The platform of choice for the ultra-lite market is the Intel Mobile 440BX (443BX/PiiX4m) right now and the 2100 follows that trend. It encompasses the usual 66MHz AGP bus and allows for 3.3volt 64, 128 and 256MB 144-pin SO-DIMM memory modules running at 100MHz. Yes folks we're still some ways off from Pentium 4-like quad pumped dual channel PC 800 RDRAM but then again the jury is still out on whether or not the mobile market is actually going to head this way anytime soon...

Our 2100 came equipped with a generous 128MB, which is more than ample for Windows ME. As stated above, if you still want more RAM, this little puppy can harbor up to 256MB for an upgrade price. But remember there is only room for one memory module so you will have to chuck out the original 128MB.

For all you weight watchers out there, you might be impressed that even at 3.4 pounds, DELL was able to ship our unit with a 4200rpm 10GB unit. In this day an age 10GB should still be ample for a PC used in an office environment. No sir, this is not a Napster-mobile MP3 storage machine. You're going to need a bigger boat... DELL does offer a 20GB and 5GB hard drive alternatives should 10GB be too much or too little respectively.

The primary hard drive bay, which is on the 2100's belly is easy to remove and secure with the aid of two screws. For those of you worried about hard drive errors and data corruption, DELL also re-enforced this bay with "StrikeZone", which serves as a shock absorber. Anyone with a short fuse might find this handy. Try banging the table whilst your Hard Drive is accessing and see the results without some form of shock absorption. It is not a pretty sight. We have indeed killed the odd HD or two this way. All in all this is a rather useful feature we feel, even if it is called "StrikeZone" and sounds odd.

In addition to the "StrikeZone", the 2100's underside sports four rubber feet that protect your furniture. They also serve as a useful anti-slide mechanism while sitting on a desk. Since the 2100 is encased in magnesium alloy, it gives the unit a more rigid and sturdy feel. The Kensington Lock (an industry standard) on the right hand side allows you to secure your hard drive and system from any nosey parkers whilst you are away from your desk.

For the sake of convenience and top-notch integration, DELL has outfitted the 2100 with a built-in 56K modem (a Lucent 1646 controller Data access Arrangement) and a 10/100 network (3Com 3C920 chipset) interface card/port allowing you to simply hook into an existing network or get online via a phone line. Having both options available at anytime without the hassle of a PCMCIA card is bliss. These ports are situated close together on the backside.

Those of you with access to more up and coming cable-free communication technologies such as BlueTooth and 802.11 need not feel left out. The 2100 supports both standards from the get go.