Lenovo 3000

Background

The Lenovo 3000 series marked the debut of Lenovo branded products outside of China. First showcased in New York on 23 February 2006, the line was intended to boost Lenovo's competitiveness internationally against rival brands like Dell and Hewlett-Packard. [1] In addition, the 3000 series gave the company an independent identity: an identity separate from the Thinkpad line that Lenovo acquired in 2005 and defined its Western image since the acquisition. [2]

In 2008, after introducing two new consumer brands, IdeaPad for laptops and IdeaCentre for desktops, Lenovo stopped selling its 3000 series models.[3]

[edit] Models

[edit] Desktops

Lenovo 3000 J
features both AMD and Intel processors[4]

[edit] Notebooks

First introduced in 2006, the Lenovo 3000 N100 and V100 offered Intel Core Duo processors, while the lower-end C series featured Pentium M and Celeron M processors. [5] Its successors, C200, N200, V200 featured Core 2 Duo processors.

Lenovo 3000 C
C100, C200 - 15-inch XGA screen
Lenovo 3000 N
N100, N200 - 14.1-inch- and 15.4-inch- WXGA models
Lenovo 3000 V
V100, V200 - 12.1-inch WXGA models

Lenovo ThinkCentre

History

The ThinkCentre was released in 2003, replacing the IBM NetVista. In 2005, Lenovo purchased the IBM PC division; the ThinkCentre along with ThinkPad are now produced by Lenovo.

[edit] Energy Efficiency

The ThinkCentre desktop PCs includes leading Power Management tools for new levels of energy efficiency. Remote deployment and control of client power usage profiles is also possible, along with time-based control to enable PC shut offs on evenings and weekends The innovative Green ThinkVision monitors like the ThinkVision L2440p Wide model that consumes up to 50% less energy than previous ThinkVision monitors Select models of the ThinkCentre M58e meet ENERGY STAR 5.0 criteria GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality

[edit] Models

The two models of ThinkCentres currently produced by Lenovo are the:

[edit] ThinkCentre A Serie

ThinkCentre A Series mainstream enterprise desktop systems offer a variety of models to suit varying business needs.

Packed with power and designed for expandability, A Series desktops offer a great blend of essential features and technology at an affordable price. While offering ENERGY STAR 5.0 and EPEAT Gold models on select models, they provide businesses with the latest technology today, so they can stay a step ahead of tomorrow.

ThinkCentre A Series customers may choose models with either desktop or tower form factors.

[edit] ThinkCentre M Series

ThinkCentre M Series desktop systems offer the ultimate stability and manageability for MM and LE businesses. Featuring ENERGY STAR 5.0 and EPEAT Gold models across many form factors, M Series systems offer a range of models and form factors to address many business needs.

Dell PowerVault

Dell PowerVault products include direct attached storages, network attached storages, tape drives, autoloaders, tape libraries, and iSCSI storage arrays. Some of these products are provided through a partnership with EMC Corporation and are further classified as a Dell/EMC device.

Dell PowerEdge

Dell gives the moniker PowerEdge (PE) to its server product line, which as of 2007 brought in approximately 15% of Dell's overall revenue from computer-hardware sales [1].

Most PowerEdge servers use the x86 architecture. The early exceptions to this, the PowerEdge 3250, PowerEdge 7150, and PowerEdge 7250, used Intel's Itanium processor, but Dell abandoned Itanium in 2005[2] after failing to find adoption in the marketplace. The partnership between Intel and Dell remained close, with Intel remaining the exclusive source of processors in Dell's servers until 2006. In May 2006 Dell announced that it also intended to develop servers using AMD Opteron processors.[3] The first Opteron-based PowerEdge systems, the PowerEdge 6950 and the PowerEdge SC1435, appeared in October 2006[4]

PowerEdge machines come configured as tower, rack-mounted, or blade servers. Dell uses a consistent chip-set across servers in the same generation regardless of packaging,[5] allowing for a common set of drivers and system-images.

OEMs and (VARs) also offer solutions based on PowerEdge servers. Loaded with custom software and with minor cosmetic changes, Dell's servers form the underlying hardware in certain appliances from IronPort,[6] Google,[7] and Enterasys.[8]

Dell Precision

Currently Available Dell Precision Desktop Models[1]

(Previous Generation)

  • Precision T3400
  • Precision T5400
  • Precision T7400
  • Precision R5400 (Rackmount version)

(Current Generation)

  • Precision T3500
  • Precision T5500
  • Precision T7500

[edit] Current Dell Precision Laptop Models[2]

  • Precision M2300
  • Precision M2400
  • Precision M4300
  • Precision M4400
  • Precision M6300
  • Precision M6400

[edit] Previous Dell Precision Desktop Models

[edit] Single-Processor

Model CPU FSB (MHz) Chipset Memory Graphics
Precision 330 Pentium 4 400 Intel 850 Rambus AGP
Precision 340 Pentium 4 400 or 533 Intel 850E Rambus AGP
Precision 350 [3] Pentium 4 400 or 533 Intel 850E Rambus AGP
Precision 360 [4] Pentium 4 800 Intel 875 DDR AGP
Precision 370 [5] Pentium 4 800 Intel 925 DDR2 PCI Express
Precision 380 [6] Pentium D or Extreme Edition 800 or 1066 Intel 955 DDR2 PCI Express
Precision 390

[7] [8]

Core 2 Duo or Quad 1066 or 1333 Intel 975 DDR2 Memory PCI Express

[edit] Dual Processor, Desktop Form Factor

Model CPU FSB (MHz) Chipset Memory Graphics
Precision 450 [9] [10] Xeon 533 Intel 7505 DDR AGP
Precision 470 [11] Single or Dualcore 64-bit Xeon 800 Intel 7525 DDR2 PCI Express
Precision 490 [12] Dual or Quadcore 64-bit Xeon 1066 or 1333 Intel 5000x DDR2 FB-DIMM (Quad Channel) PCI Express

[edit] Dual Processor, Tower Form Factor

Model CPU FSB (MHz) Chipset Memory Graphics
Precision 410 MT Pentium 2 or 3 100 Intel 440BX PC100 SDRAM (1GB Max) AGP
Precision 530 Xeon 400 Intel 860 Rambus AGP
Precision 610 [13] Xeon(Pentium 2 or 3 based) 100 Intel 440GX PC100 SDRAM AGP
Precision 620 [14] Xeon(Pentium 3 based) 133 Intel i840 PC800 RDRAM AGP Pro
Precision 650 [15] Xeon 533 Intel 7505 DDR AGP
Precision 670 [16] Single or Dualcore 64-bit Xeon 800 Intel 7525 DDR2 PCI Express
Precision 690 [17] Dual or Quadcore 64-bit Xeon 1066 or 1333 Intel 5000x DDR2 FB-DIMM (Quad Channel) PCI Express (SLI compatible)

Only some Dell Precision 470/670 units support dual core processors, (system board designations MG022 or XC837), very few systems actually supported Dual Core "Paxville" processors.

