So just completed the configuration of my new Dell M4500.
- Intel i7 Q72o @ 1.60GHz (not the fastest i7, but uses the least power)
- 8GB memory
- 60GB SSD drive
- 500GB HD
- Windows 7 Ultimate, 64 bit
The machine measures twice as fast as my old 4300 and the i7 excels at running VMWare machines. (Task Manager shows 8 CPUs: 4 hyperthreaded cores) Add the SSD for the OS, and you’re not waiting for anything. Furthermore, with a 64bit OS, I now have 4G allocated to each 32 bit VM and they run like they are native. Other nice touches are the back lit keyboard, wireless-N card and external SATA port.
My only complaint is the camera built into the screen is always pointed at you. I’d prefer it had a some sort of physical lens cap.
The WEI score is 6.5 due to I didn’t bother with the high end graphics card. Processor and SSD come in at 7.0 and 7.3. 7.9 is the highest score possible, don’t ask me why…
BTW: The upgrade to the latest BIOS from Dell seemed to solve the BSOD problem I saw a couple times. Haven’t seen it since.