Dell Vostro 220 Desktop Computer (DDR2 SDRAM 2GB, 250GB)

9/10 Vostro 220 __ Fast, easy, good bargain, all the right stuff.

jpete68620@... - 12/20/08  (Edited: 12/20/08)

I purchased a package deal from Dell consisting of a Vostro 220 with 2 gigabytes of RAM, 250 gig SATA II HD, E 2200 Dual Core Intel CPU, 20 inch flat panel monitor and the operating System consisting of Vista Business with the XP Pro downgrade rights. The price was under $500.00 including shipping and taxes. This is the fastest booting computer running Windows I have ever had the pleasure of using. One of Dell's selling points was the lack of trialware, or bloatware as many of ZDNet's members call it. With no excess software I have timed this unit as loading from a cold start in 21 seconds and the shut down time is an amazing 6 seconds. While several power saving schemes are available there is not need to put the system in hibernation or sleep mode, as you can turn this machine off when not using it and have it back on, all programs loaded and online in less than 1/2 of a minute. Unlike many of the earlier machines I have had, where you had time to make a cup of coffee during the boot process, this one leaves you with no excuse to check your snail mail or brew a cuppa while the OS wakes. The unit shipped with a well working, quiet DVD burner, just the right amount of concise documentation and a link to the Dell site that has a complete list and links to any upgrades, updates, firmware and BIOS flashing.