[edit] Previous Dell Precision Laptop Models

  • Precision M90
  • Precision M70
  • Precision M65
  • Precision M60
  • Precision M50 (aka Latitude C840, aka Inspiron 8200)
  • Precision M20

Previous models of dell

Previous models

The previous series is the Latitude D-series, on the Dx30 revision. The models are the D4x0 (12.1" Ultra Mobile), D5x1 (15,4" AMD Processor Value model), D6x0 (14.1" Corporate model) and D8x0 (15.4" high-resolution model) most models are based on the Intel Core 2 Duo and the Intel Santa Rosa chipset, with the exception being the D531. Ever since the D420, D620, and D820, the D-series features wide aspect LCD screens: 12.1", 14.1", and 15.4" respectively.

The Latitude D620 weighs 4.7 lb, and the base model includes a 1.67 GHz Intel Core Duo T2300 processor (667 MHz front-side-bus) and 2 MB (2 MB) of L2 cache. There is an option to upgrade to a Core 2 Duo T7X00 processor (667 MHz font-side-bus) with 4 MB of L2 cache. It comes standard with 512 MB of DDR2 RAM, expandable to 4 GB (4 GB), and four USB ports. For graphics, it offers the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator x3100, and an option to upgrade to NVIDIA discrete graphics at the expense of lower battery life.

[edit] Latitude D6x0 series

The Latitude D6x0 series is the 14"/14.1" corporate model. It aims to combine heavy-duty power with reasonable portability, and differs primarily from the D8x0 series in screen size. All are two spindle designs, with a "D-bay" modular bay which can interchange optical drives, a second hard drive, floppy disk or a second battery. All models have a smart card socket, PCMCIA socket, and 9-pin serial port, a "D-dock" port for docking station or port replicator, and have an internal socket for a 802.11 wireless card.

The D600 and D610 share a common form factor, battery socket, and have a parallel printer port.

The D620 and D630 share a common form factor, battery socket, and do not have a parallel printer port. Both have support for an optional internal Bluetooth module, a socket for an optional mobile broadband card, and have an external switch for disabling any wireless connnections.

[edit] Latitude D600

The D600 (and simultaneously-introduced D800) was Dell's first business-oriented notebook based on the Pentium-M processor; it used the first-generation "Banias" Pentium M chips running on a 400 MT/s FSB on DDR memory. It had a PATA hard drive and a D-series modular bay, and used an ATI GPU Radeon 9000. It had a 14" screen, in regular (non-widescreen) form factor. Unlike later D6x0 series machines, both memory sockets were accessible from a single cover on the bottom of the system.

Many Latitude models had a near-clone Inspiron, in the case of the D600, it was the Inspiron 600M. Differences include that the 600M does not work with the Dell D-Dock, and the case styling is slightly different. The motherboards, screens and hard drive caddies are all physically interchangeable.

[edit] Latitude D610

The D610 was an update of the D600 design; it used the same case design and very similar specs. The chipset was updated (to the "Sonoma" platform) and used DDR2 memory, and it used a second-generation "Dothan" Pentium M chips running on a 533 MT/s FSB (and available in higher speeds.) The location of one memory socket was moved to underneath the keyboard. The D610 was available with either an Ati Mobility Radeon X300 discrete GPU or Intel integrated graphics.

Many Latitude models had a near-clone Inspiron, in the case of the D610, it was the Inspiron 610M.

[edit] Latitude D620

The D620 (and simultaneously-introduced D820) was Dell's first business-oriented notebook with a dual core processor available. Initially available with the interim Core Duo ("Yonah") processors, it was sold with the first-generation mobile Core 2 ("Merom") chips once those became available from Intel in the Fall of 2006; both run on a 667MT/s bus. It was initial sold only with Intel integrated graphics, but an option to upgrade to a discrete NVidia GPU became available after a few months. It replaced the raised pointing stick with a "low profile" model, and introduced the option of 4-cell and 9-cell batteries in addition to the standard 6-cell model. It uses DDR2 memory and is compatible with both PC2-4200 ("533mhz") and PC2-5300 ("667mhz") memory.

Although the D620 is capable of accepting 4gb of physical memory, because of Intel 945 chipset limitations, it makes at most 3.5gb of memory available to the installed operating system. Neither Intel site describe this Intel chipset limitation (it states 4GB supported), nor Dell warns customers before buying or explains why system see only 3.3GB of memory when 4GB is installed.

There was no near-clone Inspiron model for the D620

[edit] Latitude D630

The D630 is an update of the D620 design; while it has been de-emphasized in favor of the E-series, it is the only D-series model still available new as of April 2009. It differed most significantly in being based on the "Santa Rosa" (mobile 965) chipset, which supported the 800MT/s models of the mobile Core 2 Duo (both the Merom 7xx0 series and later the Penryn-based 8x00/9x00 series.) It also had newer versions of the graphics processor options, support for Intel's "Turbo Memory" flash cache (although this uses the same card slot as the mobile broadband card), and support for internal Wireless-N. It also added a 4-pin IEEE1394 port. It uses DDR2 memory and is compatible with both PC2-5300 ("667mhz") and PC2-6400 ("800mhz") memory.

There was no near-clone Inspiron model for the D630.

[edit] Latitude D630c

The D630c was a slight variant model of the D630; it featured a "manageable" version of the motherboard chipset, and base configuration was slightly more powerful. Except for the chipset management, all of those "base features" were available as options on the regular D630.

[edit] Latitude D8x0 series

The Latitude D8x0 series is the 15.4" corporate model; unlike the D6x0 series, all feature a widescreen form factor. All are two spindle designs, with a "D-bay" modular bay which can interchange optical drives, a second hard drive, or a second battery. All models have a smart card socket, PCMCIA socket, and 9-pin serial port, a "D-dock" port for docking station or port replicator, and have an internal socket for a 802.11 wireless card.

The D800 was Dell's first widescreen Latitude model.

