Dell unveiled a new range of business and workstation computers on Thursday, at a high-profile launch in Monte Carlo.
The Precision 380 64-bit entry-level workstation supports up to 8GB of DDR2 error-correcting memory, has SCSI and RAID storage options, and is compliant with OpenGL 3D graphics.
Two Optiplex desktops, the GX520 and GX620, share a common software image across seven different chassis. The electronics are lead-free, complying with the European rules for new electronic equipment that come in on 1 July, 2006, and have built-in health indicators and diagnostic indicators for easier system support. Many major components can be accessed, removed and replaced without the need for tools — these are coloured blue, again for ease of user maintenance. The new Optiplexes are based on a BTX form factor and are up to 66 percent quieter than previous designs due to changes in the cooling system design and hard drive mounting.
"These are a complete ground-up redesign of our corporate platforms" said Sam Burd, director of desktop product marketing in Dell's Client Product Group. "In the past, we've had one platform in our mainstream line-up. Now we have two, engineered so that one image works across both. They're based on what the customers have asked for, and we're confident we're hitting the mark."
These new systems follow four new home PCs announced last week, the Dimensions 5100, 5100C, 9100 and XPS Gen 5. All support dual-core processors and SATA-2 hard drives, and are based on Dell's "Quick, Quiet and Cool" design ideals.
"The increase in throughput of SATA-2 is important for archiving TV programmes and other media, which is how people are increasingly using home computers these days, said Burd.
Pricing details were not immediately available.
