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Dell announces Precision M4500; time for Precision M4500 vs Elitebook 8540w!
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by Brad S | Mar 9, 2010

Dell Precision M4500; announced today

Guess what? Dell just announced their new Precision M4500 “mobile workstation”. This latest offering from Dell will come with Core i5 and Core i7 options (all the way till i7 Extreme 920XM), 4 DDR3 RAM slots for up to 16 GB of memory, a full HD 1920 x 1080 sRGB LED-backlit display with a familiar 16:9 aspect ratio, choice of Nvidia Quadro FX880M or FX1800M graphics, 3 megapixel webcam, backlit keyboard (minus numeric keypad, me thinks), Precision On instant-boot and a hard disk bay with support for an optional, additional mini card for SSD only (without sacrificing the optical drive). In terms of port selection, there’s 4 USB ports (one of which is combined with eSATA), mini Display Port, VGA port, dedicated headphone and microphone jacks, FireWire and the usual affair.

In case you haven’t gotten the point yet, this is a direct competitor to HP’s Elitebook 8540w Mobile Workstation!!! In some ways, the Precision M4500 can be considered ‘superior’ to its HP counterpart (yes, I make it a point to provide unbiased news coverage here, and will point out flaws that exist instead of the “fanboy mode” other sites go into when they try to hide the negative aspects of their favorite brand/product). Quad core 2.0 GHz Core i7 Extreme (8540w maxes out with quad core 1.73 GHz Core i7 at the moment), 3 megapixel webcam and ability to add on an SSD in additional to your main hard disk, without sacrificing the optical drive, are three plus points the Dell has over HP’s 15 inch Elitebook.

But guess what else? I STILL want the Elitebook 8540w, and so do a lot of other people. In my opinion, the HP Elitebook 8540w is an overall more versatile notebook and here’s why…