The D8x0 series models roughly parallel the technology in the D6x0 models, other than for screen size; they do not share a battery form factor with the D6x0 series. The D820 and D830 add an ExpressCard socket, not available in the D6x0 series.

The near-clone Inspirons for the D800 and D810 were the Inspiron 8500 and 8600; there were no near-clones of the D820/D830

[edit] Latitude D5x0 series

The Latitude D500 series is a set of "entry level" business models; they are built on a 15" non-widescreen form factor, although models before the D530 were sold with both 14.1" and 15" screens (the 14.1" having a wider bezel.) They are fixed-optical-drive, 2-spindle devices, and roughly follow the technical generations (chipset and processor-wise) of the D6x0 and D8x0 series. The D530 was Dell's last non-widescreen Latitude model.

The D531 was an AMD-based model, and less closely related to the other Dx30-series models.

[edit] Latitude D4x0 series

The D400 and D410 were 12" non-widescreen ultra-portable notebooks, roughly following the technology of the comparable generations of the series. The D400 came with a ULV Pentium M (Banias). The D410 came with a ULV Pentium M (Dothan).

The D420 and D430 are 12.1" widescreen ultra-portable notebooks. The D420 came with either an Intel Core Solo U1300 ULV 1.06GHz or Intel Core Duo U2500 ULV 1.2GHz. The D430 came with either an Intel Core Solo U1400 ULV 1.2GHz or Intel Core Duo U7600 1.2Ghz; the U7700 Processor (1.33GHz) was later made available as an option.

While the D8x0, D6x0 and D5x0 models were all introduced simultaneously with each generation, the D4x0 series were generally introduced a couple of months after their counterparts. Also, since they use ULV (ultra-low-voltage) processors and chipsets, and are generally less powerful, the technology does not correspond as closely as it does between other models in each generation - for example, the D420 uses the parallel ATA hard drive (1.8") rather than the SATA (2.5") interface in the D520/620/820.

[edit] Other models

The Latitude ATG is a highly-toughened version of the D630, and is Dell's only semi-rugged offering, while their fully-rugged offering consists of the XFR. The Latitude XT is a touch-screen convertible-tablet computer. These models still maintain high compatibility with the rest of the Latitude family.

[edit] Latitude XT problems

In July 2008, Dell released multi-touch touch-screen drivers for the Latitude XT Tablet, claiming the "industry’s first convertible tablet with multi-touch capabilities."[11] Dell has partnered with N-trig, providers of DuoSenseTM technology, combining pen, capacitive touch and multi-touch in a single device. N-trig’s DuoSense dual-mode digitizer uses both pen and zero-pressure capacitive touch to provide a true Hands-onTM computing experience for mobile computers and other digital input products over a single device.

A large number of user reports suggest that the Dell Latitude XT suffers from a major problem..[1] The N-Trig digitizer interfaces to the XT by an internal USB port. .[2] Users report that any other USB device which is plugged in may, and usually does, prevent the N-Trig applet (program which controls the features) from identifying the N-Trig hardware. In addition, there have been reports that certain other drivers, such as iTunes Helper, may cause this or a similar problem. Other users report no problems from iTunes.[3] According to the reports, this still leaves the dual sense but without Multi-Touch and other advanced features, "which render the auto and dual mode useless. The digitizer will only start working again after consecutive reboots.".[4] There have also been reports that the driver may crash, catastrophically or non-catastrophically, leaving no screen input at all. A re-boot may solve the problem, but often users found that the driver installation is damaged, requiring a re-installation of the drivers. But the install program will not un-install if it doesn't recognize the N-Trig hardware. In this case, the alternatives are (1) restore the entire operating system from backup, (2) manually un-install by erasing all N-Trig programs and drivers then editing the registry to remove all references to N-Trig, then re-install the N-Trig software, or (3) do a complete re-install of Windows.[5]

These problems have been reported both with XP and Vista, 32 and 64 bit. In addition, Dell sells a MediaBase with an internal DVD drive. The drive also interfaces by way of a USB connection inside the MediaBase. Most, but not all, users of the MediaBase report that it prevents the drivers from loading.

Current models of lattitude

The current series is the Latitude E-series, introduced in August, 2008, on the Exx00 revision. All E-series models have the Intel Centrino 2 (Montevina) chipset, as well as some variation of the Intel Celeron or Intel Core 2 Duo processors. The mainstream models are separated into two categories: essential and standard. The essential models are the E5400 and E5500, while the standard models are the E6400 and E6500. The Latitude series also include a number of specialty models. The E4200 and E4300 are ultra-portable notebooks. The Latitude E6400 ATG is a ruggedized version of the E6400, and is Dell's only semi-rugged offering. Even Dell's fully-rugged offering, the XFR, has now transitioned from the D to the E series. The Latitude XT2 is a touch-screen convertible-tablet computer. These models all maintain high compatibility with each other, greatly simplifying IT.

  • E5400: 14.1" Essential
  • E5500: 15.4" Essential
  • E6400: 14.1" Mainstream
  • E6500: 15.4" Mainstream
  • E4200: 12.1" Ultraportable
  • E4300: 13.3" Ultraportable
  • E6400 ATG: 14.1" Semi-Rugged
  • E6400 XFR: 14.1" Fully-Rugged
  • XT2: 12.1" Touch Tablet

Dell Latitude

Dell's Latitude laptop brand is specifically targeted at the business market which means that standardized parts are used throughout the line and are available for several years for support purposes, as opposed to the Dell Inspiron which is aimed at the consumer market and whose specifications change regularly. Whereas Inspiron may switch vendors on components several times over the course of a single model, the Latitude line generally retains identical components throughout its production. This design is intended to simplify maintenance and support tasks for large corporations, allowing components to be easily swapped between models.

Dell Latitude computers are also built to Dell's RoadReady specification which includes a durable magnesium-alloy casing, internal metal frames and Strike Zone shock protection in case the computer is dropped or suffers a severe impact. Many models also feature free-fall sensors or solid-state drives. Latitude models are also generally regarded[weasel words] to be more durable and higher quality than the consumer Inspiron line, and even above the premium Studio and XPS models. Latitude models have 3 year US-based support, as opposed to the 1 year warranty on other models. This, however, results in a price premium in the hundreds of dollars as opposed to the consumer models.

Latitude computers are also differentiated in their feature sets, due to their business focus. For example, they often include security features such as smartcard and contactless smartcard, and TPM security, which are not usable for most consumers. A lid clasp (as opposed to a magnetic latching system), DisplayPort video out (as opposed to HDMI), and support for legacy standards are all results of the requirements of the business market.

