Dell XPS One review

Dell's previous XPS PCs have been towering games machines, but not the XPS One.

This is Dell's first space-saving all-in-one PC, and the first we've seen to be sold through PC World. This means you can't change the specification. To do that, you'll have to order through Dell's website.

The One isn't aimed at hardcore gamers but at people who want a compact computer. The whole PC isn't much bulkier than a standard 20in widescreen display, although it's not as easy to tilt and swivel as Apple's 24-inch 2.8GHz iMac (What's New, Shopper 246). Unlike the iMac, the XPS One has a memory card reader as well as two side-mounted USB2 ports. Thanks to a proximity sensor, the touch-sensitive media keys and slot-loading DVD writer illuminate as you reach for them, which is helpful in dim conditions.

The XPS One's 1,680x1,050 20in widescreen display has a glossy finish so colours appear bright and vivid. It's reflective, which can be distracting when there's overhead lighting or bright sunlight. Images looked grainy, and white areas have a greyish tint, but the backlighting is even. It looks better than the Zoostorm One's display, but it can't match the iMac's.

Thanks to a Core 2 Duo E6550 processor and 2GB of RAM, the XPS performed well in our Windows benchmarks so it should handle all but the most demanding tasks. The Radeon HD2400 graphics processor isn't powerful enough to play the latest 3D games, but may run older titles at low resolutions. It doesn't share system memory like the Zoostorm's integrated graphics chip.

With Media Center you can record analogue or digital TV broadcasts using the single built-in TV tuner and remote control. The remote's receiver is neatly integrated into the case so it doesn't occupy one of the six USB2 ports. Stereo speakers are integrated, but are harsh-sounding. The 320GB hard disk isn't the most generous of capacities, but should be enough even if you have lots of music, photos and programs. Those wanting to digitise analogue video will appreciate the breakout box with S-video and composite inputs.

The interior is accessible for upgrading the RAM and hard disk, but removing the back panel is more awkward than on the Zoostorm. It doesn't have an ExpressCard slot like the Zoostorm, but WiFi and Bluetooth are built in.

We like the sleek, quiet design of the XPS One, its useful video inputs and TV tuner. But for just £50 more, Apple's 24-inch iMac (which can also run Vista) has a better-looking 1080p resolution screen, a faster processor and a more powerful graphics card. Unless Dell lowers the price, the iMac is better value.

Author: Alan Lu