Security conscious users are able to fit a self-encrypting disk with 320GB of space and it'll cost 22 less than the 1TB drive included with our review sample.
There are plenty of options on the service side, too. The three year basic warranty can be augmented with ProSupport and Next Business Day services for 77, and four-hour mission critical support will add 153 to the price. A five year basic warranty costs 46 extra, and a five year ProSupport and Next Business Day option puts 169 onto the price.
Three years of accidental damage protection is 60, hard disk data protection is 13, and three years of hard disk data recovery costs 47, but only if you've upgraded to a ProSupport deal. It's one of the most extensive feature ranges we've seen on a business machine, with only the likes of Lenovo able to match Dell when it comes to service options.
Overall
Dell's latest all-in-one is quick in applications well built, and includes an excellent screen. However, it doesn't represent great value. At 849 exc VAT, it's more expensive than Apple's cheapest iMac which is available for 832 exc VAT, and includes both a Core i5 processor and a discrete Radeon graphics card, alongside a screen that's smaller but offers better quality.
It depends on priorities. Those looking for a machine to do professional level graphical work will likely be better off with the iMac, but those after a more versatile office machine should look into buying the Dell.
Verdict
There’s plenty to like about Dell’s office-bound all-in-one, from its good screen and solid build quality to its powerful performance, at least when it comes to applications. It’s not cheap but, if you’re after a business all-in-one, the performance and versatility make it worthwhile – just make sure the Apple iMac isn’t a better option first.
PROCESSOR: 3GHz Intel Core i5-3550S
RAM: 4GB DDR3
GRAPHICS: Intel HD Graphics 2500
STORAGE: 1TB Seagate Barracuda hard disk
SCREEN: 1,920 x 1,080 23in TFT
CONNECTIVITY: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n dual-band WiFi
PORTS: 8 x USB 2, HDMI, D-SUB, 2 x PS/2, 3 x audio
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
DIMENSIONS: 574 x 68 x 386mm (WxDxH)
WEIGHT: 7.6kg
WARRANTY: 3yr NBD
