In a very close race, the Gateway system's consistently good scores
in all categories helped it squeak into first place in the Best
Overall category. The Polywell system's higher marks in performance
and usability edged the Micro Express system, despite its better
features score. Both systems were close enough to be awarded a tie
for second place, just 3 percent behind the P5-200. Third place goes
to the DTK Computer Quin-55M/PM233. The performance of any one of
these 10 systems was within 6 percent of the average score.
The rock-bottom $1750 price of the Poly 5200Tx nudged it into the
low-cost winner's circle. It was helped by its good performance and
usability scores to just edge past the DTK Computer Quin-55M/PM200,
also a bargain at $1775. The Xi K200 MTower's $1899 price helped it
overcome somewhat lackluster feature and usability scores and claim
third place. With overall scores for these systems nearly on a par,
it's not surprising that the three systems priced below $2000 pan out
as the low-cost leaders.
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