Unless you really need the extra 0.27 GHz per core and 0.17 GHz when both are Turbo Boosted, the Elitebook 8540w’s 1.73 GHz Core i7 processor should be more than enough for most users. If you need the extra power, however, the Dell Precision M4500 might be for you with its 2.0 GHz Core i7 processor. But would it be worth sacrifici’ng all the other plus points of the Elitebook 8540w (listed below) just for that extra few megahertz? Food for thought. But until HP makes the 920XM available in their Elitebook models, the model with more processing power is obvious here. Winner: Precision
If you’re shopping for a mobile workstation, I’m sure the number of ‘megapixels’ that its webcam has would be one of the bottom few, if not at the very bottom, of the “things that will influence my decision” list. I don’t know about you, but the 2 MP webcam of the Elitebook 8540w is more than enough for me and my web conversations/business card scanning, thanks. Winner: Precision
For the record, you can add on a secondary HDD or SSD to all HP Elitebooks if you’re willing to sacrifice the optical drive. That goes the same for the Elitebook 8540w. The Dell Precision M4500 allows you to add on an SSD without removing the optical drive (but SSD only). Winner: Precision
In terms of visual aesthetics, I think it’s a tie here – some may prefer the Precision for it’s Thinkpad-esque look, some may like the Elitebook better for its cleaner, modern design (and non-ugly lid, IMO). The Precision does have a slightly slimmer profile here. Winner: Precision
The Dell Precision M4500 has a backlit keyboard, which many would consider the ‘inferior’ solution to illuminating the keyboard versus a dedicated keyboard light or two above the screen (I’m sure both Elitebook and Thinkpad owners would agree here). While a backlit keyboard undeniably does its job to light up the keyboard, an external keyboard light (like the ones on Elitebooks and some business Thinkpads) is far more versatile – you can illuminate documents, paperwork, even things around your notebook, in the dark; in addition to illuminating just your keyboard. Winner: Elitebook
While the Dell Precision M4500 seems to have a centralized “standard” notebook keyboard from press shots, the Elitebook 8540w makes full use of all that real-estate on its lower deck with a full-size keyboard with numeric pad. If you like number crunching or a nice, spread out alternative to usually-cramped arrow keys, you’ll be especially attracted to the Elitebook 8540w. Even if you’re not some part-accountant, part-CAD designer or mad number puncher, at least you know you’ll have the number pad at your disposal anytime (or maybe even learn to appreciate its usefulness!). Winner: Elitebook
More ports on the HP Elitebook 8540w: HP’s solution has a total of a whopping five USB ports (that’s even more ports than the upcoming Elitebook 8740w!), two of which are USB 3.0 and the other three being USB 2.0. The Elitebook 8540w also has a dedicated eSata port. Now THAT is a true Mobile Workstation! The Dell Precision M4500, on the other hand, has just three USB ports, plus an additional USB + eSata combo port. Dell has mentioned nothing thus far about USB 3.0 (and manufacturers usually like to boast about ‘new’ features), so we can safely assume the Precision M4500 has only USB 2.0 ports. Double win for the Elitebook 8540w here: Availability USB 3.0 ports and ability to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously (5 USB and 1 eSata) versus 4 devices for the Dell. Winner: Elitebook
DreamColor 2 color precise RGB LED backlit display is coming to the Elitebook 8540w, ensuring color accurate results and amazing 10-bit color depth (that’s about one billion colors to you!) and more. The DreamColor 2 option isn’t available yet, but rumors say it won’t be soon before long. Well, that beats the Dell Precision M4500′s more conventional sRGB LED backlit display. The DreamColor 2 option may not be available yet, but at least the Elitebook 8540w notebook itself has been available for purchase for more than a month now. On the other hand, the Precision M4500 itself won’t even be appearing for sale for another few weeks. Winner: Elitebook
The ATI FirePro M5800 workstation-class graphics card will also be making its way into the Elitebook 8540w in the near future. This DX11-supporting card will probably be based off the high-end Mobility Radeon 5850 card, but even if it isn’t, at least we know it’s gonna be just as good, and very likely more affordable, than its Nvidia counterparts. With the HP Elitebook 8540w and Dell Precision M4500 having the same Nvidia graphics card options, the ATI option on the Elitebook gives future buyers an alternative route when configuring their notebook. Winner: Elitebook
Availability, options and price. Despite currently lacking the above-mentioned DreamColor 2 and ATI FirePro options during the order process, the Elitebook 8540w is available NOW with all other options, while the Dell Precision M4500 won’t be out for sale for another few weeks. HP also makes a more affordable, silver colored version of the Elitebook 8540w called the Elitebook 8540p with Nvidia Quadro NVS graphics (opposed to Quadro FX on the more expensive w-series). So if you want it now and want it bad, you can have an Elitebook now. If you’re strapped for cash and still want a 15.6 inch mobile workstation for whatever your reason, the slightly less pricey (but still over $1000) Elitebook 8540p is also available as an option. Winner: Elitebook

So yes, the HP Elitebook 8540w is overall a more versatile notebook for the reasons above. And that is why I’m closely eying it as my next notebook… Hope you enjoyed the little comparison I made here today, and perhaps you can now make a more informed decision when you shop for a mobile workstation this spring/summer!

Update (thanks, Frank!): I noticed claims that the Precision M4500 can last for just under 8 hours with a 9 cell battery (this is a figure people quote from Dell, so it was probably tested under light load to maximize battery life). While I don’t dispute this claim, and the Elitebook 8540w can do almost 7 hours in ‘typing and surfing’ mode with its 8 cell battery, I think it’s important to point out that the Precision M4500 may be using a 6 cell battery in press photos. I have a friend who has a Dell Precision M4400 (last-gen’s 15 inch mobile workstation from Dell), who says that the ‘flush-fitting’ battery of the M4x00 series, and also shared by a few Latitude notebooks, is a 6 cell battery. He also has a 9 cell battery for his notebook and it sticks out the back of his notebook slightly – same case might apply to the new M4500 launched today (and it’s probably true, because no way a 9 cell battery can be so “short” in length, unless it’s really deep and they’ve changed the battery type from last generation which they have probably not). So if you don’t like protrusions, the Dell Precision M4500′s 9 cell battery will stick out slightly from the notebook, while the 6 cell battery won’t (though you’ll have to sacrifice some power). The HP Elitebook 8540w, however, has a flush-fitting 8 cell battery. More food for thought, eh?

