New Industrial Design Enhances Usability and Serviceability, Emphasising Dell's Lead Reduction Effort

Dubai, 8 March 2005 -- Dell today is reinventing the world's best selling corporate desktops with a new environmentally friendly industrial design that has four patents pending. The new OptiPlex GX280 Desktop (DT) and Mini-Tower (MT) deliver increased usability and serviceability and mark an important step toward the elimination of lead in desktop systems.  

The new Dell OptiPlex GX280 chassis currently eliminate the use of lead in the power supply. In compliance with several international environmental design standards, Dell also plans to meet specifications for the European Union's (EU) Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive before the July 2006 deadline. The RoHS directive requires that electronics products shipped in the EU after July 2006 not use several chemical compounds, including lead.

Based on customer feedback, the new Dell-designed OptiPlex GX280 chassis incorporate new features that improve usability including Dell DirectDetect, system health LED indicators. Located at the front of the chassis, these provide status of up to 24 different modes reducing call time for helpdesk diagnosis. 

"The new OptiPlex GX280 chassis are examples of Dell innovating for the good of customers and the environment," said Michael Collins, General Manager, Dell Middle East. "We have made it easier for customers to use and service the systems while maintaining quality and reliability and meeting our commitment to continually reduce Dell's environmental impact."   

 Starting from US$790 for the Desktop chassis (excluding tax and delivery), the new systems continue to allow tool-less access to internal components. Enhanced tool-less features include colour-coded release levers to identify, service and upgrade components like hard drives, optical drives, graphics and networking cards. The two USB 2.0 ports located on the front of the system now have easy access and spacing for side-by-side installation of devices.

 The new OptiPlex chassis designs include thermal management enhancements using Dell HyperCool technology (already used in Dell notebooks) and a variable speed fan to provide maximum computing power with minimum fan noise and reliable operation. More durable power supplies offer brown-out/blackout circuitry and line surge protection against electrical anomalies. These innovations, plus the integration of Intel Balanced Extended Technology (BTX) design specifications allow operation at lower temperatures reducing the likelihood of system failure.

DELL REDESIGNS OPTIPLEX CHASSIS TO DELIVER INCREASED USABILITY RELIABILITY 3-3-3 

Technical Specifications for the OptiPlex GX280:

 Available in either a desktop or mini-tower form factor

 Intel Pentium 4 processors from 520-570J, Celeron D from 325J-335J

 256MB-4GB of DDR2 400MHz or 533MHz SDRAM

 40-250GB 7,200 RPM SATA hard drives

 Option of Intel GMA900 graphics, ATI Radeon X300 SE PCIe 64MB and ATI Radeon X300 PCIe 128MB

For more information on the OptiPlex GX280, please visit www.euro.dell.com

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About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for  customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures.  Company revenue for the past four quarters totalled $47.3 billion.  Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customises products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals.  Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

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© Press Release 2005