The entire OptiPlex catalog received a past-due facelift at Dell World, with new 6th generation Intel (Skylake) processors, DDR4 memory, a simpler name scheme and a new “micro” form factor. In addition to the new size, Dell’s new OptiPlex 7040 Micro sports the Intel Unite technology.
The OptiPlex 7040 Micro with Intel Unite is the latest 7000 series “micro” PC, measuring 7.2 x 7 x 0.14 inches and offering a rich feature set that includes a 6th generation Intel Core i5 processor with Intel vPro technology, a Q170 chipset and 4 GB of DDR4 memory. A 500 GB 2.5-inch HDD is enough storage for the device’s intended use, and a wireless M.2 card provides 802.11a/b/g/ac and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity.
The device is designed to be a conference room PC and can be connected to a central display; and using Intel Unite software, it can connect multiple PCs wirelessly with a secure password. Everyone connected to the device can see the main screen, but if the additional users have anything to contribute, they can share their screen with the group.
Up to four different screens can be on the big display at the same time, and each user can decide which screens are visible on their individual devices. A pen tool can be used on attached touchscreen devices to draw on shared screens to collaborate on ideas. Attached users can also become the primary display at any time.
If it works as advertised, Intel Unite seems to be a great communication and collaboration tool, and pairing it with a powerful micro tower from Dell makes for an ideal conference room presentation device. In addition to the Intel Unite technology, the OptiPlex 7040 Micro optionally features a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and Dell’s proprietary security and management software suites.
Dell World is coming to a close, and although there weren’t many new products revealed, this particular offering seems to corner a specific market with its set-in-stone hardware configuration and small form factor.
