Desktops and Notebooks: Dell, Following HP, Intros Intel-Based Mobile, Rack Workstations

Dell Precision M4600

The Dell Precision M4600 mobile workstation starts at 6.15 pounds and features a 15.6-inch display with the option of either multi-touch support or an IPS RGB LED display with PremierColor calibration software.

AMD or Nvidia

Users can choose from AMD or Nvidia Quadro 2000M discrete graphics, DDR3 (double date rate, type 3) memory options with four DIMM (dual-in-line memory module) slots for up to 32GB of 1333MHz memory and optional Nvidia Optimus technology, which makes smart use of graphics to save battery life.

Dell Precision M6600

The larger M6600 features a 17.3-inch display with three UltraSharp options and, soon, graphics choices running up to a Nvidia Quadro 5010M with 4GB of GDDR5 (graphics double data rate, version 5) dedicated memory.

Storage

The two workstations are similarly feature-rich. One other difference, however, is storage. The M4600 offers optional RAID 1 (redundant array of independent disks) storage, while the M6600 offers up to RAID 5. Available May 10, the M4600 will start at $1,678 and the M6600 at $2,158.

Dell Precision R5500

The Precision R5500 offers the benefits of Dell's highest-performing desktop workstation in a dual-socket rack form factor. It features Intel Xeon processors with up to 192GB of memory and dual-wide GPU slots that scale up to 450 watts. Pricing will begin at $2,551.

Dell FX100

The FX100 is a zero-client solution that uses PCoIP technology to enable remote workers to comfortably access the R5500 rack workstation. Also a part of Dell's Virtual Remote Desktop Solution, the FX100 makes several configurations possible, including support for two digital displays.

HP 8560w Workstation

Dell rival Hewlett-Packard also introduced new mobile workstations this month. Pictured here is the HP 8560w, which features a 15.6-inch display and either AMD FirePro graphics for 1GB of video memory or Nvidia Quadro graphics for 2GB of video memory.

HP Z210 CMT

With the Z210 CMT (convertible minitower), HP officials say they offer workstation power on a PC budget. Options include Intel's Xeon E3-1200 Family processors with 3.5GHz Intel Xeon E3-1280 or 2nd-generation Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processors.