Dell targets power users with new mobile workstation

The new M6500 is based on Intel's Core i7 processor

Dell has released a new mobile workstation aimed at serious power users such as 3D designers, animators, engineers, oil explorers, and defence professionals.

The Dell Precision M6500 is the first workstation of its kind to boast the Intel Core i7 processor, and the first to feature the NVIDIA Quadro FX 3800M graphics system as an optional extra.

Operating system options include 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7, Vista, XP, and Red Hat Linux 5.3 64-bit versions. The M6500 can scale up to 16GB with four DIMM slots, and supports DDR3 1600MHz memory.

Dell also said it boasts four internal storage devices, more than comparable workstations from HP and Apple.

Purchasers can also elect to have the Intel Core i7-920XM Quad Core Extreme Edition processor with 1066MHz, 1333MHz and 1600MHz memory, and choose between NVIDIA Quadro FX 2800M and ATIs FireProM7740 graphics systems. More details are available on Dell's site.

Security wise the workstation boasts optional fingerprint recognition along with strong encryption tools.

“The Dell Precision M6500 establishes a new class of mobile workstation for the most demanding computing environments,” said Greg Weir, senior manager, Dell Precision workstations.

“In addition, we’re leveraging our robust ‘eco system’ of partners to deliver the performance users require running applications in key vertical markets such as 3D animation, computer aided design (CAD), engineering, and scientific exploration, defence visualisation and other computationally intensive applications.”

Prices start at £1,279.