Dell n Series

The n Series is a Dell product line that does not ship with a pre-installed version of Microsoft Windows. Apparently prohibited from shipping computers without an operating system by an existing licensing agreement with Microsoft, Dell instead ships these systems with either the open-source FreeDOS operating system or the Ubuntu Linux distribution.

A result of OEM licensing with Microsoft, Dell is also prohibited from advertising these computers.[citation needed] Customers must request them specifically or search for them on Dell's website. The company has come under fire for making the FreeDOS-powered machines no cheaper and more difficult to purchase than identical systems running Windows[1].

Dell also offers various Precision Workstations with Red Hat Enterprise Linux pre-installed.

Dell VOSTRO


Dell Vostro 1310 running Windows XP
Dell Vostro is a line of computers from Dell aimed at the small business market. Prior to Vostro, Dell's home and small business computers were sold under the same lines: Dimension for home and small business desktops, and Inspiron for home and small business portables. With the introduction of Vostro, the Dimension line was retired, and the Inspiron line changed to include all computers for the home market — regardless of form factor. One marked difference between the Inspiron line and the Vostro line is that the Vostro line is more affordable but comes with shorter technical support hours. With the Vostro line, the customer has the option to purchase a technical support contract to get 24/7 technical support from Dell and the customer has the option not to get extended-hours technical support from Dell and pay less money for their equipment.


Current Laptops

The current lineup of Vostro laptops includes five laptops, including two budget models, the A90 and A860. Higher-end models are the 1220, 1320, 1520, and 1720. The configurations for the Vostro 1220, 1320, 1520, and 1720 are nearly identical. The Dell Vostro 1320, 1520 and 1720 were released online on April 2nd, 2009, while the Vostro 1220 was released online on July 1st, 2009. The Vostro A860 was released online on November 13th, 2008 and the Vostro A90 was released online on April 15th, 2009.

[edit] Vostro 1220

The Vostro 1220 is Dell's 12.1" business laptop based on the Montevina platform.

  • CPU: Intel Celeron 900, Intel Core 2 Duo T6600, P8600, P8700, or T9550
  • Display: 12.1" WXGA w/TrueLife
  • Memory: 2 GB Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 800 MHz, 2, 3, 4, or 8 GB of Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 800 MHz
  • Optical Drive: 8X DVD+/-RW drive, Blu-ray Disc Combo drive
  • Video Card: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
  • Security Hardware: Fingerprint reader w/DigitalPersona software, Wave Encryption software
  • Hard Drive: 160 GB SATA @ 5400 RPM, 250, 320, or 500 GB @ 7200 RPM w/Freefall Sensor, 250GB Encrypted Hard Drive @ 7200RPM w/Free Fall Sensor & Wave software , 128 GB Solid State Drive
  • Wireless: Dell Wireless 1397 or 1510 mini card, Intel WiFi Link 5100, WiMAX/WiFi Link 5150, or 5300 mini card
  • Bluetooth: Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth 2.0
  • Webcam: Integrated 1.3 MP webcam w/digital mic, optional free video chat software
  • Battery: 4-cell or 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery
  • Starting Price: $799

[edit] Vostro 1320

The Vostro 1320 is Dell's 13.3" business laptop based on the Montevina platform.

  • CPU: Intel Celeron 900, Intel Core 2 Duo T6600, P7550, P8600, P8700, or T9550
  • Display: 13.3" WXGA Anti-Glare, UltraSharp WXGA w/TrueLife
  • Memory: 2 GB Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 800 MHz, 2, 3, 4, or 8 GB of Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 800 MHz
  • Optical Drive: 8X DVD+/-RW drive, Blu-ray Disc Combo drive
  • Video Card: Integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD, NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS
  • Security Hardware: Fingerprint reader w/DigitalPersona software, Wave Encryption software
  • Hard Drive: 160 GB SATA @ 5400 RPM, 250 or 320 GB @ 7200 RPM w/Freefall Sensor, 250GB Encrypted Hard Drive @ 7200RPM w/Free Fall Sensor & Wave software , 128 GB Solid State Drive
  • Wireless: Dell Wireless 1397 or 1510 mini card, Intel WiFi Link 5100 or 5300 mini card
  • Bluetooth: Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth 2.0
  • Webcam: Integrated 1.3 MP webcam w/digital mic, optional free video chat software
  • Battery: 4-cell, 6-cell, or 9-cell Lithium-Ion battery
  • Starting Price: $549

[edit] Vostro 1520

The Vostro 1520 is Dell's 15.4" business laptop based on the Montevina platform.

  • CPU: Intel Celeron 900, Intel Core 2 Duo T6600, P7550, P8600, P8700, or T9550
  • Display: 15.4" WXGA Anti-Glare LED, WXGA+ Anti-Glare, WXGA+ w/TrueLife
  • Memory: 2 GB Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 800 MHz, 2, 3, 4, or 8 GB of Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 800 MHz
  • Optical Drive: 8X DVD+/-RW drive, Blu-ray Disc Combo drive
  • Video Card: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS
  • Security Hardware: Fingerprint reader w/DigitalPersona software, Wave Encryption software
  • Hard Drive: 160 GB SATA @ 5400 RPM, 250 or 320 GB @ 7200 RPM w/Freefall Sensor, 250GB Encrypted Hard Drive @ 7200RPM w/Free Fall Sensor & Wave software , 128 GB Solid State Drive
  • Wireless: Dell Wireless 1397 or 1510 mini card, Intel WiFi Link 5100 or 5300 mini card
  • Bluetooth: Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth 2.0
  • Webcam: Integrated 1.3 MP webcam w/digital mic, optional free video chat software
  • Battery: 4-cell, 6-cell, or 9-cell Lithium Ion battery
  • Starting Price: $519

[edit] Vostro 1720

The Vostro 1720 is Dell's 17" business laptop based on the Montevina platform.

