Dell Precision M3800 - 2013!

Totally agree. When it comes to performance, M3800 is actually lagging behind the 1 year old rMBP. Apple is about to launch a new version which will be even more powerful, while Dell is still chasing ghosts. I generally support the craziest ideas when it comes to innovation, but when you create a dead end product, that's when I say nay.

Here are the biggest compromises, IMHO, when going slim and light by integrating everything into one platform:
1) more and more components being soldered to the motherboard, meaning that a high-risk single point of failure is created. With modular approach, if your GPU fails you replace it and keep going, but with integrated design, a single fail means a mobo replacement, which is always more expensive and time consuming, impacting productivity.
2) zero-future-proof - no way to upgrade the GPU&CPU down the road. While it may not sound too bad today, you have to take into consideration the possibility of vendors updating your pro apps to the point when you will be forced to upgrade to make use of extra features/performance boost. Think that a 2 year old tech like M4600 will still fare better in 2 years from now due to it's upgradeability potential.
3) Portability illusion - The nature of my work (IT Ops) requires me to be attached to a laptop at all times 24/7. And I do move/travel a lot during the day. During my 18 years in IT I had to carry all kinds of laptops with me on a daily basis from 12.5" to 18.4", from 1kg to 6kg. There's not much difference between 2 and 4 kg to be honest. It's mostly due to our ability to get used to changes. I used to carry a 18" alienware to work every day and it was heavy. Now I carry a 12.5" elitebook and it feels just as heavy cuz my body has adjusted and wants to get weaker. I often catch myself thinking about how heavy my bag is (I carry nothing but a laptop in it) and that it's time to move to lighter category, and then it strikes me, "wait a sec, this machine is under 2kg, am I getting that lazy???"

 

Replacing motherboard is actually more productive (cheaper) than troubleshooting error than replace specific component . I guess if everyone don't mind work at or below minimum wage then it is a different story.

 

I disagree. Used to work as a tier 3 support tech, it doesn't take more than 30min (unless you are dealing with n()()bs) to pinpoint the faulty component + up to 1 hour to replace the part. So, even if the tech is working at 50$/hr you are still way below the 500-700$ difference in cost of mobo+onboard components vs just the mobo. Only in the worst case scenario, when more than one component is getting replaced and the techs are total newbies, - then it can get ugly (and it does sometimes, but not very often).

Also, with Dell you have flexibility of getting the part shipped to you, so you can DIY at your own convenience. That's what I personally prefer hands down. I can save time as it takes me 10-15 min to replace any part on any notebook, but also time it properly, so it doesn't disrupt my productivity during the day/week. Also, if it's just the GPU, you sometimes can simply pull it out of the machine (if disabling doesn't help) and use the IGP but still have your notebook with you and maybe still do 80-90% of the tasks. So, it's not just black and white....

 

No offense, but could you please keep the discussion on-topic (Dell M3800)? I subscribed to the thread to check for news and relevant info when there's new posts, I'm not really interested in your ongoing discussion about custom laptops and whatnot. I realize this post is also not on-topic, but please.

 

^^ Point taken. Sorry.

 

Anyone know when the M3800 will be available for pre-order? I'm curious about the price. Thinking about going for a thin but powerful laptop, sell my M17x R4 and build desktop for gaming.

 

Sept 12th seems to be the date...

 

So in this image there is no dock connector:

Spoiler

But in the trailer, the laptop is docked without any wires coming out of it. Am I realistic in thinking that we'll see WiGig in this?

 

The dock is released already, so yes. You can even buy the setup for other machine.

 

Nice large vent, at least the notebook won't be starving for air.