Dell is really performing well when its about laptops and Dell worstation laptop are really the beast as they performs solidly and push the limits so Dell Precision M4600 is also an Workstation laptop.Mostly engineers used these kind of workstation laptops to do complex works as creating sketch of building in 3D or 4D.
using entry-level 2D CAD, right up to high-end simulation software. But workstation-class performance and reliability doesn’t end on the desktop. Ten years after launching the first mobile workstation, Dell is pitching the Precision M4600 (33-37x376x256mm, 2.79kg) as the world’s most powerful 15.6-inch mobile orkstation. Offering the latest multi-core Intel mobile processors, capacity for up to 32GB memory and supporting up to five external displays, there’s no denying its capabilities.But it’s the machine’s considerate industrial design which also deserves to share the limelight. The Precision M4600 sports a
professional redesign with a rigid and durable aluminium and magnesium alloy chassis that’s MIL-STD 810G tested for extreme temperatures, vibration, dust, altitude and shock. The optional 4-finger multi-touch display can be utilised for drawing, writing, editing and zooming onscreen with fingers or stylus and touch-enabled engineering software applications,It is loaded with high-end components and it performed accordingly. No
disappointments there, really. What we were less than thrilled with were either matters of personal preference or things that might have more to do with the quality of our particular laptop than the M4600 on the whole.Also, while we expect mobile workstations to be expensive, the M4600 seems a bit pricier than
similarly configured competing systems.Dell has created another highlight when in comes to the connectivity. In this case almost everything that could be required is available: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, eSATA and FireWire (IEEE 1394, 4-pole without power supply) cover the usual PC spectrum completely. Merely FireWire 800 and Thunderbolt could be added for the sake of completeness, both are so far meaningless for Windows notebooks though, and therefore also not available from competitors either. For additional interfaces or peripheral devices there is also an ExpressCard/54 slot available, which is above all else practical for extensions that aren't always required.Always on board are three possibilities for connecting external monitors: An analog VGA connector, which is primarily found on older displays, as well as two digital alternatives in the form of HDMI and DisplayPort.Otherwise there is also a smart card reader, an SD card reader, a 2.1 MP webcam, Gigabit LAN, and of course also a Kensington Lock socket. Our optical drive is
made by Matshita, and can read and write the usual disc formats as well as Blu-ray discs. We also like the separate provision of audio ports, which makes the use of headsets.External temperatures are usually a concern with mobile workstations that have high-end processors and graphics, but the exterior of the M4600 was never an issue as long as the massive air intakes on the bottom of the notebook weren't blocked. The
cooling fans do and excellent job pulling in cool air and pushing hot air out the back of the notebook.Unfortunately, the fans are almost always running even while the notebook is idle and the fan
noise picks up considerably when the processor and graphics are being stressed with complex 3D rendering.
Under a medium load the system noise reached a moderate 36.6 dB, and under a full load at length an annoying 48.2 dB. What we especially liked is that the cooling operation is immediately reduced following the end of the utilization period, and then quickly fades away again. Unpleasant cooling system noise or a
hectic back and forth of cooling system noise levels are not an issue with the Precision M4600.1920x1080 pixels with a diagonal length of 15.6" provide for a lot of room on the desktop, and are enough to keep several program windows open at the same time without them overlapping. This is very comfortable and saves some of the links in the toolbar. Those that find the pixel density of 141 dpi too fine can adjust the resolution to their preference, thus easing the potential strain on the eyes. Those that generally want to reduce
the resolution, will be a bit disappointed. The possible resolutions below Full HD are 1280x1024 pixels and lower, and those in between, such as 1600x900 or 1366x768, aren't supported by the display.
Dell generally provides three different batteries for the Precision M4600. The online shop currently only allows the workstation to be equipped with the small 60 Wh battery though. Our reviewed device used the 97 Wh battery (143 Euros, 451-11742), and a further 87 Wh battery (132 Euros, 451-11744) is
currently only available as an accessory or from other online retailers in preconfigured models.The measured power consumption with the power connected spans from a minimum of 12.3 Watts to 104 Watts with a medium load, up to a maximum of 156.7 Watts with a full load. This power can be provided by the 180 Watt AC adapter at all times. Throttling due to a too low rated AC adapter.The battery life is fortunately very good during use with moderate power consumption when carrying out tasks with a low load thanks to the very high capacity battery. During the Battery Eater Readers Test (minimum display brightness, Dell Maximum Battery Life, all wireless modules disabled) we reached a maximum battery life of 646
minutes. With an adjusted brightness (level 7, 200 cd/m²), enabled wireless modules, and using the power saving plan, we were able to surf the web for about 418 minutes and movies lasted for just over 5 hours with the full brightness. During the Battery Eater Classic Test (maximum performance, everything enabled, maximum display brightness) the battery lasted for 73 minutes, whereby the clock speed reduction of the GPU when battery powered also played a part in achieving the relatively good battery life so yes, battery is not good as you are expecting from a 97Wh battery.
Lets do some benchMarks !
Dell is really performing well when its about laptops and Dell worstation laptop are really the beast as they performs solidly and push the limits so Dell Precision M4600 is also an Workstation laptop.Mostly engineers used these kind of workstation laptops to do complex works as creating sketch of building in 3D or 4D.
- Nice 1080p HD Display.
- Good connectivity options.
- Good Performance as a WorkStation.
- Good Mobile Workstation.
- Heavy and Expensive.
- Poor Battery Life.
