As a low-cost, high-end system, the AMD-based Xi 2200+ MTower Premiere makes several compromises. Despite its fancy Internet and multimedia ViewSonic wired keyboard and six-piece Creative Labs 5300 speaker set, this is an average system with plenty of space inside for extra drives and cards. The lack of ports (especially USB 2.0) or a DVD-recordable drive is especially noticeable in this product, which doesn't distinguish itself as a gamer-centric PC or an attempt at high-tech art. The software bundle includes several useful products but no big-ticket titles. An acceptable base system, the Xi 2200+ MTower Premiere may work well as a starter box.

MULTIMEDIA SCENARIO
Music: () Again, PlayCenter impresses us.

Photos: () Three photo-editing applications come with the system: Ability Photopaint Studio, Riptide Photo Studio, and Ulead Photo Express 4.0, which, while not a powerhouse, has the greatest number of features. Overall, photo editing is quite easy, and two USB ports are located on the front panel.

Video: (Not applicable: no DVD-recordable drive.) no DVD-recordable drive was included, we did not test for video editing and creation.

UPGRADABILITY
() With lots of room—seven available drive bays (three front-accessible 5.25-inch) and two free PCI slots—the AMD-based Xi system begs to be upgraded.

PERFORMANCE
(On a 60-point scale)
Business: 29.2
Multimedia: 38.9

SUPPORT
Xi offers a three-year parts-and-labor warranty with on-site service. Toll-free support is 24/7, and according to Xi, support e-mails are answered the same day they're received. Round-the-clock paging is part of the standard support package.