ReviewReview
Specifications
Pentium 120MHZ, 256Kb synch pipeline burst cache, 16Mb EDO RAM, 850Mb EIDE hard disk, 2Mb VRAM PCI graphics, 17in monitor, 16-bit audio, speakers, 4x CD-ROM, network card, 14.4 fax/modem. MS Works, Encarta 95, Money and Lotus Organizer 2.
The Dan comes in a full tower case, which is less common than the mini/midi size tower in home-type multimedia systems. It's supplied with a 17in Trinitron-based monitor. It has the necessary controls, including convergence tuners, pincushion, trap and parallelogram (skew) correction, and vertical refresh support up to 79Hz at 1,024 ¥ 768, but a touch more clarity would have been appreciated.
Internally, the Dan is commendably tidy and relatively spacious, with all the ribbon cabling neatly tied back out of the way. Thanks to the extra volume of the full tower case, there are four empty front-opening 5.25in drive bays in a stack, which should do the trick, and for once the RAM SIMMs are completely accessible. An unusual thing about this machine, is that its processor is mounted in a Socket 7 ZIF holder, which is able to take a 133MHz Pentium upgrade
Our review machine came with a network adaptor fitted, as well as a no-name, but BABT-approved, 14,400bps fax/modem and a SoundBlaster AWE32 Value wavetable sound card, which provides top-notch sound through the Trust 80W speakers. This filled the available ISA slots and killed a PCI slot by using its backplate cut-out, leaving two free.
Overall
If the Carrera and the Panrix are considered equal top performers, the Dan runs them a very close second indeed, and we doubt that any difference would be apparent during normal usage. It's fast all round, although performance from its 850Mb EIDE Seagate hard disk is particularly good, if not quite up to the level set by the Carrera.
Verdict
Good performance coupled with the AWE32, modem and network card make the Dan the most attractive P120 for the price.
Price
£2712 (£3187 inc VAT)
Supplier
Dan 0181 830 1100
Features 5 Performance 6 Value 6 Overall 6
Return to Home Page 