Dell is a heavyweight in the workstation market. In the last few years, the Precision series has always delivered high performance combined with low emissions. Buyers no longer have to worry about the basic qualities a work notebook should have when they purchase from Dell: high workmanship quality, a sturdy case, extensive service and upgrade options and typical business features. In short, you can find all you need in a Precision, but sometimes you have to pay a little more for it. Business customers and large firms can individually configure their models and even express any extra wishes they might have. However, the options available to private buyers are severely limited, as we experienced when getting out test model. Dell instead offers pre-configured models that cover the needs of what most buyers want.
As a buyer, you currently choose from three Precision M6800 configurations. It is possible to fine-tune some of the software, the warranty period and the service packets, but on the hardware side the user has to stick to the preset configuration. As such, other storage devices, RAM or similar changes are not an option, unless you do it yourself.
At the time of purchase, our test model cost 2,030 Euros (~$2727) (total: 2,420 Euros/~$3251) and it includes an Intel Core i7-4800MQ-CPU, a 750 GB HDD, the Nvidia Quadro K3100M graphics, 16 GB RAM, a matte Full HD display and Windows 7.
Case
In contrast to the Dell Precision M4800, the large 17-inch workstation on our test bench is built around the familiar base case (now in its 4th generation). Over time, the ports may have been rearranged or some details on the inside may have changed, but overall Dell has stayed true to their original design. Sturdiness and user-friendly maintenance are at a very high level and ensure that the Precision M6800 scores full points in the maintenance test. A disadvantage of the sturdy, yet large case is its weight: 3.8 kg (~8.4 pounds) is not light. Furthermore, the model measures 41 x 27 cm (~16.1 x 10.6 inches) and requires a slightly bigger notebook bag than one is used to.
The well-known case of the Dell Precision M6800 …
… in its 4th generation.
Connectivity
The ports placed on the sides and on the back of our test model are identical to those on the Dell Precision M4800. In fact, it seems that even the positioning has been kept the same. We are provided with 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0/ eSATA, HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, card reader and Gigabit-LAN. The Dell Precision M6700 has a FireWire 800 interface, but this is not to be found on our model. Unfortunately, despite the reduction in connectivity, the manufacturer has not optimally utilized the (now larger) space available for ports on the left side. For example, the USB 3.0 ports and the audio jacks are quite close together, which means the use of thick DVB-T, memory or WWAN sticks will block the neighboring ports (or they are harder to access). Additional ports can be procured using the ExpressCard 34/54 slot or via a docking station.
Front: no ports.
Left: Kensington, 2 x USB 3.0, Audio in/ out, DVD burner, Card reader, Smart Card reader, ExpressCard 34/54.
Rear: VGA, LAN, HDMI, eSATA/USB 2.0, Power outlet.
Right: WLAN switch, HDD slot, 2x USB 3.0, DisplayPort.
Communication
The Dell Precision M6800 is equipped with a Dell Wireless 1550 802.11ac module. It uses two antennas and includes Bluetooth 4.0. We did not find any issues with the connection quality. Furthermore, the antennas for a WWAN module are already included, which makes upgrading quite easy. A Crucial M4 mSATA SSD with a capacity of 64 GB was not recognized in the WWAN slot, which seems to be reserved only for mobile broadband use. A Gigabit LAN port and a 720p webcam round off the connectivity.
Security
Like in the Dell Precision M4800, the large workstation lacks a fingerprint reader. The pre-configured models available in the online shop do not offer the option of adding one. However, our test model includes a Trusted Platform module 1.2, a Smart Card Reader, various BIOS and system password options and is prepared for the Computrace service.
Accessories
Dell offers a bounty of universal accessories. There are also system-specific docking stations for sale. The Advanced E-Port II port replicator is compatible with the predecessors and costs around 280 Euros (~$376 total) in the shop. The wireless alternative is the Dell D5000 Wireless docking station, which will set the buyer back about 270 Euros (~$363). This may be cheaper, but it includes fewer options and seems only accessible with the Dell 1601 WiGig card.
Maintenance
The large maintenance flap on the bottom can be taken off by taking out the battery and removing two screws. Beneath, the user will find all the hardware components and upgrade options. An mSATA slot is unoccupied and can be used to add an mSATA SSD. A second 2.5-inch drive slot offers the user the option of adding a traditional 2.5-inch SSD or HDD. For even more storage, the user can replace the optical drive with a caddy, which will accommodate an SSD / HDD. This design offers the user a plentitude of options to choose from. Furthermore, the Precision M6800 is equipped with a quad-core CPU and has four RAM slots. Two of the slots can be found in the bottom while the other two are to be found under the keyboard. In our test model, all four slots are filled with 4 GB RAM modules. As expected, the fan is easily accessible and can be cleaned / swapped out.
Warranty
The Dell Precision M6800 includes a standard 3-year basic on-site service on the next workday. Extending the warranty or adding service packets is optional. 5 years ProSupport with on-site service on the next workday will cost the buyer 460 Euros (~$618).
Input Devices
Keyboard
The keyboard is installed securely and offers a modest stroke distance combined with a quiet impact. All keys are sufficiently large and the separate numeric pad should delight number crunchers. The model even offers keyboard lighting, which is lacking in the Precision M6700. Overall, we believe that typists will enjoy working on this keyboard.
Touchpad
The 80 x 45 mm (~3.1 x 1.8 inches) touchpad has very good base properties, but is a bit small for multi-touch gestures. We like the separate touchpad keys, which can be individually configured and the precise TrackPoint.
Keyboard
Touchpad and TrackPoint
Display
Dell Precision M6800 with a matte Full HD display.
Dell offers three different displays for the Precision M6800 workstation. The entry-level model uses a matte HD+ panel with a resolution of 1600×900 pixels. The optional matte Full HD display (1920×1080 pixels) offers a bigger work area with good viewing angles but it also costs more (used in our test model). For users, who enjoy interacting with their laptop with their fingers, the third option, the reflective Full HD display with multi-touch support, is surely the way to go. Up to 10 fingers are simultaneously recognized by the panel and this proves especially useful for Windows 8 users. A display with extremely high resolutions, like a QHD+ panel, is not available for the 17-inch workstation and neither is one with stronger colors like an RGB LED panel.
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