  • CPU: Intel Celeron 900, Intel Core 2 Duo T6600, P7550, P8600, P8700, or T9550
  • Display: 17" WXGA+ Anti-Glare LED, UltraSharp WUXGA w/TrueLife
  • Memory: 2 GB Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 800 MHz, 2, 3, 4, or 8 GB of Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 800 MHz
  • Optical Drive: 8X DVD+/-RW drive, Blu-ray Disc Combo drive
  • Video Card: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS
  • Security Hardware: Fingerprint reader w/DigitalPersona software, Wave Encryption software
  • Hard Drive: 160 GB SATA @ 5400 RPM, 250 or 320 GB @ 7200 RPM w/Freefall Sensor, 250GB Encrypted Hard Drive @ 7200RPM w/ Free Fall Sensor & Wave software , 128 GB Solid State Drive
  • Wireless: Dell Wireless 1397 or 1510 mini card, Intel WiFi Link 5100 or 5300 mini card
  • Bluetooth: Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth 2.0
  • Battery: 6-cell or 8-cell Lithium Ion battery
  • Starting Price: $599

[edit] Vostro A90 and A90n

The Vostro A90 is Dell's 8.9" business netbook. The A90n offers Ubuntu Linux while the A90 offers Windows XP.

  • CPU: Intel Atom N270
  • Display: 8.9" WSVGA
  • Memory: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz
  • Optical Drive: None
  • Video Card: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
  • Hard Drive: 16 GB Solid State Drive
  • Wireless: Wireless 802.11g card
  • Webcam: Integrated 0.3 MP webcam
  • Battery: 4-cell (35 WHr) Lithium-Ion battery
  • Starting Price: $294 (Vostro A90n), $389 (Vostro A90)

[edit] Vostro A860

The Vostro A860 is Dell's 15.6" business laptop with targeted at consumers looking for a budget business laptop. The laptop's memory is upgradable up to 4 GB, but it is sold with only 2 GB maximum preinstalled and the extra memory has to be bought separately. The laptop comes with a Cool Blue Chassis, a flash drive, and surge if bought with a 250 GB hard drive.

  • CPU: Intel Celeron M M560, Intel Core 2 Duo T5870
  • Display: 15.6" WXGA
  • Memory: 1 or 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM @ 800 MHz
  • Optical Drive: 8X DVD+/-RW drive
  • Video Card: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
  • Hard Drive: 160 or 250 GB SATA @ 5400 RPM
  • Wireless: Wireless 802.11b/g
  • Webcam: None
  • Battery: 4-cell or 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery
  • Starting Price: $429

[edit] Desktops

First Generation

  • Vostro 200 Slim Tower
  • Vostro 200 Mini Tower

First Generation (Phase 2 Release)

  • Vostro 400 Mini Tower - Antec EarthWatts EA380 (Same case as Vostro 200 Mini Tower)
  • Vostro 410 Tower - Uses the G33 chipset and features 3 external 5.25" drive bays.

Second Generation

  • Vostro 220S Slim Tower - Updated DVD/CD/Blu-ray slot case
  • Vostro 220 Mini Tower
  • Vostro 420 Tower - Uses the G45 chipset.

Dell OptiPlex




Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Conservative, reliable design
  • Most functions built into motherboard: graphics, sound and Ethernet as well as various i/o ports.
  • Designed to be simple to deploy and maintain. Nearly all necessary drivers load from Windows CDs.
  • Large organizations deploy them in quantity. Used units can be very inexpensive because supply exceeds demand.

Weaknesses

  • Onboard video with limited memory unsuited to graphics-intensive applications such as gaming or modeling
  • Low profile desktop models have limited expansion capability: 3 pci slots, no AGP or PCI-x, one bay for optical drives, one hard disk drive, two memory slots. Small form factor models are even more restrictive with slim optical drives and low-profile expansion cards.
  • Memory modules must meet very specific specifications. Generic memory often does not work.
  • Intel chipsets support less memory expansion than competing chipsets.
  • No provision for overclocking
  • Motherboards and power supplies are proprietary design.
  • Electrolytic capacitors in some models are disproportionately likely to go bad and need replacement

[edit] Name

OptiPlex is a portmanteau of "opti" (meaning optimal) and "plex" (meaning parts or units.)[1]

[edit] Chassis

The newest OptiPlex models break from Dell's proprietary form factors and follow, for the most part, the BTX standard.

The OptiPlex series comes in various sizes which have evolved as the style of chassis has changed.

[edit] Classic beige

In the classic beige chassis:

Chassis Height Width Depth 5.25" external bays 3.5" external bays 3.5" internal bays
Small form Factor 9.14 cm (3.6 inches) 31.75 cm (12.5 inches) 37.8 cm (14.9inches) 1 slim optical 1.44 floppy (1) 3.5" HDD
low-profile 10.9 cm (4.3 inches) 40.9 cm (16.1 inches) 43.7 cm (17.2 inches) 1 1.44 floppy 1
Midsize 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) 41.9 cm (16.5 inches) 44.5 cm (17.5 inches) 2 1.44 floppy 2 HDD
Mini-tower 44.5 cm (17.5 inches) 20.6 cm (8.1 inches) 43.7 cm (17.2 inches) 3 1.44 floppy 2 HDD

[edit] Midnight-gray

In the recent midnight-gray chassis (with the flip-up door):

Chassis Height Width Depth 5.25" external bays 3.5" external bays internal bays
Ultra Small Form 24.7 cm (9.9 inches) 24.2 cm (9.7 inches) 8.5 cm (3.4 inches) 1 media bay (modules common with Latitude series) none (1) 3.5" HDD
Small form Factor 9.0 cm (3.57 inches) 31.9 cm (12.54 inches) 35.4 cm (13.93 inches) 1 slim optical 1 slim floppy (1) 3.5" HDD
Small Desktop 10.6 cm (4.2 inches) 38.9 cm (15.3 inches) 43.2 cm (17 inches) 1 1.44 floppy (2) 3.5" HDD
Mini-tower 42.5 cm (16.7 inches) 18.1 cm (7.13 inches) 44.7 cm (17.6 inches) 2 (1) + 1.44 floppy 2 HDD

[edit] BTX

Current model BTX chassis:

Chassis Height Width Depth 5.25" external bays 3.5" external bays 3.5" internal bays
Ultra Small Form 26.4 cm (10.375 inches) 8.9 cm (3.5 inches) 25.3 cm (9.95 inches) 1 D-module bay none 1 HDD
Small form Factor 9.26 cm (3.65 inches) 31.37 cm (12.35 inches) 34.03 cm (13.40 inches) 1 slim optical 1 slim floppy (1) 3.5" HDD
Small Desktop 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) 39.9 cm (15.7 inches) 35.3 cm (13.9 inches) 1 1 (2) 3.5" HDD
Mini-tower 41.4 cm (16.3 inches) 18.5 cm (7.3 inches) 43.9 cm (17.3 inches) 2 1 2 HDD

