According to the spec sheet, the Precision workstation”s weight starts at 2.81 kg and thus hardly differs from the competitors. This can however quickly swell to over 3 kg, as in our candidate, depending on the configuration. The 9 cell batteries, for example, add a weight of about 150 g in comparison to 6 cell batteries. The magnesium alloy case is fully convincing in terms of workmanship, pressure resistance and robustness. Merely the battery has a leniency of about 0.5 to 1 mm and wobbles a bit. The display lid is an eye catcher with its very attractive metal look. We however discover the usual gray plastic inside on the work area, around the keyboard and display, which is rather intended more for functionality than chic. The dimensions are a bit greater than other 15.6 inch notebooks in width and breadth. Nevertheless, the slim-flat case of MacBooks or the Timeline range isn”t accomplished.

The connectivity is overall very good and even the port distribution is successful. Everyone will have a different opinion about the video port”s position. We would have preferred to see it on the rear, and the audio sockets would have been better placed on the front for Skype & Co. In any case, it could get tight for the crowded USB ports because they can only be used with an extension cable, depending on the device.

We are also surprised about the lack of a USB 3.0 port that should actually belong to a workstation. This missing port can easily be retrofitted via ExpressCard34 if required. Otherwise, Dell provides a good alternative with the 115 MB/s fast eSATA. Additionally, the disappearing 4 pin FireWire port (EEE 1394a) is also installed (35.5 MB/s). USB 2.0 doesn”t work quite as fast with a max of 28.1 MB/s and is thus the first choice for printers, digicams, etc. Naturally, an analog VGA out for older monitors and laptop projectors shouldn”t be left out. Nor should a digital video out, in form of a display port for best signal quality, be omitted. The VGA out still supplies a good picture at a resolution of 1280x1024. The reproduction visibly gets unfocused already at resolutions of 1680x1080. The VGA port”s design could however cause problems with the one or other thicker VGA cable because it”s submerged into the case.

Samsung”s PM800 SSD with a capacity of 256 GB doesn”t have an insignificant role in the subjective speed in routine use. Programs start evidently quicker than with standard hard disks due to the fast access rates. The sequential read and write rates scrape at the 200 MB/s mark and the transfer rates are also good with a max of 121 MB/s.

Nevertheless, technology has progressed and Samsung”s model no longer counts to the strongest drives. Especially the Sandforce SSDs” performance for money ratio appears to be unrivaled, particularly in view of the horrific price. Dell demands a surcharge of 660.00 euros (net) for the Samsung disk.

BatteryEater Reader”s Test (maximum possible battery life with minimum display brightness and disabled WLAN) results in a battery life of 330 minutes. BatteryEater”s Classic Test (minimum possible battery life with maximum display brightness and all components on) determines 93 minutes. The first result can be seen as applicable to practical use since many tasks can actually be managed.  The second result is spared due to an insufficient system load by Classic Test. Actually the battery shouldn”t last for an hour under full load. In return, WLAN surfing and watching a DVD is managed by the system under low load and can excel with an exemplary mains independency of 273, respectively 251 minutes.

Dell has set up a fundamentally sound and, in a few fields, even unique workstation with the Precision M4500. We find the perfect symbiosis of noise development and performance potential very cordial. Dell has really done an excellent job here.

While an almost silent use is possible under low load, you can nevertheless call up an extremely high system performance, in particular in multi core and CAD applications. Even the maximum possible battery life is good in relation to the configuration, especially because you can really even work in that case.

The chassis qualities, the display as well as the warranty and support options are on par with the competition and only vary marginally. The omitted USB 3.0 port, the left out number pad and the uneven display brightness are minor inconveniencies. Our Precision M4500 isn”t exactly a bargain at almost 4300.00 euros, but it has components that aren”t available in other devices.