BIOS: Technology Means Business

Dell has expanded its Precision line to include thin-and-light mobile workstations. The two new models, the Precision M70 and M20, are designed for graphics professionals looking for ISV certification and OpenGL support. The two new models support Intel Pentium M processors with speeds up to 2.13GHz (533MHz front side bus), up to 2GB of DDR2 533MHz dual channel memory, either a 60GB (7200rpm) or 80GB (5400rpm) hard disk, and an OpenGL-based graphics card (either an nVidia Quadro FX Go 1400 with 256MB of memory or an ATI Mobility FireGL V3100 with 64MB of memory. Both models come pre-installed with Windows XP Professional operating system.

Pros: Stiffer, sealed keyboard; security technology; smartcard reader
Cons: No 17in. screen option

Edited Release: Dell, the world's leading workstation provider, has added two new mobile workstations to the Dell Precision line of products. Leading the expansion is the Dell Precision M70 with the power of a desktop workstation to design aeroplanes and the mobility to go cross country.

Dell's mobile workstation line is expanding with the introduction of the Dell Precision M20 that starts at 2.21kg and includes ISV certifications and OpenGL graphics. Powered by the latest Intel Pentium M processors with speeds up to 2.13GHz, a 533MHz front side bus and the new Intel 915PM chipset, the Dell Precision M20 and M70 integrate advances in mobile computing that deliver increased system and graphics performance.

The platforms include 533MHz DDR2 dual-channel memory, the next generation of memory architecture, and PCI-Express (PCIe). Dual-channel DDR2 memory optimises the notebook architecture by satisfying the increased performance demands of processors, I/O subsystems and graphics cards. PCIe is a new, industry-standard bus architecture for more powerful graphics, higher performance memory and faster connections to peripherals like hard drives and DVD/CD burners. The combination of these new technologies allow workstation customers to power through workstation-class applications anywhere.

'The technology in the Dell Precision M20 and M70 gives our customers the power to run demanding applications no matter their location,' said Gary Radburn, desktop marketing manager, Dell UK. 'By combining performance, mobility and Dell's comprehensive suite of ISV certifications, workstation users can be confident that their demanding applications will run reliably while away from the office.'

The Dell Precision M70 includes the nVidia Quadro FX Go1400 256MB PCIe 3D OpenGL graphics engine and 15.4in. wide-aspect UltraSharp high resolution displays. Starting at 3.04kg, the M70 allows customers to easily carry the power of a typical desktop workstation. Professionals can create, design and analyse large, complex 3D models and datasets in the field, on the road or at the office. Additionally, Dell has improved the M70 design by decreasing the weight and dimensions, as well as adding an eye-catching LCD back.

The new Dell Precision M20 marks an expansion to the mobile workstation line that delivers the mobility of a mainstream laptop. The new system, starting at 2.21kg, offers OpenGL hardware acceleration and ISV certifications that allow users to reliably view designs and run workstation applications while enjoying the mobility benefits of a mainstream laptop.

Dell has an extensive list of ISV certifications from key providers of CAD, CAE, DCC, GIS and other workstation-class applications. Customers can be assured that their business-critical applications will run reliably and fast on Dell Precision workstations. In the event of any issues, the Dell certification team engages the application vendor to ensure a quick resolution. Dell Precision customers also receive dedicated support from experts versed in workstation technologies and applications.

The Dell Precision M70 starts £1189 (ex. VAT and delivery) and the M20 starts at £999 (ex. VAT and delivery) including 3 years' international Next Business Day On-Site service.