In another sign that 3D is fast becoming the lens through which we view product designs and product-related data, Dell unveiled its next-generation line of Precision mobile workstations stocked not only with Gen 3 professional graphics capabilities, but also with NVIDIA's 3D Vision Pro immersive 3D technology.
The Precision M4700 and M6700 mobile workstations (measuring 15 and 17 inches, respectively) are designed to accommodate the increasing number of engineering and design professionals who require top-of-the-line performance without being tethered to their desktops, since their primary design work requires them to be out in the field or at customer sites.
Dell's next-generation Precision mobile workstation line features the latest Intel Core processors and state-of-the-art GPUs to bring workstation-class graphics performance to a mainstream mobile workstation. (Source: Dell)
To support what Dell bills as "go-anywhere" performance, the workstations are stocked with the latest Intel Core i5, i7, and Extreme Edition processors with Turbo Boost Technology, along with an extensive choice of professional graphics supplements, including the NVIDIA Quadro K-series GPUs and AMD FirePro graphics. The M6700 model offers AMD FirePro M6000 with PCIe x16 Gen 3 for even faster data throughput, according to Dell officials.
To complete the performance picture, Dell is delivering the new workstations with DDR3 SDRAM of up to 32GB of system memory and 1,600Mhz of memory speed and up to 16GB of 1,866MHz memory -- a combination the company calls the fastest memory available on a mobile workstation while keeping it primed for working on the largest data sets associated with engineering applications, as well as those for oil and gas exploration and media and entertainment.
Storage of all this graphics-intensive information is another key requirement for a mobile workstation, and the latest Dell models address this. The M4700 comes with up to three storage devices with up to 1.8 terabytes of total storage. The M6700 comes with up to four storage devices with up to 2.8 terabytes of total storage. Both models accomplish that expandability via support for RAID 0/1/5.
I believe you are correct TJ. Since most laptops only have one port that can be used, which Windows reports as having 2 displays as you mentioned (integrated and external). This system allows for an extra display prior to docking - two external plus the internal.
I took the 3 without docking to mean there were 2 display ports on the side or back of the unit (plus the laptop display to make 3), and that the docking port would provide an additional 2 for five total.
I think the "3 displays without docking" is a feature for those of us (me included) that constantly take the laptop between home and office.. It is very very nice not to have to deal with display cables or docking station. I don't think it was intended to eliminate ALL wires (power) when at a desk with 3 monitors.
Ya gotta charge it at some point!
What isn't clear ..
- impact on performance of the displays when operating wirelessly.
- wireless displays that support it (most have resolution limitations of 1920x1080)
The all-day battery was a surprise to me as well. I didn't realize we had reached that capability in laptops. As someone who has spent the last 15 years, looking always for electrical outlets in airports, this is good news.
Chuck: I didn't come across any specific details on battery chemistry in covering this workstation nor did Dell play up any new developments which leads me to believe there is nothing really out of the ordinary here otherwise they would have highlighted it.
That said, here's a small bit from their release materials about what they're doing to achieve all-day battery life:
"An optional slice battery, ExpressCharge battery and NVIDIA Optimus™ technology, which intelligently and automatically optimizes the system to provide outstanding graphics performance when needed while extending battery life, are also available on both the M4700 and M6700."
TJ, the heat dissapation is becoming less and less of an issue as the components become more efficient. I recently saw another laptop (sans 3D) that had many of the features found in these Dell units. It seems to run cooler and runs all day. This is attributable to the Gen 3 peocessors and graphics chips. They use lots less power thanks to their funer line width lithography.
It is pretty crazy how much horsepower hardware makers (not just Dell) are packing into mobile workstation platforms. The heat dissappation question is a good one. I sit forever with a Macbook perched on my lap and I have to admit, it gets hot. And it's no near as powerful as this puppy!
The price seems terrific for the hardware described, but my work has no need of 3D.
Time to sell some projects that do, I suppose.
These beasts can run 3 monitors when not docked. Undocked also tends to imply unplugged, so one wonders how much battery Dell can get out of a laptop package.
"All day battery life" with no stats from Dell to back it up is a little hard to believe. Dell has never been a leader in long battery life laptops.
Heat dissipation will be another area to watch for these. Just how hot a lap will I get when using this laptop?
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 5
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