8 Comments

By wibbler, March 9, 2010 @ 11:47 pm

Nice fanboy response. They both look like great machines. On the one hand you down play the more powerful processor option on the m4500 (who needs the extra GHZ eh) but then make a big deal about the extra power potentially available in an ATI workstation card that isn’t available yet and may well be offered in both the 8540w and m4500. As for the keyboard, well a backlit keyboard is a better solution that a sill night light any day of the week in my opinion.
By Domiel, March 10, 2010 @ 12:19 am

Brad,

Whilst I certainly am looking to an Elitebook as I’ve never been fussed on anything Dell have churned out I do want to disagree with a couple of your points.

Your comments re: availability only apply if you live in the US. In many other parts of the word the full range of new elitebooks is still unavailable.

As for the keyboard I personally think that the numberic keypad is in no way a plus on a notebook it not only make typing less confortable it actually has a significant negative impact on your posture. If I wanted a full keyboard I’d use a desktop PC.

Just my $0.02 worth.
By Chema, March 10, 2010 @ 4:39 am

Hi Brad,

You said:
«More ports on the HP Elitebook 8540w: HP’s solution has a total of a whopping five USB ports (that’s even more ports than the upcoming Elitebook 8740w!)»
Are you sure of this? Does it make sense this statement since the EliteBook 8740w will be the flagship notebook of this corporation (HP)? How can the 8540w have more ports than its big brother? If so, it’s sad to read this, I was expecting at least 5 ports (if not more) in the 8740w.
By Brad, March 10, 2010 @ 7:18 am

@Wibbler I’m sorry that my comparison comes off as ‘fanboy-ish” – since I do try to be as objective and balanced as possible when writing such comparisons. The points I made above are supported with fairly concrete reasoning. I would think, yes, the more “powerful” processor (by 0.27 MHz difference per core; or by 0.14 MHz when both are TurboBoost-ed) is of less importance in -this situation- versus the ATI graphics card. Because if HP wanted to use the Core i7 920XM in the future, all they need to do is plop the thing into the same socket, shared by the other i7′s. Heck, “someone” already did it for several pre-production 8440w units before launch; just that for some mysterious reason, HP’s holding back the 920XM as an option in the Elitebooks (this, I’m not sure why). I did, however, admit to the Precision’s superiority in the processor department (for now), I merely questioned if that extra few megahertz was worth the sacrifice in other areas. The ATI card, however, offers something more than that – DirectX11, Eyefinity support (potentially; if you can find splitter cables for DisplayPort), lower power consumption than Nvidia counterparts… plus it ain’t as easy as dropping in a new processor, because the ATI design requires different board designs vs the Nvidia cards.

I don’t disagree with your point that a backlit keyboard is better, because it’s a subjective thing. In theory and practice, however, an external light is really more useful as it can help illuminate other stuff (like documents when you’re in a plane) without needing you to put on a white screen, tilt the screen downwards and crank display brightness till the max.

@Domiel Yes, there was some uncertainty why the Elitebooks lack availability in some countries but international speculation has come up with two main points: 1) priority availability and delivery to large enterprise orders first (confirmed in some places) and 2) holding back for one big fat launch party with the 8740w (which rumors point to announcement later this week)… so you just have wait a wee bit longer till the models are available, I hope.
Again, I don’t disagree here because it’s kinda subjective. For some, an extra-large keyboard on their notebook is useful for inputting numbers, using as a large navigation pad (since pg down, up, home end, and all four direction keys are available) or assigning more keyboard shortcuts in some programs and games. Some just wish that manufacturers would offer a ‘keyboard only’ (no number pad) replacement part instead!

@Chema Yup, that’s right. It surprised me too, but a very reliable source has mentioned the 8740w will share almost the same chassis as the 8730w (minus change from HDMI to mini DP) and have just 4 USB ports and 1 dedicated eSata like the 8730w. However, USB 3.0 will be making its way to the 8740w (2 or 3 ports will be 3.0). Reason is the 8540w has two ports which are stacked above each other (hence one may be unusable if the other has a large USB device plugged in), while the 8740w has all spread-out ports. I agree with you that this is very weird (and mad!) the flagship model has one less port than its smaller sibling, but that’s the direction they seem to be rolling at the moment. I can only speculate that HP thinks and/or wants users to use a docking station for the 8740w seeing that it’s a fairly notebook to carry around all the time (facepalm)
By Aussie Cadman, April 23, 2010 @ 10:57 pm

Thanks for all your views and research.

