Advantages: Interchangeable processors Disadvantages: Its a desktop
The IBMPC300GL was origionaly made for the business sector.
The higher spec machine similar to the 300GL was the 300PL which some had AGP graphics and LAN comunications support.
This was the lower spec of the two machines but still there wasn't alot of difference.
If you wanted to have better graphics or LAN support you could fit a PCI graphics card or an extra LAN card.
Many motherboards of this spec had at least 4 PCI slots and for this machine that was enough.
Some machines were fitted with Celeron 233-333 processors and others were fitted with Pentium 2's or 3's.
The higher Pentium 3 machines were the better becuase of the extra 256 or 512 L2 cache which made processing quicker.
My origional machine had a Celeron 333 with 64mb ram fitted.
The machine i then upgraded to a Pentium 3 which had 512 L2 cache and 384mb ...
Advantages: Flatpanel : take up little space. Great quality sound. Disadvantages: Simplistic design, slightly flimsy. Lack of volume/treble/bass switches. Expensive.
Introduction
Late last month, I was asked to build a high quality PC for a friend. I don't just mean high quality internal components either, the guy wanted a high definition monitor, top class keyboard and optical mouse...and yeah you guessed it : brilliant speakers.
Being only used to purchasing speakers for under 20 quid, I was rather stumped when he asked for speakers in the 50 pounds and up range. So off I went, scouring the computer fairs of the northwest in search of some super speakers.
Eventually I came across a stall which seemed to specialise in input components and speakers. After browsing for awhile I caught sight of the IBM multimedia speaker box. The first thing I noticed was the pricetag, a rather hefty 59.99 pounds.
I'm no pro regarding speaker specs, but a quick scan of the back of the box convinced me ...
Advantages: Good extra features. Can play CD's from keyboard Disadvantages: Price?
put your PC to “sleep” if it’s so configured. Also on top, there’s a blue “Help” button, which apes the F1 function, which must lie at least a foot away on the left!
Down the right-hand side is a row of 4 short-cut buttons, which can be pre-programmed to load software of your choice. IBM have printed an insert for you, on the assumption that word-processor, spreadsheet and internet access are going to be the big three, within one other blank, which I have taken to be my Quicken banking software. Notwithstanding IBM’s printed label, there is nothing to stop you programming all four yourself.
The software to configure your board comes on CD-ROM and is easy to install. It adds another icon within Control Panel, which I feel is the best place for it.
Now comes the “pièce de résistance ...
Power up your business applications with IBM's most affordable desktop offerings featuring a choice of Intel Pentium II, Pentium III or Intel Celeron processors. With integrated audio and graphics and an integrated 10/100 Ethernet, these systems deliver the technology your business needs to succeed. IBM's smallest 3x3 desktop or 3x4 micro-tower designs take up minimal space under or on the desk, yet offer great flexibility for upgrades. And, two memory slots make system upgrades easy. With USB ports, the new IBM PC 300 models make it easier than ever to add peripherals. IBM offers exciting options to enhance your computing experience, including a wide range of storage media.
