If you need a compact, well-built machine for general productivity computing, consider this new version of the compact, solidly performing Alienware Bot.
Unlike the typical Alienware system--designed for gaming, mammoth in size, and packed with power--the Bot is a compact, midrange system. Our test configuration had a 3.2-GHz Pentium 4 540 processor, 512MB of DDR400 SDRAM, a 160GB hard disk, and integrated Intel graphics, and it scored 87 in our WorldBench 5 tests, a respectable result for a PC priced at $1420 (as of February 2005). This is a slightly updated system from the Bot that was tested for our December 2004 issue , and it scored only 4 points higher in our WorldBench 5 tests.
Gaming performance was disappointing: At 1280-by-1024 resolution in Return to Castle Wolfenstein, the PC managed a meager 37 frames per second; in Unreal Tournament 2003, it achieved 50 fps. This would not satisfy the needs of a frequent gamer.
The solid black case can sit horizontally or vertically--the optical drive works fine both ways. It has a silver front panel with small doors (about the size of a CD case) that swing open to expose various connectors. One door reveals two USB 2.0, one FireWire, and audio ports. The second door reveals a media-card reader. And behind a smaller third door is a DVD-ROM drive. The power button is inset, preventing you from accidentally shutting the system down. The back of the case has four USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire port. We also liked the built-in lock on the back that protects internal components (keys are included).
Holding down a release button is supposed to let you slide the case cover off. However, the cover on our test system was so snug, we had to use a flat screwdriver to pry it off. But the Bot's interior was neat and fairly roomy, considering its small size.
All the components, except the hard drive, can be accessed and replaced without tools. To access the memory sockets and add memory, we swung the DVD-ROM housing outward, then pulled it out completely; we did not have to unplug the drives. But putting the DVD-ROM housing back in place is a tad troublesome because all the wires hidden below it can push down on the memory modules. We were afraid of dislodging the memory, so we gently pushed the wires under as we reassembled the media housing.
The included 17-inch Benq FP731 flat-panel display is average at best. Fuzziness in smaller fonts strained our eyes, and colors in our photos looked muted. The sound from the included Creative Inspire T3000 speakers was acceptable.
The Alienware Bot is a stylish, space-saving machine for home and business use, but not for gaming.
Andre Kvitka
