Dell Technologies has announced an innovative desktop that stores its small and powerful technology vertically inside a thin and light display stand. The new OptiPlex 7070 Ultra is attractive, space-saving, clutter-free and modular.
Dell said that the OptiPlex 7070 Ultra is a “first-of-its-kind” PC that enables the aesthetics of an all-in-one PC, but with an upgradeable, modular approach.
Dell’s modular AIO PC platform consists of several basic components: a compute module that packs CPU, memory, and storage; a display stand that can house the compute module; and a monitor with VESA 100 mounts.
Internally, the compute module can support up to a 25W Intel Core-i7 vPro mobile processors, 64GB DDR4 RAM, two 1TB SSDs and 2TB HDD. The PC also weighs just 1.4 pounds. That’s not a far cry from more traditional mini PC’s we’ve reviewed, like the HP Z2 Mini G4 Workstation or the Apple Mac mini, but the integrated design is a big step up from other “mini-in-one” systems we’ve seen, like the Lenovo ThinkCentre M710q Tiny.
Dell’s new device can also be configured for different use cases with a wide range of compatible add-ons including a height adjustable stand, a fixed stand, a VESA mount, a single monitor arm and a dual monitor arm. The stand enclosure has open slots for port accessibility and is vented to prevent excessive heat buildup.
A single cable can be used to transmit power, data, video, and audio with compatible monitors. This means the PC and display can be upgraded and serviced independently of one another. The entire compute module sits inside a housing in the monitor stand and can be removed for replacement or upgrading purposes. The OptiPlex 7070 Ultra pops in and out easily, and it includes a surprisingly robust amount of ports for such a tiny PC.
Dell also launched an OptiPlex 7071Tower for virtual reality training and enterprise uses with processors up to Intel’s new 95W, 8-core Core i9 processor.
Furthermore, every component inside the module except the CPU can be upgraded, which may not be that important for OptiPlex’s target audience that buys directly from Dell, but which provides some additional flexibility for value-added resellers. The Dell Technologies family includes Dell, Dell EMC, Pivotal, RSA, Secureworks, Virtustream and VMware.
