Dells Adds Ivy Bridge to a Pair of Desktops
Hot on the heels of an update to its Alienware gaming laptop line that brought Intel’s 3rd-generation Core processors to the series, Engadget noticed that Dell has added Ivy Bridge chips to its Vostro 470 mini tower and XPS 8500 desktops.
The Vostro is designed for businesses and has modest specs that are ideal for office-type applications. At the entry level, the Vostro 470 includes a 3rd-generation Intel Core i5-3450 (3.10GHz, 3,5GHz Turbo) processor, integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, 4GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, 500GB (7200RPM) HDD, 16X CD/DVD burner, and a Dell keyboard and mouse, in addition to Windows 7, Microsoft Office Starter Kit (i.e., reduced-functionality Word and Excel), fifteen months of Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security, and a one-year limited Dell Basic warranty with NBD onsite service. Of course, there are ample upgrade options, which can take the price past $800, but the above configuration is just $549.
Vostro 470 with monitor
As you might expect, the XPS 8500 has more robust features. Billed as a multimedia powerhouse, the machine starts at $749.99 and includes an Intel Core i5-3450 (3.10GHz, 3,5GHz Turbo) processor, 8GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, 1TB (7200 RPM) HDD, AMD Radeon HD 7570 graphics card, 16X CD/DVD burner, WiFi and Bluetooth, Dell keyboard and mouse, premium Dell warranty, Microsoft Office Starter, and a year of DataSafe 2.0 Online Backup (2GB).
XPS 8500
However, the XPS 8500 also boasts higher-end options such as a 24-inch multitouch monitor with integrated webcam, Bose speakers, Intel Core i7-3770 processor (up to 3.90 GHz turbo), 12GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, 2TB (7200RPM) HDD with a 32GB SSD, and loads of software options. A top-end XPS 8500 will run you upwards of $1300.
The Vostro is designed for businesses and has modest specs that are ideal for office-type applications. At the entry level, the Vostro 470 includes a 3rd-generation Intel Core i5-3450 (3.10GHz, 3,5GHz Turbo) processor, integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, 4GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, 500GB (7200RPM) HDD, 16X CD/DVD burner, and a Dell keyboard and mouse, in addition to Windows 7, Microsoft Office Starter Kit (i.e., reduced-functionality Word and Excel), fifteen months of Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security, and a one-year limited Dell Basic warranty with NBD onsite service. Of course, there are ample upgrade options, which can take the price past $800, but the above configuration is just $549.
Vostro 470 with monitor
As you might expect, the XPS 8500 has more robust features. Billed as a multimedia powerhouse, the machine starts at $749.99 and includes an Intel Core i5-3450 (3.10GHz, 3,5GHz Turbo) processor, 8GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, 1TB (7200 RPM) HDD, AMD Radeon HD 7570 graphics card, 16X CD/DVD burner, WiFi and Bluetooth, Dell keyboard and mouse, premium Dell warranty, Microsoft Office Starter, and a year of DataSafe 2.0 Online Backup (2GB).
XPS 8500
However, the XPS 8500 also boasts higher-end options such as a 24-inch multitouch monitor with integrated webcam, Bose speakers, Intel Core i7-3770 processor (up to 3.90 GHz turbo), 12GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, 2TB (7200RPM) HDD with a 32GB SSD, and loads of software options. A top-end XPS 8500 will run you upwards of $1300.
