If you want to customize your own high-end PC, this Intel-based Xi box is a good start, but in our tested configuration, it doesn't qualify as a gee-whiz candidate; no DVD-recordable drive is included. The good news is that the Xi 2486 MTower Premiere has four free PCI slots and seven free drive bays, so you needn't worry about adding what you really want. And the system we tested came with a rich software bundle that includes three photo- and graphics-editing titles, plus a six-speaker Creative Labs 5300 audio system. It's a solid starter box to do with as you please, though it's a bit pricey for this level of user.

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
() The Intel-based MTower Premiere has seven available drive bays (three front-accessible 5.25-inch) and four free PCI slots. One PCI card slot is blocked by the back-panel connector for the four USB 2.0 ports.

PERFORMANCE
(On a 60-point scale)
Business: 34.8
Multimedia: 52.0

SUPPORT
The complete Xi service package includes a three-year parts-and-labor warranty with on-site service and 24/7 toll-free technical support and paging. The company also promises the same level of response to e-mail inquires.