A Look At What's To Come From Dell?

[ZiggyPastorius]

Isn't this argument basically the same argument as saying Apple needs to shape up because they don't have any $500 laptops? Sure, the Macbook Pro isn't close to that machine, but, you're taking two things out of consideration in your comparison:

a) You're comparing the current Macbook Pro with that. When is that coming out? It's certainly not out now.

b) You're comparing two different types of laptops.

While it's sometimes marketed as such, I don't think even the 17" MBP is really a "desktop replacement" laptop, and I think compared to the laptops like it, the MBP has done a really great job of bringing a high-quality, 17" laptop that is powerful, beautiful, and still light/thin enough to carry around comfortably. My friend Nick has an old XPS that is about 15 pounds (Yes, really). and is like 2" thick, and it's not exactly practical as a laptop. Sure, it was a really high-end laptop at the time, but that's what you're comparing.

I suppose this is my best attempt at a really objective analysis of the topic. A "pro" computer and a "workhouse" computer as this is described seem to be aimed at two completely different markets, as I see it, and the latter is one that Apple is not in.

 

[CWallace]

I'm just surprised at what's even capable in this laptop and I'm sure it'll be very expensive and thick and battery hungry, I just wonder if Apple will take some cues from this, at least for MacBook Pro line.

I really hope not.

I used to have an HP Pavilion zd7000. It had a 17" display and used a 3.4GHz Pentium 4 desktop CPU, so it needed serious cooling. The laptop itself weighed over seven pounds and it had a 6.6 amp battery that weighed about two pounds all on it's own and would power the machine for about 90 minutes (about 60 if I was using the DVD player to watch movies). As such, I had to carry three batteries with me if I wanted to use it on the road. The AC/DC converter was the size of a paperback book and weighed three pounds. Then I needed a large carrying case to hold not just the laptop, but the AC adapter and two batteries. I had close to fifteen pounds hanging off my shoulder before I put anything else inside.

More power (excuse the pun) to Dell for making a portable graphics workstation - though portable really means "move it across the room" and not "move it across the county or an ocean". But I do not want a 10 pound 17" (or 19") MacBook Pro that needs an adapter the size of an Airport Extreme just so I can crunch Photoshop or Final Cut Pro projects a few minutes faster.

After all, there is a reason the Mac Pro has handles.

 

[thechidz]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_0_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5B108 Safari/525.20)

…with the Apple style

MacBook Extreme
Custom Apple + PA Semi + Intel chipset based off Montevina
2.17/2.33/2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad/Extreme
Custom Apple + PA Semi + Intel SIMD accelerator chip
1333 MHz FSB
3/6/12 GB DDR3 1067 MHz RAM, 3 slots (3 channel RAM)
2 removable 9.5 mm HDs, 200/250/320 GB per HD
NVIDIA GeForce 9500M GS / GeForce 9650M GS / Quadro FX 3700M
8x DVD+R DL
1.5" thick

end wishlist.

I don't care how thick it is and you can even drop the SuperDrive to save space. Too mad it would cost 10k with apple

 

[swordth]

From what i can see, the laptops do NOT have quad core processors or 16gb of ram in them.

See this page: http://www.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/precnnb?c=us&cs=RC1084719&l=en&s=k12 and http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/workstation_precision_m4400?c=us&l=en&s=k12

Core 2 extreme processors, No quad core. Quad cores are in the DESKTOPS.
Only up to 8gb of memory for laptops, not 16gb.


To be honest, asus has had a laptop out for a while now that already has a 1gb video care in it, so its not like thats an impressive feat either.

These things battery life will struggle to reach an hour, and will never probably reach 2. As long as that remains true, my MBP is a better option for me.

 

[NintendoChick]

2) Still ugly as sin.


TEG

That's what I was thinking...
A reaction recap would be something like
*Cringe
*coughfuglycough*

oh my goodness...

How can someone even ATTEMPT to look cool using that thing?
"uh, well I got an ORANGE ONE!!!"
No.


I am impressed by the specs though, but it looks like the computers still packaged inside a box...

 

[chaosbunny]

So, how much fps in Crysis do I get with one of these?

