Dell Precision M2800 Laptop: Review

Introduced with a claim of being a sleek mobile workstation with a low price tag, the Dell Precision M2800 is a noteworthy gadget carrying sleek appearance with power-packed performance. Offered at a starting price of just $1,199, the device is claimed to be the lowest priced model of a new 15-inch mobile workstation currently available in the market. Adorned with rich silver and black looks, this budget priced mobile workstation is shipped along with a Haswell Core i5 or i7 processors and ISV certification. Being capable of handling professional graphics applications, the device can easily perform video editing, run heavy games, and act as photo-editing software.

Empowered with AMD FirePro W4170M graphics, and a 15.6-inch display, the company claims that this new Dell device is an ideal solution for users running workstation-grade software on non-certified laptops. Equipped with up to 1TB of storage and up to 16GB of RAM, the device offers ample space for storing your data safely and running all your programs efficiently. Arriving with power-packed performance, excellent display, and sleek yet strong build, the device is expected to hit the US market through Dell's business channel during spring 2014.

Design

Referred as a cousin to the super-slim M3800, the Dell Precision M2800 is a portable powerhouse that comes packed with several security features such as Fingerprint Reader, and Dell Data Protection. Crafted using MIL-STD-810G-tested chassis, the device is supported by an anodized-aluminum lid nicely paired up with a shining company’s logo placed right in the middle. The lid is also provided with a lock, located at the top, which keeps the notebook closed tight, when not in use.

The deck of the gadget consists of a solid black keyboard, lined with plenty of soft-touch keys that are ideal for typing long documents, and working continuously for hours. Measuring 14.92 x 9.86 x 1.31 inches and weighing 6.6 pounds, the M2800 is specifically designed for keeping your business up and running during travels, vacations, and outdoors. The 15-inch laptop is slightly thicker and heavier than its closest competitor- the 14-inch HP ZBook 14 measuring 13.4 x 9.3 x 0.83 inches and weighing 3.95 pounds.

For providing optimal durability and solid construction to the device, the entire shell is created using the tri-metal chassis, an anodized-aluminum, with a powder-coated base beneath. This mobile workstation also possesses a spill-resistant keyboard, which is also dust and shock resistant. Supported by Dell's Fast Response free-fall sensor, the device automatically shifts the hard drive to a safe position, if the chassis is about to take a spill.

Display

Since the device is empowered with advanced processors and a sound graphics card, having a high quality display is must for making it ideal to be an engineer’s and designer’s assistant. The M2800 possesses a 15.6-inch anti-glare screen, with a screen resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels, which is capable of presenting heavy websites in a rich and colorful look. Imparted with excellent viewing angles, the device supports viewing sessions ranging up to 80 degrees on each side. Delivering a satisfying level of brightness, sRGB color gamut, and color accuracy, the device is an ideal gadget for editing pictures, videos, and camera clips.

Performance

Specially designed to deliver excellent performance while using 3D design software, the M2800 comes packed with a 2.8-GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-4810MQ processor and 8GB of RAM. Owing to its 1 TB SSD and the professional-grade AMD FirePro video card, the device is capable of maintaining high speed while browsing through multiple tabs and streaming HD videos.

Provided with ISV certification, the device is capable of delivering optimal performance while running heavy applications such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more. Made available at affordable price, the device produces professional grade graphics to deliver professional quality work at an affordable cost. Equipped with the Dell Precision Performance Optimizer (DPPO), the device is capable of boosting up application performance up to certain levels.

Certified to run professional software and 2D or 3D computer aided design (CAD), the device performs excellently during various activities including digital content creation (DCC), image and audio editing, and others. The device runs on Windows 7 Professional (64 bit) or Windows 7 Ultimate (64 bit) operating system (OS) to ensure smooth functioning of all your business as well as personal tasks. Arriving with 6-cell or 9-cell (97Wh) Lithium Ion battery with ExpressCharge features, the device can be powered on around 7 hours during active browsing or video playback.

Dell Precision M2800 Laptop Technical Specifications

Feature	Description
Processor	2.8-GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-4810MQ processor
Operating System	Windows 7 Professional (64 bit) or Windows 7 Ultimate (64 bit)
Battery life	Up to 7 hours
Camera	HD Webcam
Memory	8 GB
Storage	1 TB
Display	A 1920 X 1080 15.6-inch anti-glare screen
Bluetooth	Bluetooth Version 4.0

 Featuring an alluring finish, sturdy construction, and excellent configuration, the device is an excellent budget alternative for all those who wish to own a mobile workstation. Designed and manufactured by Dell, the Precision M2800 is a major step to give tough competition to the mobile workstations available in the market, especially with heavy price tags. Offered with customized configuration options, the laptop by Dell is an ideal solution for meeting business, designing, web developing, personal, and gaming PC requirements. Owing to its highly portable design, the device can easily serve as a productivity companion while on travel and outdoors, but the company needs to work on its battery life.