Dell Updates OptiPlex Business Line

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Dell Updates OptiPlex Business Line

Dell has upgraded its OptiPlex line of business desktops with smaller systems for space-constrained organizations.

The computer maker's new OptiPlex 780 replaces the 760 and adds a mini-desktop that's 22% smaller than the smallest desktop in the previous series. The new system includes an integrated power supply, rather than an external one common with other mini-desktops.

In addition, Dell on Thursday upgraded the OptiPlex 360 with the 380, which comprises three models, a mini-tower, a desktop, and a mini-desktop. The latter was not available in the 360 line.

In introducing smaller desktops, Dell is targeting space-constrained organizations, such as those found in education and healthcare settings. Cash-strapped schools are packing more students in classrooms, so less room is available for computers, and hospitals are placing PCs on medical carts or under desks, so smaller is a necessity.

Such "purpose-built" computer designs have become a focus of Dell, Curtis Campbell, OptiPlex product manager, told InformationWeek. In addition, customers in general are demanding systems that reduce overall costs through power efficiency and system management tools.

"Those are critical things that customers are looking for," Campbell said.

The smallest OptiPlex 780 is 9.4 x 2.6 x 9.3 inches, weighs seven pounds, and is Dell's smallest OptiPlex product. The system is available with Intel's vPro technology for remote systems management and with Intel processor options ranging from a Celeron single-core chip to a Core 2 dual-core processor. The desktop is also available with up to a 320-GB hard drive and a 90% efficient power supply option. The 780 meets Energy Star 5.0 standards.

The mini-system has integrated video support for dual monitors and an optional graphics card to support up to four monitors. The computer ships with Windows 7 and pricing starts at $629.

With the OptiPlex 380 series, Dell is offering a range of Intel processors from a single-core Celeron to a quad-core Core 2. The systems come with Intel integrated graphics and the option of adding an ATI Radeon HD 3450 or an Nvidia GeForce 9300 GE graphics card.

The systems are available with up to a 500-GB, 7,200-RPM hard drive and eight USB 2.0 ports. The OptiPlex 380 mini-tower starts at $339, the mainstream desktop $329, and the smaller desktop $349.