 

[davidjearly]

Isn't this argument basically the same argument as saying Apple needs to shape up because they don't have any $500 laptops? Sure, the Macbook Pro isn't close to that machine, but, you're taking two things out of consideration in your comparison:

a) You're comparing the current Macbook Pro with that. When is that coming out? It's certainly not out now.

b) You're comparing two different types of laptops.

While it's sometimes marketed as such, I don't think even the 17" MBP is really a "desktop replacement" laptop, and I think compared to the laptops like it, the MBP has done a really great job of bringing a high-quality, 17" laptop that is powerful, beautiful, and still light/thin enough to carry around comfortably. My friend Nick has an old XPS that is about 15 pounds (Yes, really). and is like 2" thick, and it's not exactly practical as a laptop. Sure, it was a really high-end laptop at the time, but that's what you're comparing.

I suppose this is my best attempt at a really objective analysis of the topic. A "pro" computer and a "workhouse" computer as this is described seem to be aimed at two completely different markets, as I see it, and the latter is one that Apple is not in.

Precisely. The technology is great, but I still would not have it as my main machine. I would rather configure a Mac Pro for power at home, and have my slim & light MBP for on the go.

Apple is not in the 'portable workstation' market, and the next MBP revision is not going to change this.

Oh, and it doesn't run OS X. I don't care whether you want to hear that or not. To me it is a deal-killer.

 

[winninganthem]

That's impressive, similar to the Lenovo topic in the other thread.

Seeing Lenovo and Dell create professional grade portable workstations like that makes the Macbook Pro look like a consumer toy.

I'm really digging the jogwheel on that Dell...

But yeah, OS X grows on you, and if Apple made a *true* high end portable system, that'd be something interesting, because the Macbook Pro currently is just prosumer at best.

A "pro" computer and a "workhouse" computer as this is described seem to be aimed at two completely different markets, as I see it, and the latter is one that Apple is not in.

Completely agreed, you make a lot of sense. It's unrealistic to put that much power in a workstation that's meant to be portable. A lot of people working in film bring out their MBP's on location and then bring all the media back to more powerful Mac Pro stations. For me, the MBP does a pretty decent job balancing between portability and power.

 

[Zephirus]

I'm glad the MBP are due for an update soon because that new Dell (spec wise) kicks the MBP's. It is probably pretty damn thick and power hungry, but i'm sure you don't keep your Pro computers unplugged when using all the power you need.

 

[stewartlittle]

I find this new dell, pretty damn interesting. I also find it funny, that some on here call it absolutely ugly considering, dell obviously borrowed some of apples design cues. Just to showcase my point, i did a little comparison. Let me know what you think.

 

[CWallace]

Seeing Lenovo and Dell create professional grade portable workstations like that makes the Macbook Pro look like a consumer toy.

I'd rather have a Mac Pro for the "heavy lifting" and then a 17" MBP for "show and tell" at the client then try and do both with a 10+ pound portable workstation. The Mac Pro will crush the Dell and Lenovo when it comes to performance (which isn't a surprise) and the MBP will display the final content just as nicely.

Sure it will cost twice as much, but time is money when you do this for a living. And the time savings using the Mac Pro to generate content will quickly recover that extra $3000 investment and then keep on generating a superior rate of return on top of it.

Portable workstations are compromises. They add significant weight to support the extra hardware, but that hardware is still well below what a traditional desktop/tower workstation can bring to bear. They have their uses, to be sure, but I don't believe they fit into the Apple product line - especially since so many of those applications are not available in an OS X format which means you'd need to be running Windows via Boot Camp.

 

[dejo]

I find this new dell, pretty damn interesting. I also find it funny, that some on here call it absolutely ugly considering, dell obviously borrowed some of apples design cues. Just to showcase my point, i did a little comparison. Let me know what you think.

Those Dell pictures are of the box it comes in, right?

 

[Klaxons2012]

I really like that Dell, which is odd because I'm typing on an Inspiron while I wait for my Powerbook to ship and I just hate how the laptop is constructed. The screen hinge is floppy and I learned that its a common defect with Dell machines and it has to be taken apart in order to tighten the hinges. Bleh.

This machine is a vast improvement as it uses less plastic and more muscle. It looks bulky but hell, if you're looking for the perfect all around pro machine, this is it. It's great for a gaming laptop as well. I think everyone saying its ugly or whatever annoys me a bit because you don't get paid for being an Apple fanboy, in fact its the complete opposite! It's great to be loyal to Apple products, but don't be blind to whatever innovations other manufacturers offer.

