| Given the overall high performance levels of today's basic PC
components, there's often little to separate systems manufactured by
second-tier vendors from those of third-tier vendors--including price. But
a few companies have found other ways to distinguish themselves: ABS
Computer Technologies, for example. While ABS uses many of the same
ingredients as the competition, our first-hand experience with the
company's service and support stands out amid an otherwise homogeneous and
frequently disappointing lot.
We recently had occasion to look at the first Pentium III-based system
from ABS, the $2,199-direct Supreme DVD 1. Priced several hundred dollars
lower than comparably equipped systems and loaded with high-quality
features, this speedy 500MHz system is ideal for the discriminating PC
enthusiast on a budget.
When we first set up our review system, however, we ran into a few
minor problems. But with the assistance of the company's tech support, we
were able to easily resolve all of them. Our experience with ABS
technicians has always been excellent--not just with this system, but
during previous reviews as well. The phones are answered promptly, and the
support staff is knowledgeable and friendly. And, ABS now offers 24-hour
daily phone support.
Like many of today's "expert-level" PCs, the Supreme comes
equipped with 128MB of SDRAM. Its Toshiba SD-M1202 DVD-ROM drive is also a
popular choice these days. This third-generation drive can achieve a
maximum DVD-ROM speed of 4.8x (32x for CD-ROMs), and when used in
conjunction with the included Quadrant MPEG-2 decoding software, provided
DVD movie playback quality that looked and sounded better than some
hardware-based solutions we've seen.
It's not just DVDs that sound great, virtually all audio emanating from
the system's Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live Value PCI sound card and
Altec Lansing ACS45.1 satellite/subwoofer speaker system sounded equally
impressive. The card also offers Creative's Environmental Audio
technology, which was designed to produce superior surround-sound effects
(although you may need an second set of speakers to reap the full benefit
of this feature).
The visual side of the equation is handled by an STB Velocity 4400 AGP
graphics card with 16MB of SDRAM and a 19-inch Optiquest V95 monitor. The
V95 has an 18-inch viewable area with a 0.26mm dot pitch. The system
supports a maximum display setting of 1,600x1,200 pixels in 32-bit color
at a 75Hz refresh rate. In addition, the back of the STB card supplies
both composite and S-Video output jacks, with TV-out support at 640x480 or
800x600.
The Supreme also ships with a Xirlink C-it PC Camera, an Askey V.90
modem, and a microphone--which, when used with the included C-it and
BitWare software, let you send video e-mail, conduct live
videoconferences, and use the PC as a telecommunications center.
Clearly, users looking for a complete PC multimedia experience will
find it in the Supreme. The PC enthusiast, however, also wants the best
possible performance. The Supreme's 23.3 score on Business Winstone 99 is
on a par with similarly configured Pentium III systems we've seen thus
far. Where the Supreme lags behind, however, is in areas an enthusiast may
care about. Although its score of 2,870 on Business Disk WinMark 99 is not
slow, it's not quite as fast as the average score of 3,300 we've seen with
comparable systems. The Supreme also scored lower than its competition on
3D WinMark 99--although ABS can probably recoup some of the lost ground by
simply updating the graphics driver. Moreover, anecdotal testing with
G-Police and Incoming indicated that the Supreme is more than able to
display satisfying frame rates and image quality with games.
The Supreme's minitower case measures 15.8x8.6x17.8 inches (HWD) and is
easilyd after removing four screws. The inside is well-designed,
with access to all components, except the CPU, which is blocked by the
power supply. A 128MB memory module occupies one of the system's three
DIMM slots. (Up to a total of 384MB can be accommodated.) One PCI/ISA and
three PCI slots remain vacant, as do two accessible 5.25-inch drive bays
and one accessible 3.5-inch bay.
The Supreme is covered by a three-year parts and lifetime labor
warranty. For another $165, you can upgrade to three years of onsite
coverage.
With its Pentium III processor and rich feature set, the Supreme DVD 1
represents a great deal on a cutting-edge multimedia system. Factor in the
comparatively low price and excellent service and support, and you've got
a winning combination.
Best Buy: With its top-shelf performance, attractive price, and
superior service and support, the ABS Supreme DVD 1 is an
outstanding value in a no-holds-barred multimedia system.
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