One of the bigger players in the corporate marketplace, Hewlett Packard's desktops tend to be well-built systems with specialised features that set them apart from the pack. The Vectra VL400 continues that trend and is the replacement model for the VEi7, VEi8, and VLi8 product lines.

The system reviewed was powered by a 933MHz Pentium III processor with 128MB of PC133 SDRAM. With the VL400 using all of the Intel 815E chipset's integration potential, all five PCI slots and the AGP slot are free, and as well as the normal ports there are two USB ports. There are also two DIMM sockets, which support up to 512MB of SDRAM, and both the case and the expansion plates are tool-free.

Networking and graphics duties are carried out by the motherboard chipset, with support for 10/100 Ethernet and the 8MB graphic sub system - small yes, but perfectly formed for the corporate marketplace. In our review system, this graphics adapter was hooked up to a 17-inch (16.0-inch viewable) HP P700 monitor (costing extra), which delivers a nice clear image. Storage is provided by a 20GB Maxtor ATA/100 hard drive.

HP's manageability features and support programs are first-rate; the Vectra VL400 comes with HP's own Top Tools package and the new e-DiagTools feature. Also available on the VL400 line as an option is a Smart Card security package. The system reviewed came with Windows 2000 and Service Pack 1 pre-installed, a Recovery CD and a three-year, parts and labour on-site warranty.

The HP Vectra VL400 is a worthy successor to the Vectra model range it replaces, and has some excellent manageability software as standard.