[edit] Models, in relative chronological order

Model Chipset CPU FSB RAM type RAM speed Chassis Comments USB
XL 5xxx Intel 82434NX PCI Pentium 75, 90, 100, 120, 133 50/60/66 MHz SIMM, 4 70 ns
ex, XL 575, XL 5133. From 8 to 64 MB (64 MiB) of RAM. 1995/1996
XM 5xxx Intel 82430NX PCIset Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133 50/60/66 MHz SIMM, 4 70 ns 6 x 16 x 16 S3 Vision 864, 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
XMT 5xxx Intel 82430NX PCIset Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133 50/60/66 MHz SIMM, 4 70 ns 16.40 x 7.75 x 17.40 S3 Vision 864, 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
GXL 5xxx Intel 82430FX PCIset Pentium 90, 120, 150, 100, 133, 166, 200 60/66 MHz SIMM, 4 60-ns EDO or 70-ns fast-page mode midsize
GXM 5xxx Intel 82430FX Pentium 90, 120, 150, 100, 133, 166, 200 60/66 MHz SIMM, 4 60-ns EDO 4 x 17 x 17 S3 (Trio64V+) PCI, 2 MB.
GXMT 5xxx Intel 82430FX PCIset Pentium 90, 120, 150, 100, 133, 166, 200 60/66 MHz SIMM, 4 60-ns EDO 16.4 x 7.75 x 17.4 S3 (Trio64V+) PCI, 2 MB.
GL and GL+ Intel 82430FX PCI Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133/166 50/60/66 MHz SIMM, 4 60 ns EDO or 70 ns fast-page mode 4 x 17 x 17 S3 764-P (Trio64), 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
GM and GM+ Intel 82430FX PCIset Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133/166 50/60/66 MHz SIMM, 4 60 ns EDO 6.0 x 17 x 17 S3 764-P (Trio64), 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
GMT and GMT+ Intel 82430FX PCIset Pentium 75, 90/120, 100/133/166 50/60/66 MHz SIMM, 4 60 ns EDO 16.4 x 7.75 x 17.4 S3 764-P (Trio64), 1 MB standard, upgradable to 2 MB.
Gs, Gs+ Intel 430FX PCI Pentium 133, 166, 200 66 MHz SIMM, 4 60-ns EDO low-profile, midsize chassis S3 (Trio64V+) PCI, 2 MB, Gs+ contains onboard ethernet.
GXpro Intel 82440FX PCIset Pentium Pro 180, 200 60 or 66 MHz SDRAM, 4 PC66 midsize, minitower
GXpro Intel 82440FX PCIset Pentium Pro 180, 200 60 or 66 MHz DRAM, 4 60 ns EDO midsize, minitower 60ns EDO DRAM DIMM USB
GXi Intel 430HX PCIset Pentium 133-200, Pentium MMX 166-233 66 MHz SDRAM, 4 PC66 Low-profile, Midsize, and Mini tower S3 86C765 (Trio64V+) USB
Gn/Gn+ Intel 430TX PCIset Pentium MMX 166-233 66 MHz SDRAM, 2 PC66 low-profile, midsize, minitower
N Intel 430TX PCIset Pentium MMX 166-233 66 MHz SDRAM, 2 PC66 3.65 x 13.27 x 13.75 S3 Trio64V2 86C785, 2 MB.
GXa Intel 82440LX PCI/AGP Pentium II Klamath 233, 266, 300, 333 66 MHz SDRAM, 3 PC66 Low-profile, Midsize, and Mini tower GXa accepts slot 1 Pentiums up to 333 MHz USB 1.1 x2
NX Intel 82440LX PCI/AGP Pentium II 266-333 66 MHz SDRAM, 3 PC66 3.65 x 13.27 x 13.75 ATI 3D Rage Pro AGP controller

Video memory 2-MB standard (upgradable to 4 MB) SGRAM

G1 Intel 440BX AGP set Pentium II 266-333, 350-450 or Celeron 266-400 66 MHz OR 100 MHz SDRAM, 2 PC100 Low-profile, Midsize, and Mini tower Introduced in June 1998.[2] Along with the IBM 300PL, one of the most widely-used business desktops of the 1999–2005 era. Some organizations have only recently started to replace them. GX1 machines used Slot 1 Pentium II and Pentium III CPUs.
E1 Intel 440EX AGPset Celeron 266-400 slot1 66 MHz SDRAM, 2 PC100 low-profile and minitower
NX1 Intel 440BX PIIX4e Pentium II 266, 333, 350-450 MHz OR Pentium III 450 66/100 MHz SDRAM, 3 PC100 3.65 x 13.27 x 13.75 on-board ATI Rage Pro (AGP 2X) graphics, 4 MB standard (upgradable to 8 MB) SGRAM. FIRST PIII MODEL.
GX1 Intel 440BX PIIX4e Pentium II 266, 333, 350-450 or Pentium III 450-600 66 or 100 MHz SDRAM, 3 PC100 SFF, low-profile, midsize, mini tower GX1 machines used Slot 1 Pentium II and Pentium III CPUs. USB 1.1 x2
GX1p Intel 440BX AGPSet Pentium II 400, 450 or Pentium III 450-600 100 MHz SDRAM, 3 PC100 midsize and minitower
GC Intel 810e PIII or Celeron 66/100 MHz SDRAM, 2 PC100 SFF
GX100 Intel 810 Celeron Mendocino and Coppermine 66/100 MHz SDRAM, 2 PC100 SFF, low-profile, minitower Socket 370. No AGP slot. Some motherboards do not accept the Coppermine Celeron. USB 1.1 x2
GX110 Intel 810e Pentium III Coppermine 66/100 MHz SDRAM, 2 PC100 SFF, low-profile, midsize (370 only), minitower Slot1 or Socket 370 CPU.
GX115 Intel 815E Pentium III or Celeron 100/133 MHz SDRAM (PC100)/PC133 SFF, low-profile, minitower

GX200 Intel 82820 PCCI/AGP Pentium III 100/133 MHz RAMBUS, 2 PC800 SFF, low-profile, midsize, minitower

