Not to be outdone by HP and Apple, Dell is also looking to push the computing envelope with its HP Sprout-like “Smart Desk” concept, along with a 5K monitor that will officially be up for pre-orders starting November 13.
The Dell Smart Desk prototype, which the company showcased at Dell World in Austin, looks an awful lot like an unfinished, pre-release version of the HP Sprout. Two touch-enabled screens combine to create a revolutionary work environment that’s aimed at architects, graphic artists, and other creative types.
However, unlike the Sprout, Dell’s Smart Desk concept is exactly that, a concept with an uncertain future. Also, it’s worth noting that Dell didn’t say whether the Smart Desk features a scanner, or cameras, while the Sprout has both. The cameras allow Sprout users to see what each team or project member is doing in real time, giving it considerable strength in the collaboration department.
The Dell Smart Desk can be paired with at least a couple of accessories. They include a pen, and a ring-like item that can be used to manipulate virtual compasses, and other widgets on the horizontal work surface. The uses for the latter add-on could vary widely from one app to the next.
We can’t help but appreciate the effort and money that Dell is investing in developing this state-of-the-art project. Unfortunately, Dell isn’t prepared to share any specifics regarding pricing and availability of this futuristic hybrid.
Hopefully, that doesn’t mean it’s vaporware material. If it does ever see the light of day, it could be well suited to compete with HP’s groundbreaking Sprout.
As for the 5K monitor, it’s dubbed the UltraSharp 27. It’s the world’s first standalone consumer display to boast a resolution of 5,120 x 2,880. However, Apple beat Dell to the 5K punch overall with the iMac with Retina Display, which we recently reviewed.
Anyway, that’s seven times the resolution of 1080p. It boasts over 14 million (yes, million) pixels in total.
Aided by a technology called PremierColor, it could possibly yield the most accurate and consistent colors you’ve ever laid your eyes on.
Dell claims the powerhouse monitor is calibrated to support 99 percent AdobeRGB, and 100 percent of sRGB coverage. We suspect that this is (probably) not just marketing puffery, and something you’ll perceive with the naked eye.
The UltraSharp 27 sports a height-adjustable stand, and the display can be spun around to live life vertically. The IPS screen protects against glare, and is jam-packed with ports, including six USB 3.0 connectors, and a media card reader to go along with two DisplayPort, and one Mini DisplayPort.
Last but not least, it could knock your socks off with powerful and crisp sound as well, thanks to a couple of Harman Kardon speakers that are capable of delivering 16 watts of power.
As you can imagine, none of this will come cheap. Dell is charging $2,500. Shipping begins December 18.
Strangely enough, Dell has a page up for the monitor now, and we were able to add it to a virtual cart. We haven’t tried ordering it though, but if you do, let us know what happens!
