Dell Inspiron 518

The Dell Inspiron 518 ($764 direct) is the newest member of Dell's value-oriented line. Although it's positioned as a "value" PC, it's got a quad-core processor for chewing through those videos you want to upload to your Web site. The system is well equip...

No crapware. Top-mounted USB ports and tray. Great multimedia keyboard and optical mouse. Discrete 3D graphics card. Fifteen-month subscription to Internet Security. Quad-core processing power.

3D graphics boost is mild.

The Dell Inspiron 518 is sleek, midpriced, and equipped with a quad-core processor. Just don't expect to upgrade it too extensively.

The Inspiron 518 is a welcome update to Dell's traditional, mainstream desktop line. Basic configurations start at $399, although our $784 review unit is a competitive showcase of some of Dell's more advanced configuration options. We wish Dell sold this

Useful, USB-port-equipped device tray on top of the unit; strong price performance.

No 64-bit Windows option; no Blu-ray, Draft N Wi-Fi, or other higher-end configuration options.

Dell's Inspiron 518 is the latest in a long line of utilitarian, midrange Windows PCs. We wish Dell offered a bit more flexibility with its configuration, as well as a 64-bit Windows option, but for a straightforward PC, this is one of the more powerful s...