Of course, this machine is still a concept. It possibly could never see the light of day and has been released to stir discussion like the one we're having right this moment. I think it's in poor taste for Dell to release a "concept" of a machine when Apple doesn't "talk" about anything until it's released. Also, if I'm going to drop over 5,000 for something, it's going to be a Mac Pro. I hate to bring that up, but why would I want a laptop with those specs? At that point, I want a 30" screen to go with it. Of course I'm talking about myself personally and not a video editor, engineer or anyone else that might be tempted to purchase it.

It's an achievement in mobile engineering if it gets released. If.

 

[ZiggyPastorius]

I really like that Dell, which is odd because I'm typing on an Inspiron while I wait for my Powerbook to ship and I just hate how the laptop is constructed. The screen hinge is floppy and I learned that its a common defect with Dell machines and it has to be taken apart in order to tighten the hinges. Bleh.

This machine is a vast improvement as it uses less plastic and more muscle. It looks bulky but hell, if you're looking for the perfect all around pro machine, this is it. It's great for a gaming laptop as well. I think everyone saying its ugly or whatever annoys me a bit because you don't get paid for being an Apple fanboy, in fact its the complete opposite! It's great to be loyal to Apple products, but don't be blind to whatever innovations other manufacturers offer.

Of course, this machine is still a concept. It possibly could never see the light of day and has been released to stir discussion like the one we're having right this moment. I think it's in poor taste for Dell to release a "concept" of a machine when Apple doesn't "talk" about anything until it's released. Also, if I'm going to drop over 5,000 for something, it's going to be a Mac Pro. I hate to bring that up, but why would I want a laptop with those specs? At that point, I want a 30" screen to go with it. Of course I'm talking about myself personally and not a video editor, engineer or anyone else that might be tempted to purchase it.

It's an achievement in mobile engineering if it gets released. If.

Well, I think you'll find that the majority of people on here are taking the stance that it is very impressive, but it's not much of a portable, and there's not much chance that Apple would make this, plus the fact that it's pretty ugly...Most people aren't saying it's a bad product just because it looks bad. I think you'll also find that the people who do say that aren't worth listening to

Agree with everything completely, though.

 

[winninganthem]

I'd rather have a Mac Pro for the "heavy lifting" and then a 17" MBP for "show and tell" at the client then try and do both with a 10+ pound portable workstation. The Mac Pro will crush the Dell and Lenovo when it comes to performance (which isn't a surprise) and the MBP will display the final content just as nicely.

Sure it will cost twice as much, but time is money when you do this for a living. And the time savings using the Mac Pro to generate content will quickly recover that extra $3000 investment and then keep on generating a superior rate of return on top of it.

Portable workstations are compromises. They add significant weight to support the extra hardware, but that hardware is still well below what a traditional desktop/tower workstation can bring to bear. They have their uses, to be sure, but I don't believe they fit into the Apple product line

Yeah, that's a good point. Agreed 100%.

Apple does a good job getting the portability in there together with having just enough to make a good presentation. There's a lot of talk about how awesome notebooks might become, but a desktop rig will always have more affordable, powerful components than the notebook workstation.

MBPs are good for semi-heavy lifting, where a Mac Pro is just a powerhouse.

 

[noodle654]

Apparently Dell accidentally leaked their new Precision line and I have to say as far as professional laptops goes I'm very impressed.

Quad Core Processor
16Gb DDR3
2 500Gb Hard drives in RAID
Nvidia Quadro FX 3700M

And from Electronista:
"A jog wheel is also unique to the design and lets video editors scrub through footage or 3D modelers dial in specific settings more accurately than with a trackpad."

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/...en/precision_concept_jumppage?c=us&l=en&s=gen

And I don't wanna hear: "But it doesn't run OSX" or "But it's not one inch thin"

I'm just surprised at what's even capable in this laptop and I'm sure it'll be very expensive and thick and battery hungry, I just wonder if Apple will take some cues from this, at least for MacBook Pro line.

This is a joke...this is the dumbest thing I have ever seen. Do you see how damn thick that thing is? Do you know how hot it will run? Do you know how long that battery will last? Its great that they packed all that in, but why would you want to spend so much money on something that will be able to boil water and cook eggs?? I just dont understand how Dell just wants to out-do everybody by packing crap into their machines.

