It's a shame that Dell hasn't loaded equally impressive software into Windows 7. Aside from basic utilities to handle networking and security duties, there's little here - and compared with the broad tools offered with Lenovo ThinkCentre machines, it's disappointing.
Nevertheless, this is a minor complaint in the face of plenty of excellence elsewhere. The clever case design, fastidious attention to detail and impressive performance makes 689 exc VAT seem like a bargain. If a small form factor PC just isn't versatile enough, the Optiplex 980 is as good as a full tower business machine will get.
Verdict
Dell's ingeniously designed chassis serves up a machine that's both easy to manage and simple to upgrade, and its impressive specification caters for everyone except those working with intensive graphics. It's expensive, but far more versatile than small form-factor machines and worth the cash.
Processor: 3.3GHz Intel Core i5-660 processor? Memory: 4GB DDR3 RAM? Graphics: Intel GMA X4500HD? Optical drive: DVD writer? Hard disk: 320GB hard disk?Features: TPM 2.1 module, chassis intrusion detection? Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet?Ports: 10 x USB 2, eSATA, Parallel, Serial, 2 x PS/2, D-SUB output, Dimensions: 187 x 445 x 410mm (WxDxH)? Weight: 11.4kg?Warranty: 3yr NDB on-site warranty? OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit? Software: Dell ControlPoint software
