Dell Optiplex 9010 review

Dell tries to provide enterprise users with an all-in-one business machine in the form of the Optiplex. Can the 23in device de-throne the popular iMac range?

30 Aug 2012

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Price

£849

Not many companies have attempted to crack the all-in-one business market, but we can see why these machines could prove attractive: enough power, good screens, a smaller desktop footprint and improved efficiency thanks to a reliance on mobile components.

On the outside

Dell is the latest company to try and bring all-in-ones to the office with the Optiplex 9010. It makes a fine first impression with design which is a far cry from Lenovo's dour rivals: the metallic stand and black bezels make for a system which is both laid back and extremely smart. It won't challenge the iMac when it comes to style, but it's far better-looking than many of its rivals.

Build quality is superb throughout, too. The plastic coating is strong, and there's no give around any of the Dell's hinges and seams. There are little surprises when it comes to ports; the AIO packs four USB 3 ports and four USB 2 ports together with two PS/2 sockets, HDMI and D-SUB outputs.

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The screen itself isn't a touch model but, the pre-installed Windows 7 isn't optmised for swiping or prodding so it's not a big issue. Dell has included a 1,920 x 1,080, 23in panel which serves up consistently good quality. An average Delta E of 3 is excellent, with the only real deviation from this norm a slight push towards green tints on lighter areas - something which is only noticeable if you're doing precise colour work and, even then, a professional screen is a better bet.

The screen's 274cd/m2 brightness level makes for a bright panel which doesn't sear the retinas, and the contrast ratio of 1,053:1 is excellent. It's no iMac or HP Z1, then, but the Optiplex boasts an impressive screen which is up for most tasks aside from the most demanding graphical applications.