Sun Blade 1000 UltraSPARC IIi 750 MHz

Advantages: Cheap entry level Sun SPARC from 1997
Disadvantages: Build quality is PC like, and low cache processors

...The Sun UltraSPARC 5 workstation was brought out in 1997, and was priced so you could have one on your desk for approx 1000 US Dollars. They stopped shipping to customers in May 2002. These days, it is not a fast machine, but still they are perfectly useable for many workstation and server tasks. Processor and Memory - This model has an UltraSPARC IIi processor which is, of course, 64 bit and is clocked at 360 MHz. You can have 1GB of memory in the workstation, installed as up to 4 DIMMS, which must be installed in pairs. "Normal" PC memory will not work in these workstations. The 260MHz model only has 256kB cache (same with the 270MHz processor) For better performance, you need the 2MB cache version on the 333 or 400MHz versions. Storage - There is one HDD bay in the machine, although if you remove the floppy drive, you... Read review

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Advantages: Reliable
Disadvantages: Cost? ( see opinion )

...tag given to Intel processors is somewhat unjustified. For example my PIII 600 in May 2000 - cost £240 running at 800mhz. An 800mhz PIII at the time was approx £500, enough to get a top of the range graphics card and change. Admittedly there are some "hidden" costs to the overclocked version e.g. a good quality mainboard, roomy case for good airflow, and a better heatsink, but I think that these are good practice in building any computer, the other minus is there's no guarantee that the processor you get will sucessfuly overclock. I would however still recommend the Pentium III, it's a good, fast and stable processor even when pushed towards it's limits.... Read review

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Advantages: Fast processor, decent display
Disadvantages: Heavy, cumbersome and HOT!

...with a number of processor options. You can opt for either a Mobile Intel Celeron Processor (speeds of 650, 700 or 750 MHz) or a Mobile Pentium III processor (speeds of 650, 700, 750 or 800 MHz). My unit came with the most powerful Celeron Processor (750 MHz) and I am more than satisfied with the processing speed of the unit. The additional upgrade of 256 MB of memory (standard memory capacity is 128 MB) means that I experience more or less the same efficiency with either my desk top or my lap top. The hard disk has 10Gb of memory - easily enough to store the numbers and sizes of documents that my needs dictate. I do tend to find that when I first start up the machine, it is relatively slow to get going. The system generally halts on the Windows 98 screen for up to five minutes, and finally loads the desktop a few minutes thereafter. It... Read review

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