New Precision replacement for M6600 to come?

[inspiron_geek]

Hi.
Just wondering if Dell has any plans to introduce a new Precision model to replace the M6600 and when.
Thanks

[slimpower]

Well they will, but I doubt they have told anyone. It would be logical for them to wait for Ivy Bridge and Windows 8 to come out first. The rest is pure speculation.

[kevmanw4301]

I would think they'll come out with one right when IVB is outm and not bother with Win8 until December.

[msjgriffiths]

The M6600 is holding up pretty well, so I wouldn't be surprised if they held off for W8 in the last half of this year - then again, I'm not sure how big a priority W8 will be to most professional users.

[kevmanw4301]

That was why I thought they wouldn't bother. I can see pros recolting at Win8.

[slimpower]

A new M6X00 version was probably planned for Q3/Q4 2012 anyway. I agree that Windows 8 does not (currently) look that PC-Laptop friendly (if you read some of the reviews) but they will have to offer it as it is the latest technology. I am sure they will do like they have in the past, and keep Windows 7 as an option.

Plus, I often read pre-release reviews about how a system is not good for this, and not good for that, only to find that it is actually pretty good when it comes out, so I do not expect it to be half as bad as some are making out.

[SMOKE_SKULL]

I recently purchased a M6400 and its an awesome machine. Too much change in the world, small performance increases and big price increases. If everyone drove a 57 Chevy it would cost next to nothing for parts or insurance. Instead I have to pay $600.00 for basic compulsory insurance because rich people drive uber expensive cars that cost a fortune to fix. THe system is not fair.

[Sphinx]

I would think more like Q2 or Q3 for a release. Ivy should be out very soon and systems should follow not long after that. But then again I can see a delay as they may want to clear stock of current models. Honestly I dont see ivy as that huge of an upgrade over the lastest sandy bridge hence my m4600 purchase. Plus I couldnt wait for a release date.

[DimaV83]

Thinking about the same question, but for 15" line - 4700? I need new laptop, but (unfortunately ) - not urgently - can easily wait 2-4 month, otherwise would order 4600 straight away.

I've checked previous history of Precision laptops releases and it was always around April. Connected to Intel's releases, I suppose. Ivy Bridge should be released soon so there are very good chances that Dell could put it in 4700/6700 at the end of Spring or beginning of Autumn. They should dealing with Intel closely on such questions and should have desing ready, waiting only for commercial availability of chips.

But this is only a theory. And some "positive thinking" in hard question of buyin laptop at the end of lifecycle of existing model and several (?) months before the release of new one.

P.S. I expect Ivy Bridge, more USB3, better build-in graphics (mainly - for longer battery run), Thunderbolt, updated dock station. Don't expect but would be VERY good - 1920x1200 (not a strange 16x9).

[msjgriffiths]

Well, Ivy Bridge will provide much faster integrated graphics. So there's some value there.

Not sure I'd expect Thunderbolt - seems like minimal advantage at this point vis a vis USB3 and FireWire.

But you're stuck with the 16:9 screen for good, I'm afraid. Even Apple will switch, probably pretty soon.