[geeks] Apple/Intel another (pre | per )ceptive article

[Bill Bradford]

On Tue, Jun 21, 2005 at 08:47:34PM -0400, Charles Shannon Hendrix wrote:
>     "Note: For server use only; CANNOT BE USED AS A DESKTOP.  Dell does
>     not support the use of a graphics card on the SC420."
> What does that mean?  It will run headless?  

This means that they've modified the PCI-E slot on it so that you can't
install a "regular" graphics card, and have to use the onboard video.  From
all reports I've seen, you can use a Dremel carefully, file out the little
piece of plastic that stops a normal PCI-E video card from going in, and
bypass the onboard video.

> I also notice they charge $9-10 extra for documentation in English on
> several parts.  

Who needs to be sent docs?  Dell has everything on their web site.

> Does it really have "PC server" components, or is it just a stripped
> desktop unit?

It's a desktop box, basically, with crippled graphics expandability unless
you've got 5 minutes and a file/dremel.

I just priced one out with 2x80G, 256M, and a 2.4 P4 - $336!

Even for low-end hardware, that's not a bad deal at all.

Bill

-- 
bill bradford
houston, texas