Dell XPS One desktop computer Review

Bottom-Line:  The Dell XPS-One is a high performance workhorse that will more than meets my current computing needs and future computer needs; I swear.     

Anyone in my household will attest that I do not need yet another PC.  They would undoubtedly argue that the house is overflowing with PC's of every size and description.  They would be partially right, the house has a considerable number of PC's, but they all serve a purpose, and let's face it I make my living from "playing" with PC's.  So when my favorite software company released a new version of their back-up solution, one that could be ideal for my client-base, I had to try it out.  Problem: it requires a stand-alone server and I had none available.  So rather than buy a new server platform I decided to re-purpose my primary desktop and purchase a new.  After much internal debate, I choose the Dell XPS-One Desktop PC.

Computer as Configured:

• o Processor Family:Intel Core2 Duo E6550 (2.20GHz 4MB L2 Cache)
• o Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
• o Installed RAM:2.0GB DDR2 SDRAM @ 667MHz
• o Hard Drive Capacity:350GB SATA II 7200RPM w/DataBurst Cache
• o Graphics Card:ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2400
• o Primary Optical Drive:8x CD-RW/DVD Combination Drive
• o Secondary Optical Drive:None
• o Network Interface Card (NIC): Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
• o Media Card Reader: 8-n-1
• o Speakers: Dell built-in
• o Monitor Type:Widescreen digital LCD
• o Screen Size:20 inches

Dell designed the XPS-One for the home user as an entry-level media-center computer.  There are a total of (6) USB 2.0 ports on the XPS-One; four on the back of the unit, and two on the left side of the display where the speakers are installed.  There is also one Firewire port on the back as well as an RJ-45 port and an s-video port.  A small webcam sits on top of the display. 

The coolest features of the XPS-One are the multi-media controls that line the lower right hand side of the display.  They are touch sensitive; just wave your hand in front of them and they light up in a pretty blue that is easy to see against the black background of the display.  To the right of them sits the lone DVD/CD player, which lights up in a semi-circle blue when I disk is inserted. 

My Viewpoint

I am in love with my new Dell XPS-One!  Yes, all you iMac users out there, the folks in the PC world are cable of building a stable and user friendly computer every bit as fun as an Apple.  Despite what might think of Windows Vista, the OS is stable and well-behaving on the right hardware platform.  I can hear the snickers from the Mac crowd and I understand your derision, but Vista has it good points. 

The XPS-One is a good compromise between size and performance.  The 20" display gives me plenty of room-I now have no problem fitting two applications on the desktop side-by-side for instance-and fits nicely on my desk.      

Dell takes my enjoyment of the XPS-One experience very seriously; case-in-point: I received an email with a plethora of support information a few days after I received the unit.  I have never received an email after purchasing other Dell home systems before and I have purchased my fair share.  In addition, my unit comes with a 2-year in-home warranty that comes with 24/7-access to phone and online help as well.

The Dell XPS-One all-n-one computer is powerful home workstation that is more than adequate for Windows Vista and Media Center duties, and is fitting replacement for my now re-purposed desktop tower computer.  Though a tad expensive, the XPS-One is wonderfully engineered, attractive (love the smoky glass base) and easy to master. 

The Dell XPS-One is a high performance workhorse that will more than meets my current computing needs and future computer needs; I swear.