At the price tag that they will give it, I could buy a MacBook Pro (which will soon have everything that people here have been complaining about) and a MacPro and still out-do that Dell in style and performance.

Dell has some great stuff. They make some great desktops and displays, but I really think this is just a way brag to other computer companies.

What is the point of having a laptop, which is supposed to be portable, when the it weighs probably 10+ lbs?

 

[Wireless Buddy]

Apparently Dell accidentally leaked their new Precision line and I have to say as far as professional laptops goes I'm very impressed.

Quad Core Processor
16Gb DDR3
2 500Gb Hard drives in RAID
Nvidia Quadro FX 3700M

And from Electronista:
"A jog wheel is also unique to the design and lets video editors scrub through footage or 3D modelers dial in specific settings more accurately than with a trackpad."

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/...en/precision_concept_jumppage?c=us&l=en&s=gen

And I don't wanna hear: "But it doesn't run OSX" or "But it's not one inch thin"

I'm just surprised at what's even capable in this laptop and I'm sure it'll be very expensive and thick and battery hungry, I just wonder if Apple will take some cues from this, at least for MacBook Pro line.

My friend might be interested in those. He is a musician and he's looking for a laptop. He likes Dells anyway.

 

[tonie]

dell are coming out with some nice laptops.

 

[stewartlittle]

I don't know what everyone is talkin about. The laptop doesn't look that thick to me at all. Yes, it is bigger then the 1" mbp, but it looks max 1.5". Yes granted in these terms its huge, but when comparing what you get for the .5" its not a bad deal. it all comes down to what you want/need in a laptop. I am looking for all these added features for product design reasons, but others who want something more for style, then a mbp is maybe a better option. For the cooling issue, it wont be any worse then the mbp...it seems to have more ventilation on the bottom then the pro, so it may even be better.. either way, we wont know until fall.

 

[CWallace]

It is more then just the thickness or the aesthetics. It's about weight - not just the weight of the machine, but the weight of the accessories needed to make it functional and how that weight impacts its usability "in the field".

I hope people aren't looking at that and assuming it weighs six pounds and gets four hours of battery life, because it doesn't on both counts.

We're talking a machine that likely uses a desktop quad-core processor with a TDP measured in the three digits. That means multiple large fans to dissipate not only the heat of the CPU, but the heat of the GPU and all that RAM and VRAM. And desktop CPUs and high-end GPUs draw lots of power. Which means very large, very dense batteries which are very heavy. I would not be surprised if the battery on that thing weighs upwards 3-4 pounds and lasts an hour.

So if you plan to use the machine in the field away from "shore power" for any real length of time, that means you need one or two or even three extra batteries - and tens of extra pounds of weight in your bag. And then there is the power supply itself. How much juice does that laptop need? 200 watts? 300 watts? I've seen a 200 watt AC/DC power converter and it's large and heavy. 300 watts would be even worse.

So here we have a "portable" computer that could weigh over 20 pounds with the extra batteries and power supply needed to make it actually "portable". That is half the weight of a base Mac Pro. Is that the direction Apple should really be moving towards?

 

[noodle654]

I don't know what everyone is talkin about. The laptop doesn't look that thick to me at all. Yes, it is bigger then the 1" mbp, but it looks max 1.5". Yes granted in these terms its huge, but when comparing what you get for the .5" its not a bad deal. it all comes down to what you want/need in a laptop. I am looking for all these added features for product design reasons, but others who want something more for style, then a mbp is maybe a better option. For the cooling issue, it wont be any worse then the mbp...it seems to have more ventilation on the bottom then the pro, so it may even be better.. either way, we wont know until fall.

Yeah but bottom ventilation sucks...your laptop sits on a flat surface, they should just do back and side because it will be efficient.

 

[Eidorian]

Now that's a mobile WORKSTATION.

The new Dell Latitude E-Series is a bit more palatable though.

 

[tonie]

Damn the E series are bad ass. They just need one that will support dual link DVI.

 

[noodle654]

Now that's a mobile WORKSTATION.

The new Dell Latitude E-Series is a bit more palatable though.

Thats nice...but I CANT STAND the way that the battery sticks out the back...I hate it.