GX300 Intel 820 PCI/AGP Pentium III 100/133 MHz RAMBUS, 2 PC600/PC800 minitower 1 or 2 CPUS, typically Slot1.
GX400 Intel 850 Pentium 4 400 MHz RAMBUS, 4 PC800 Mini tower Black classic style chassis. Socket 423
GX150 Intel 815E Pentium III or Celeron 100/133 MHz SDRAM, 2 PC133 SFF, desktop, mini tower First to have new midnight-gray chassis USB 1.1
GX50 Intel 810 OR Intel 810E Pentium III or Celeron 66/100 MHz SDRAM, 2 PC100 SFF, desktop, mini tower No AGP slot. Models up to 800 MHz have the 810, 850 MHz and up have 810E
GX240 Intel 845 Pentium 4 1.5-2.0 Willamette OR 2.2-2.8 Northwood 400 MHz SDRAM PC133 (ECC or non-ECC) SFF, desktop, minitower First socket 478 model OptiPlex. USB 1.1
GX260 Intel 845G Pentium 4 or Celeron 400/533 MHz DDR
200/266
PC2700 SFF, SD, SMT PATA only
no SATA
USB 2.0 x6
GX60 Intel 845GL OR Intel 845GV Celeron 400 MHz DDR PC2100 OR PC2700 SFF, desktop, mini tower No AGP or PCI Express slots. 845GV supports PC2700 and 533 MHz FSB CPUs. USB 2.0
SX260 Intel 845G Pentium 4 1.5-2.0 Willamette OR 2.0-2.6 Northwood OR Celeron 400/533 MHz DDR, 2 PC1600/PC2100 Ultra Small Form
L60 Intel 845GL Pentium 4 or Celeron 400 MHz DDR, 2 PC2100


GX270 Intel 865G Pentium 4 or Celeron 400/533/800 MHz DDR, 2 SFF board and 4 other boards
333/400
PC2700/PC3200 SFF, SD, SMT SATA+PATA
Intel graphics or dedicated 8x AGP card. The GX270 made from Apr 2003 to Mar 2004 came under fire in 2005 for having faulty Nichicon electrolytic capacitors. When they fail, these capacitors are easily recognised by an X mark across the top and a bloated or split appearance. [3]
USB 2.0 x8
SX270 Intel 865G Pentium 4 or Celeron 400/533/800 MHz DDR PC2700/PC3200 Ultra Small Form Optional stand and cable cover.
160L Intel 845GV Pentium 4 or Celeron 400 MHz DDR PC2100/PC2700 minitower

170L Intel 865-GV Pentium 4 or Celeron 400/533/800 MHz DDR, 2 PC2700/PC3200 desktop or minitower

GX280 Intel 915 Pentium 4 and P4 w/HT 400/533/800 MHz DDR2, 2 SFF board and 4 other boards DDR2 400/DDR2 533 SFF, SD, desktop, SMT, minitower No PS/2 connectors. Intel or PCIe x16 Graphics. OFFERED IN BOTH ATX AND BTX STYLE OF CHASSIS. (SFF is ATX only). USB 2.0 x8
SX280 915G Pentium 4 or Celeron 533/800 MHz DDR2 DDR2 400 Ultra Small Form 8.9 cm (3.5 inches), 36.1 cm (14.2 inches), 26.4 cm (10.375 inches) DVI-I port. No PS/2.
210L Intel 915GV Pentium 4 or Celeron 533/800 MHz DDR2, 2 DDR2 400/DDR2 533 desktop or minitower integrated Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 900.
GX520 Intel 945 Express Pentium 4, Pentium D, or Celeron 533/800 MHz DDR2, 2 DDR2 400/DDR2 533 SFF, desktop, minitower BTX. integrated Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 950.
GX620 Intel 945 Express Pentium 4, Pentium D, or Celeron 533/800 MHz DDR2, 4 DDR2 533/DDR2 667 USFF, SFF, desktop, minitower BTX. The latest models contain a trusted platform module. Note that USFF cable cover increases the dimensions of the machine (available in standard and extended sizes). USB 2.0
320 ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 Professional Intel Pentium D, Pentium 4 with HT, and Celeron D 800 MHz DDR2, 2 DDR2 533 desktop, minitower

745 Intel 965 Express Intel Core 2 Duo , Intel Pentium Dual Core(Allendale), Pentium 4 HT, Celeron D Processor 533/800/1066 MHz DDR2, 4 DDR2 533/DDR2 667/DDR2 800 USFF, SFF, desktop, minitower USFF only has 2 DIMM slots and maximum 4GB memory.
330 Intel G31 Express Chipset Intel Core 2 Duo , Intel Pentium Dual Core, Celeron D Processor 533/800/1066 MHz DDR2, 2 DDR2 533/DDR2 667/DDR2 800 DT, MT

740 nVIDIA Quadro NVS 210S Chipset with NVIDIA nForce 430 MCP AMD Athlon 64 X2, AMD Athlon 64, AMD Phenom
DDR2, 4 DDR2 533/DDR2 667/DDR2 800 MT, DT, SFF

755 Intel Q35 Express Intel Core 2 Duo, Dual core (wolfdale), Quad, Celeron 800/1066/1333 MHz DDR2, 4 DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 MT, DT, SFF, USFF USFF only has 2 DIMM slots and maximum 4GB memory.
760 Intel Q43 Express Intel Core 2 Duo, Quad, Celeron 800/1066/1333 MHz DDR2, 4 DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 MT, DT, SFF, USFF USFF only has 2 DIMM slots and maximum 4GB memory.
960 Intel Q45 Express Intel Core 2 Duo, Quad 800/1066/1333 MHz DDR2, 4 DDR2-800 MT, DT, SFF

160 SiSM671 Intel Atom 230 or 330 533 MHz DDR2, 2 DDR2-667 Tiny Desktop

Model Chipset CPU FSB RAM type RAM speed Chassis Comments USB

Technical support

Dell routes technical support queries according to component-type and to the level of support purchased. Dell Inc brands its service agreements at five levels for their business customers:[60]

  1. Basic support provides business-hours telephone support and next business-day on-site support.
  2. Silver support provides 24×7 telephone support and 4-hour on-site support after telephone-based troubleshooting.
  3. Gold support provides additional benefits over and above Silver support, including: customer-declared severity; priority access to support; expedited escalation of support; 4-hour on-site support in parallel with telephone-support.
  4. Platinum Plus support provides additional benefits to Gold Support, including: performance benchmarking; real-time tracking; custom planning and reporting; a dedicated technical account-manager.
  5. 2-hour on-site support, offered in some cities: mostly limited to major metropolitan areas.

Dell's Consumer division offers 24x7 phone based and online troubleshooting rather than only during business hours. Gold Technical support is not offered for customers purchasing through the consumer department, and neither is Same-Day Onsite response.

