Dell XPS Gen5 Review

The XPS Gen 5's TV tuners show steady pictures, even when the system is otherwise occupied (when it's also running a virus scan, for example), a benefit that can be directly attributed to the dual-core processor. The inclusion of the dual-core Pentium EE 840 means that someone playing a game on the XPS Gen 5 won't be affected by, say, the Media Center software recording TV or streaming video in the background. (As with all Windows Media Center 2005 desktops, if you purchase a Windows Media Extender, you'll be able to watch your recorded video on AV components in another room.)

Boutique systems' color schemes are sometimes hokey; we like the colored hues on the XPS Gen 5's front. Customers can choose from a variety of colors reminiscent of Star Wars lightsabers. We like the XPS Gen 5's roomy case for the most part. When the machine is laid on its side for servicing, as recommended by Dell, it's easy to open it, service it, and add components. When it's standing vertically as a tower, the case is a little harder to open. Though not all users will upgrade their systems, you'll need a good amount of space to work on this desktop.

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