I’ve spent the last couple of days deciding which of these two laptops to buy for AutoCAD 3d work (finally laptops that can do the job) and thought I’d put in my thoughts and spec’s I have found out that I think are wrongly listed above.

M4500 has only 2 banks of ram so currently 8GB max vs. 8540w 4 banks (16GB). This being the main item that has made me go with the HP 8540w. When these machines are getting outdated 4GB ram will be cheap and the extra 8GB in the HP will be gold and give an extra year or 2 of use.

Both have same options for Nvidia FX880M & FX1800M video cards.

I haven’t worked on the HP’s keyboard yet but as much as I will like the numberpad and also not having to hold shift down to access the plus + key (this really gets to me) the off-central keyboard will most likely annoy most users although whilst using AutoCAD I only type with one hand and contol the mouse with the other so not a problem for me. 8540w keyboard is also spill resistant with drain whereas the M4500 isn’t, not a big deal-breaker but could save me $4K if used once!

As mentioned above, although you can’t purchase the HP with the i7-920 processor (very strange)it is a simple task to change. This does leave you with the need to offload or re-use the cheaper i5-520 you bought the laptop with…maybe supe up the netbook. For my uses the 820QM will be suffiecient.

The pro-dock for the 8540w (and other simular HP’s) is far better than anything Dell has to offer. The HP’s dock has space for an internal SATA which I plan to put a 500GB HD in so I can easily transfer files to and from the SSD in the laptop so I needn’t clog it up with files I don’t use often but can’t delete. It also has more and petter ports for the many plotters/printers/scanners/multiple monitors/etc/etc that a need in the office.

Both these companies international efforts here are very poor. Almost to the point of needing to get on a plane from Australia and fly to the USA. Luckily I have a family member which travel to and also live in the US. Neither website list anything about shipping abroard but I am pretty sure if spoken to they would direct me to deal with their local money grabbing francises.
Dell here has only the watered down versions of their M4500 (i7-920 processor not available). And both HP & Dell’s pricing is about 30-40% more here. Luckily I can go to the US websites and configure exactly what I want, print to pdf and email it to the Dell & HP sales rep’s here and ask WTF? HP’s website in Australia only gives some lower end configurations of the 8540w and doesn’t allow you pick and choose where you would like your hard-earned cash to go, in addition to this we have no direct sales from HP and get advised on their website of local resellers whom once again can’t configure the machine to how I want, have no knowledge about it, nor have anychance of selling it.

To end on a good note, regardless of which of these you buy, compared to any laptop you have had in the past I’m sure you will be delighted with it’s performance. I believe this will be the start of the end for most users having a desktop and a laptop, instead having a desk-dock, 24″ Ultrasharp Dell monitor, fullsize keyboard and mouse already wired up and ready to go, that’ll be me soon anyhow . Increase sales in high-end laptops will ensuring they decrease in price making them more accessable to the average user which will make for happy people….in the USA at least.
By Moataz M. Kara, May 6, 2010 @ 4:18 pm

I strongly believe that both HP and Dell keep manufacturing imperfect laptops and Notebooks.
There is no question about it that Dell Precision M4500 offers more Innovative Options with less weight comparing it with the HP Elitebook 8540w Mobile Workstation. I think Dell Precision M4500 would have been a perfect one if Dell have added 2 USB ports version 3.0 to it, “don’t be stubborn……The future of USB 3.0 is coming”. Sometime last month I was determined to buy an HP ENVY 15 till I found out as I was customizing it that HP screwed up this nice machine by having the optional optical drive to be external. You remember the 7UP advertizing for caffeine “Never had it Never will” , I suggest that both HP and Dell advertize their computer perfection “Never perfect Never will” or they give the customers what they need and stop making us beg for it.
By Bo, June 16, 2010 @ 8:58 pm

We just got one M4500 in and it seems like a much more solid computer than the old M4400. Better looking too imho.

Was researching the battery options if they had the same physical formfactor, but apparently they don’t. Makes me think if it will fit with the docking station, but I guess it has to. The price between 6-cell and 9-cell is nominal.
By brian, August 5, 2010 @ 1:41 pm

I am using a Precision M4500, it is regarded as a “most powerfull” laptop so far, but what i wondering is, It will cost me more than 6 seconds to open even a empty word document. any one who has encountered the same problem?