On February 4, 2008 Dell launched a revamped services-and-support scheme for businesses named "ProSupport", offering customers more options to tailor services to fit their needs. Rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach, Dell has put together packages of options for each category of its customers: small and medium-sized businesses, large businesses, government, education, and health-care- and life-sciences.

Dell now offers separate support options for IT staff and for non-IT professionals. For the latter, the company offers "how-to" support for software applications, such as Microsoft Office. Dell also offers collaborative support with many third-party software vendors. For IT departments, Dell offers "fast-track dispatch" of parts and labor and access to a crisis-center to handle major outages, virus-attacks, or problems caused by natural disasters.

Besides offering response-options for handling problems, Dell has launched "Proactive Maintenance", which offers assessment and recommendations for updating drivers and firmware and for the application of customer-approved patches and system-updates. Dell also offers assessment-services for storage area networks, as well as for Dell's computing hardware.

The new offerings replace Dell's tiered services-structure in which customers could choose from a variety of service levels, such as platinum, gold, or silver. The latest system takes a more customizable approach to support.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

In the 1980s Dell became a pioneer in the “configure to order” approach to manufacturing – delivering individual PCs configured to customer specifications. In contrast, most PC manufacturers in those times delivered large orders to intermediaries on a quarterly basis.[50]

To minimize the delay between purchase and delivery, Dell has a general policy of manufacturing its products close to its customers. This also allows for implementing a just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing approach, which minimizes inventory costs. Low inventory is another signature of the Dell business model – a critical consideration in an industry where components depreciate very rapidly.[51]

Dell’s manufacturing process covers assembly, software installation, functional testing (including "burn-in"), and quality control. Throughout most of the company’s history, Dell manufactured desktop machines in-house and contracted out manufacturing of base notebooks for configuration in-house.[52] However, the company's approach appears to have started to change. The 2006 Annual Report states “we are continuing to expand our use of original design manufacturing partnerships and manufacturing outsourcing relationships.” The Wall Street Journal reported in September, 2008 that “Dell has approached contract computer manufacturers with offers to sell" their plants.[53]

Assembly of desktop computers for the North American market takes place at Dell plants in Austin, Texas (original location), Lebanon TN and Nashville, Tennessee (opened in 1999), Winston-Salem NC (opened in 2005) and at the Miami, Florida facility of its Alienware subsidiary. Dell servers come from Austin TX. Dell has moved some of its desktop assembly into Mexico (near the border with El Paso, Texas) for computers that sold in the United States.[citation needed]

Dell assembles computers for the EMEA market at Limerick in the Republic of Ireland, and employs about 4,500 people in that country. Production at the Limerick facility will cease in 2009 and will relocate to facilities in Poland and Asia. European Manufacturing Facility 1 (EMF1, opened in 1990) and EMF3 form part of the Raheen Industrial Estate near Limerick. EMF2 (previously a Wang facility, later occupied by Flextronics, situated in Castletroy) closed in 2002,[citation needed] and Dell Inc has consolidated production into EMF3 (EMF1 now contains only offices[54]). Dell’s Alienware subsidiary also manufactures PCs in an Athlone, Ireland plant. Construction of EMF4 in Łódź, Poland has started: Dell started production there in autumn 2007.[55]

Dell opened plants in Penang, Malaysia in 1995, and in Xiamen, China in 1999. These facilities serve the Asian market and assemble 95% of Dell notebooks. Dell Inc has invested an estimated $60 million in a new manufacturing unit in Chennai, India, to support the sales of its products in the Indian subcontinent. Indian-made products will bear the "Made in India" mark. In 2007 the Chennai facility had the target of producing 400,000 desktop PCs, and plans envisaged it starting to produce notebook PCs and other products in the second half of 2007.[citation needed]

Dell moved desktop and PowerEdge server manufacturing for the South American market from the Eldorado do Sul plant opened in 1999, to a new plant in Hortolandia, Brazil in 2007.[56]

Dell began manufacturing in Limerick in 1991 and went on to become Ireland's largest exporter of goods and its second-largest company and foreign investor. On January 8, 2009, Dell announced that it would move all Dell manufacturing in Limerick to Dell's new plant in the Polish city of Łódź by January 2010.[57] European Union officials said they would investigate a €52.7million aid package the Polish government used to attract Dell away from Ireland.[58]

Products

Scope and brands

The corporation markets specific brand names to different market segments:

  • Business/Corporate class: including OptiPlex, Latitude, and Precision, where the company's advertising emphasizes long life-cycles, reliability and serviceability:
  • Home Office/Consumer class: including Inspiron and XPS brands, emphasizing value, performance and expandability:
  • Dimension (discontinued) - consumer desktop systems.
  • Inspiron - budget desktop and notebook computers.
  • Studio - mainstream desktop and laptop computers.
  • XPS - high-end desktop and notebook computers.
  • Studio XPS - high-end design-focus of XPS systems and extreme multimedia capability
  • Alienware (XPS Extreme) - high-performance gaming systems rivaling HP's gaming division, VoodooPC
  • Adamo - high-end luxury laptop to compete with the MacBook Air.
  • Services and support:
  • Dell On Call - extended support services (mainly for the removal of spyware and computer viruses)
  • Dell Support Center - extended support services (similar to "Dell On Call") for customers in the EMEA. The Solution Centers also support hardware for customers outside of warranty.
  • Dell Business Support - a commercial service-contract that provides an industry-certified technician with a lower call-volume than in normal queues; it covers hardware- and some software-support.
  • Dell Everdream Desktop Management - "Software as a Service" remote-desktop management. Lyndon Rive, Elon Musk and other partners sold Everdream to Dell.[47]
  • Your Tech Team - a new support-queue available to home users who purchased their systems either through Dell's website or through Dell phone-centers. These customers gain access to a specialized queue. Customers can request a technician with whom they have worked previously, and the technicians can troubleshoot a wider range of problems — including some that would fall under the "Dell on Call" category. Data backup and virus removal remain out-of-scope for this queue.

Dell also offers Red Hat and SUSE Linux for servers; as well as "bare-bones" computers without pre-installed software (available on n Series by default and by request on XPS and Inspiron systems) at significantly lower prices. Due to Dell's licensing contract with Microsoft, Dell allegedly[citation needed] cannot offer those systems on its website and customers have to request them explicitly. (Dell does offer those systems via its web site. [48] ). Dell has to ship such systems with a FreeDOS disk included in the box and must issue a so-called "Windows refund" or a merchandise credit after sale of the system at the "regular" retail price.

  • Discontinued products/brands: