Fresh batch of Linux-loaded workstations are now available

Thinner, lighter and more powerful — three ways to describe the latest Ubuntu powered laptops from Dell.

Everyone’s favourite Linux laptop vendor has lifted the veil on a fresh set of Linux-powered laptops.

Their all-new Dell Precision Mobile Workstation ‘developer editions’ combine the latest Intel Core and Xeon processors, memory options and discrete graphics with the steady and stable Ubuntu operating system.

“Today I’m proud to announce the new the Linux-based Dell Precision Mobile workstation line: the 3530, 5530, 7530 and the 7730. These systems, which represent the fourth generation of the Precision developer editions, come preloaded with Ubuntu and have been RHEL certified,” Dell’s Senior Architect in the office of CTO Barton George says.

Precision = Power

Dell Precision laptops are mobile workstations built to offer more power, more ports and more versatility than a standard consumer notebook. They aren’t trying to compete with slim and svelte ultrabooks (see the Dell XPS 13 for one of those).

The Dell Precision 3530 Developer Edition

First in the line-up is the 15.6-inch Dell Precision 3530 Mobile Workstation (developer edition).

This entry-level model is available to order as of today “worldwide” (though I can’t find it on the UK store at the time of writing).

Pricing starts from $943 for the base configuration which consists of:

15.6″ HD (1366×768) non-touch display

Intel i5-8400H (Quadcore @ 2.50GHz)

4GB RAM

Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630

Non-backlit keyboard

Like most Dell workstations customers can customize the Dell Precision 3530 to suit their needs, with optional 8th Gen Intel Core and next-Xeon processors available as well as bigger memory options, high-resolution screens, and discrete NVIDIA Quadro P600 professional graphics cards.

Other models are on the way

In addition to the 3530, which is available now, Dell’s Barton George adds that three additional Precision mobile workstations are “coming soon”.

The Dell Precision 5530 developer edition squeezes a 15.6-inch display into a 14-inch chassis, and offers USB Type C, Thunderbird and NVIDIA Quadro P2000 graphics. It’s available in a choice of colors, too.

The Dell Precision 7530 developer edition ups the ante further, with single cable docking, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and a choice of AMD Radeon WX or NVIDIA Quadro graphics.

A beefy 17-inch Dell Precision 7730 mobile workstation tops out the line up.

All four models ship with Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus) by default, but are “RHEL certified” for use with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.5 operating system (with updated drivers said to be on the way).

These aren’t the only Linux laptops from Dell. The computing giant unveiled the new Dell XPS 13 developer edition laptop back in January with a 30% thinner design, longer battery life and pixel-popping high-res 4K display.

If you want to know more about any of its Ubuntu laptops (or throw money at the screen to get one) head on over to the Dell website to learn more.

Visit the Dell Website