IBM PC 300GL Computer Review

The IBM PC 300GL has its technologically advanced features as well as features that could use some help, just like other similar products on the market. A review of the benefits, drawbacks, and extra features of the IBM PC 300GL will be reviewed to give you a better idea of how the machine performed and how it reacted to different applications.

The PC 300GL managed to include a Celeron-500 processor with Windows NT and had amazing results. The PC with this processor scored close to the same as a Pentium III-500 system running NT scored. Also, the 3dfx Voodoo3 2000 graphics card is perfect for 2D and 3D graphics however the monitor is not of high enough quality to reflect the true brilliance of the graphics card. If you want to change hardware internally then you will find that it is really easy to open the case. There are three thumbscrews, remove those, and the case is open!

There is a drawback to the integrated video in the PC 300GL. The problem is that the Voodoo3 graphics card supersedes the integrated video relegating it to a space user and nothing else. Another drawback to the computer is the monitor, which was already briefly discussed n relation to the graphics card. The monitor is an IBM G74 and its 17 inches display the standard 1024 x 768 resolution with fuzzy and faded results. Increasing the resolution only increases the fuzziness so that is not recommended at all. And, although the case is readily opened with just a few thumbscrews there is so little space inside that expanding it is difficult at best.

Those multimedia fans out there will not be pleased with the lack of speakers and the sound chip that is not quite up to par. Even the mouse is different and takes some time to accustom oneself to the scroll button. This computer is perfect for home offices or larger offices that are short on space but the monitor should be replaced, as it really is not of high quality. This was also a good computer for college students focused mainly on word processing.         

The IBM PC 300 GL offers a Celeron 500 CPU and 128 MB of RAM. In addition, there is a 128 KB secondary cache and a 13.5 GB hard drive. Other features include the 17X-40X CD-ROM drive, Windows NT 4.0, and an integrated SoundMax sound chip.

While the IBM PC 300GL has some strong suits like its Celeron-500 processor and Pentium like power it falls short when it comes to the monitor, integrated video and sound cards, and upgradeable space. However, it was a great computer for those in need of a small PC that was powerful and that did not care about audio and video too much. This computer was one of the first to introduce a Celeron-500 with Windows NT and it was very successful integrating the two.