Dell trims PC ownership costs
Dell offers a new line of network ready, Pentium-based PCs intended to lower the cost of ownership for businesses.
The new OptiPlex Gs and OptiPlex GXi will replace the existing OptiPlex G and GX models. Dell is addressing the total cost of ownership in these new models by simplifying PC management.
The Optiplexes support the industry standard Desktop Management Interface (DMI) and include Dell Inspector, a Dell-developed DMI browser that enables PCs to determine and report component status. The EIDE hard drives incorporate SMART (self-monitoring analysis reporting) technology that reports potential drive problems. Universal Serial Bus support is offered in both models, which is expected to make adding external peripherals easier.
Dell is reducing the initial cost of a PC purchase by sticking to the lower-priced Pentium platform instead of the higher-end Pentium Pro. The entry level Gs comes with a 133-MHz Pentium processor, a color monitor, 16MB RAM, and a 1GB hard drive for $1,604. The similarly configured GXi model adds integrated 10/100 mbps Ethernet, video, and sound for a total price of $1,804. Processor speeds ranging up to 200 MHz are optional in both models. Both models are available immediately.
Other IS manager-friendly features include a redesigned chassis made of 100 percent recyclable material. The new chassis opens with the press of buttons on either side of the cabinet; inside is a hinged power supply and single-screw access to the motherboard.