Dell, Inc. Desktops

The Bottom Line: The Dell i580-5108NBC offers a generous mix of components including a discreet graphics card, Intel's newest Core i5 processor, and a wireless networking card. Coupled with an affordable price tag and chart-topping system performance, this multipurpose PC is well deserving of our recommendation.

Specs: Intel Core i5 650 / 3.2 GHz, 8 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

The Bottom Line: We recommend this Dell only to those who need its particular combination of good-enough performance and wireless networking. If you value faster performance, or you're willing to get your hands dirty with upgrades, you can find more computer for your money elsewhere.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 / 2.93 GHz, 8 GB / 8 GB (max), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, None.

The Bottom Line: Selling budget desktops at retail has never been one of Dell's strengths, and the Inspiron i54 1125-NBK is a fairly representative case-in-point. It's slow, out-of-date, and looks downright silly next to other desktops on the shelf. Pass by this desktop, and be rewarded by a better deal from one of its competitors.

Specs: Intel Pentium E5400 / 2.7 GHz, 6 GB / 8 GB (max), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, None.

The Bottom Line: In the right configuration, Dell's Inspiron Zino HD will fit seamlessly into your living room as a PC-based video source. Due to its uneven handling of even standard-def video, this $468 build isn't quite up to the task. Fortunately, Dell offers the right upgrades to get you to the hallowed ground of PC-based video content--just be prepared to spend a little bit more to get there.

Specs: AMD Athlon AMD / 1.5 GHz, 2 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic SP2, 64-Bit

The Bottom Line: The retail version of Dell's Studio XPS 8000 desktop might lack some of the charm of its direct-from-Dell counterpart, but its strong price-performance offering makes it easy to overlook the minor cosmetic deficiencies. That and its admirable power consumption make this system an impressive all-purpose midrange desktop.

Specs: Intel Core i7 I7-860 / 2.8 GHz, 8 GB / 16 GB (max), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, None.

The Bottom Line: The Dell Studio XPS 435 successfully overcomes our bias against desktops that claim to be experts at everything through charming case design and a strong configuration at a relatively fair price. It misses greatness because of a handful of minor missteps, but if you need a do-it-all mainstream tower system, this Dell more or less covers all the bases.

Specs: Intel Core i7 Intel / 2.66 GHz, 6 GB / 24 GB (max), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English, None.

The Bottom Line: You might find a better deal from Dell if you configure an Inspiron 537s online, but this retail only model has little to recommend it. From slow performance to a weak feature-set, this budget slimtower is outclassed by too many other retail desktops.

Specs: Intel Celeron 450 / 2.2 GHz, 2 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic SP1, 32-Bit

The Bottom Line: We suspect lower-end configurations of the Dell Studio One 19 all-in-one desktop will draw consumers looking for a low-cost, "fast enough" PC. But even its multitouch interface can't save our expensive review unit from other vendors' similarly priced all-in-ones with better features for the dollar.

Specs: Intel Pentium Dual Core Intel, 2 GB / 8 GB (max), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic SP1 32Bit

The Bottom Line: If you're considering all of the computers in the $700 to $1,000 price range, the Dell Studio Hybrid is not very compelling. However, if you limit yourself to the very specific niche of small PCs, you'll appreciate this system's clever design and its relatively powerful hardware.

Specs: Intel Pentium Dual Core Intel / 2.1 Hz, 2 GB / 4 GB (max), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English, None., EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold

The Bottom Line: The Dimension C521 is significant because it's one of the first Dell PCs to include an AMD processor, and Dell uses it to good effect. Unfortunately, that doesn't save this system from Dell's failure to incorporate any of the virtues of a modern space-saving PC.

Specs: Intel Pentium Dual Core Intel, 4 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 64Bit, English