

The silver and black Micro-BTX chassis that the DX110 ships in features six bays, three of which are available for further expansion down the road. Although this home desktop computer is powered by a budget Celeron processor, it's Intel's 2.66GHz Celeron D CPU with 64-bit support for upcoming applications and operating systems. Gateway pairs that processor with 512MB of 533MHz DDR2 memory. You can upgrade either option, but it'll cost you around $100 to double the memory or to step up to the maximum 3.06GHz Celeron D processor.

Storage space shouldn't be a problem, as these desktops start out with a large 160GB 7,200rpm hard drive. This is plenty of space for even heavy multimedia users, and there are additional bays for adding a second--or even a third--hard drive later.

The 48X/32X/48X CD-RW drive can burn audio and data CDs quickly, but can't handle any DVD media. Upgrade options include turning it into a combo DVD-ROM drive that can playback DVD movies for under $30 or stepping up to a DVD writer for under $100. The DVD writer option for these home desktop computers features Double Layer technology, so you'll be able to burn to large capacity 8.5GB DL media as well as traditional DVD disks.

Gateway opts to leave a floppy drive off of these home desktop computers and doesn't include a media card reader at the baseline price either. You can add a 9-in-1 media card reader to the system for under $20, letting you easily transfer files and photos from your PDA or digital camera to your DX110.

Graphics is integrated in these home desktop computers, so they won't be stellar game machines. It is ATI's Radeon Xpress 200 graphics so you'll get better performance than with some integrated graphics, but the video memory is still shared with the main system RAM. Luckily, there's a PCI-Express slot available, so you can upgrade to a high-end graphics card if 3D gaming is important.

This desktop computer for home features lots of USB 2.0 ports for connecting peripherals such as digital cameras and printers with two ports up front for easy access and four more around back.

Gateway also throws in some basic accessories including a set of speakers adequate for Web sounds and no-frills input devices (a two-button wheel mouse and basic keyboard). You can upgrade to a multimedia keyboard and optical mouse for the nice budget price of only $5 or cut the cords with Gateway's wireless keyboard and mouse combo for around $35.

Gateway bundles a decent software package with these home desktop computers, including Ahead Software's Nero Express 6 for optical media burning and Microsoft's Works Suite 2005 which comes with Microsoft Word for writing school papers or bringing work home. If you need the full Office suite, you can step up to the Basic Edition which adds Excel and Outlook for under $100.

There's only a one-year limited warranty provided without on-site service, but Gateway offers upgrades to both the length and the depth of the coverage for decent prices--for example, you can extend the warranty period to three years for under $80.

Both a modem and a network interface can be found on these desktop computers for home, letting you connect to the Internet via dial-up or broadband service providers. Gateway includes a six-month subscription to America Online with the DX110 series PCs.

You'll need to add a monitor, and you may want to opt for an upgrade or two, but Gateway's DX110 series of budget BTX computers has a lot to offer for a great starting price. If you're looking for a desktop computer for home or away, the DX110 series is an great place to start.


Pro: Nicely priced, decent set of components
Con: Integrated graphics, no monitor

Warranty
1-year limited