Dell has launched the Precision M2800, a 15-inch mobile workstation which offers ISV (independent software vendor) certified and optimised performance at "a breakthrough price". This machine is intended to bridge the gap between business-class laptops and mobile workstations. The Dell Precision M2800 utilises professional graphics and processors and is thus suitable for engineers, designers and video editors performing mission-critical work. In the US the laptop will launch with a base specification costing just $1,199.
"Prior to the Dell Precision M2800 many AutoCAD users were running their software on a non-professional workstation due to budgetary constraints," said Amy Bunszel, vice president of AutoCAD products, Autodesk. "Now our customers will be able to upgrade to a workstation-class system that has been tested, optimized and certified for AutoCAD, increasing performance for minimal cost."
Due to its combination of professional features and keen pricing the Precision M2800 is said, by Jon Peddie Research, to be a disruptive product. Buyers can configure their Precision M2800 systems with fourth-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, AMD FirePro W4170M graphics with 2GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory, up to 16GB of system memory and up to 1TB of storage. The built-in 15.6-inch display is available in both HD and Full-HD (1920 x 1080) resolutions. Dell touts external multi-monitor support and docking compatibility to make this workstation the best it can be when you get back to your desk.
Other base specs we know for the Dell Precision M2800 include; a DVD drive, four USB ports, HDMI out, VGA out, gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, fingerprint scanner, separate numeric keypad, a touchpad and a trackpoint device.
Unfortunately, despite the announcement of this entry-level workstation in the US on Friday and in the UK today, we don't have the full tech specs of the base machine or the component upgrade prices. ZDNet suggests a US starting price of $1,199 and says that this disruptive new workstation will be available from spring this year.
