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?
There’s plenty to like about Dell’s office-bound all-in-one, from its good screen and solid build quality to its powerful performance, at least when it comes to applications. It’s not cheap but, if you’re after a business all-in-one, the performance and versatility make it worthwhile – just make sure the Apple iMac isn’t a better option first.
Security conscious users are able to fit a self-encrypting disk with 320GB of space and it'll cost 22 less than the 1TB drive included with our review sample.
There are plenty of options on the service side, too. The three year basic warranty can be augmented with ProSupport and Next Business Day services for 77, and four-hour mission critical support will add 153 to the price. A five year basic warranty costs 46 extra, and a five year ProSupport and Next Business Day option puts 169 onto the price.
Three years of accidental damage protection is 60, hard disk data protection is 13, and three years of hard disk data recovery costs 47, but only if you've upgraded to a ProSupport deal. It's one of the most extensive feature ranges we've seen on a business machine, with only the likes of Lenovo able to match Dell when it comes to service options.
Overall
Dell's latest all-in-one is quick in applications well built, and includes an excellent screen. However, it doesn't represent great value. At 849 exc VAT, it's more expensive than Apple's cheapest iMac which is available for 832 exc VAT, and includes both a Core i5 processor and a discrete Radeon graphics card, alongside a screen that's smaller but offers better quality.
It depends on priorities. Those looking for a machine to do professional level graphical work will likely be better off with the iMac, but those after a more versatile office machine should look into buying the Dell.
Verdict
There’s plenty to like about Dell’s office-bound all-in-one, from its good screen and solid build quality to its powerful performance, at least when it comes to applications. It’s not cheap but, if you’re after a business all-in-one, the performance and versatility make it worthwhile – just make sure the Apple iMac isn’t a better option first.
PROCESSOR: 3GHz Intel Core i5-3550S
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RAM: 4GB DDR3
GRAPHICS: Intel HD Graphics 2500
STORAGE: 1TB Seagate Barracuda hard disk
SCREEN: 1,920 x 1,080 23in TFT
CONNECTIVITY: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n dual-band WiFi
PORTS: 8 x USB 2, HDMI, D-SUB, 2 x PS/2, 3 x audio
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
DIMENSIONS: 574 x 68 x 386mm (WxDxH)
WEIGHT: 7.6kg
WARRANTY: 3yr NBD
Mike Jennings has worked as a technology journalist for more than a decade and has been fascinated by computers since childhood, when he spent far too long building terrible websites. He loves desktop PCs, components, laptops and anything to do with the latest hardware.
Mike worked as a staff writer at PC Pro magazine in London for seven years, and during that time wrote for a variety of other tech titles, including Custom PC, Micro Mart and Computer Shopper. Since 2013, he’s been a freelance tech writer, and writes regularly for titles like Wired, TechRadar, Stuff, TechSpot, IT Pro, TrustedReviews and TechAdvisor. He still loves tech and covers everything from the latest business hardware and software to high-end gaming gear, and you’ll find him on plenty of sites writing reviews, features and guides on a vast range of topics.
You can email Mike at mike@mike-jennings.net, or find him on Twitter at @mikejjennings
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