The Future of Workstations: HP ZBook 17 G2 vs Dell Precision M6800 – A Comprehensive Comparison

Choosing the right workstation can be a daunting task, especially when faced with heavy-duty demands like 3D rendering, video editing, or complex engineering simulations. Two contenders often top the list: the HP ZBook 17 G2 and the Dell Precision M6800. Both boast impressive specifications and feature sets, but which one truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison delves into their key differences, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Performance: Powering Through Demanding Workloads

Both the HP ZBook 17 G2 and Dell Precision M6800 are equipped with powerful processors, ample RAM, and dedicated graphics cards, making them capable of handling demanding workloads. The HP ZBook 17 G2 offers a range of Intel Xeon E3 and Core i7 processors, paired with up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM and NVIDIA Quadro K4100M or K5100M graphics cards. The Dell Precision M6800, on the other hand, comes with Intel Xeon E3 and Core i7 processors, up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM, and NVIDIA Quadro K3100M, K4100M, or K5100M graphics cards.
While both offer similar processor and RAM options, the Dell Precision M6800’s graphics card choices provide a slight edge in certain scenarios. The availability of the Quadro K3100M, a more budget-friendly option, makes it a compelling choice for users who prioritize affordability without sacrificing performance. However, the HP ZBook 17 G2’s NVIDIA Quadro K5100M, with its higher memory capacity and processing power, offers a significant advantage for demanding tasks like 3D modeling and video editing.

Display: A Visual Feast for Your Work

Visual fidelity is crucial for professionals who rely on accurate color representation and high-resolution displays. The HP ZBook 17 G2 features a 17.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with optional touch screen capabilities. The Dell Precision M6800 also boasts a 17.3-inch Full HD display with optional touch screen and a higher-resolution 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) option.
The Dell Precision M6800’s 4K UHD display provides a stunning visual experience, offering exceptional clarity and detail for image editing, video production, and other visually demanding tasks. However, the HP ZBook 17 G2’s optional touch screen functionality offers a more interactive and intuitive workflow, particularly for creative professionals who prefer hands-on control.

Design and Portability: Strike a Balance Between Strength and Mobility

Both workstations prioritize durability and portability, but their design choices reflect different priorities. The HP ZBook 17 G2 boasts a ruggedized chassis and a lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for professionals who need a workstation that can withstand the rigors of travel. The Dell Precision M6800, on the other hand, features a more traditional, robust design with a slightly heavier build.
While the Dell Precision M6800 might not be as light as the HP ZBook 17 G2, its sturdy construction provides peace of mind for users who prioritize durability and long-term reliability. Ultimately, the ideal design choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Connectivity and Features: Staying Connected and Productive

Both workstations offer extensive connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration with external devices and peripherals. The HP ZBook 17 G2 features multiple USB ports, including USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt, as well as an SD card reader, HDMI, and DisplayPort. The Dell Precision M6800 also offers similar connectivity options, including USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, SD card reader, HDMI, and DisplayPort.
Beyond connectivity, both workstations offer a range of features designed to enhance productivity and security. The HP ZBook 17 G2 includes a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and a Kensington lock slot, ensuring data security and device protection. The Dell Precision M6800 also features a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and a Kensington lock slot, offering a similar level of security and peace of mind.

Battery Life: Powering Through the Day

While both workstations are designed for demanding workloads, battery life can be a concern for mobile professionals. The HP ZBook 17 G2 boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to eight hours on a single charge. The Dell Precision M6800, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter battery life, lasting up to six hours on a single charge.
The HP ZBook 17 G2’s longer battery life provides a significant advantage for users who frequently work on the go. However, both workstations offer sufficient battery life for most everyday tasks, and the Dell Precision M6800’s shorter battery life should not be a major concern for users who primarily work in a stationary environment.

Price: Finding the Right Value for Your Budget

Price is a crucial factor for any workstation purchase, and both the HP ZBook 17 G2 and Dell Precision M6800 offer a range of configurations to fit different budgets. The HP ZBook 17 G2 starts at a slightly lower price point than the Dell Precision M6800, making it a more budget-friendly option for users with limited spending power.
However, the Dell Precision M6800’s higher-end configurations, with their powerful processors, advanced graphics cards, and 4K UHD displays, can significantly increase the price tag. Ultimately, the best value for your budget depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Beyond the Specs: Choosing the Right Workstation

The decision between the HP ZBook 17 G2 and Dell Precision M6800 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and priorities. The HP ZBook 17 G2 excels in portability, battery life, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for mobile professionals who prioritize a balance of performance and mobility. The Dell Precision M6800, on the other hand, offers a powerful performance edge with its higher-end graphics card options and stunning 4K UHD display, making it ideal for users who demand the highest level of visual fidelity and processing power.
Consider your workflow, budget, and specific needs when making your decision. If you prioritize portability, battery life, and affordability, the HP ZBook 17 G2 might be the better choice. If you require cutting-edge graphics performance, a high-resolution display, and a robust build, the Dell Precision M6800 might be the ideal workstation for your needs.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which workstation is better for 3D rendering?
A: The Dell Precision M6800 might be a better choice for 3D rendering due to its availability of higher-end graphics cards like the Quadro K5100M, which offers more memory and processing power for demanding rendering tasks.
Q: Which workstation is more portable?
A: The HP ZBook 17 G2 is more portable thanks to its lighter weight and more compact design.
Q: Which workstation has a better display?
A: The Dell Precision M6800 offers a higher-resolution 4K UHD display option, providing exceptional clarity and detail for visual tasks. However, the HP ZBook 17 G2’s optional touch screen functionality can enhance workflow for creative professionals.
Q: Which workstation is more affordable?
A: The HP ZBook 17 G2 generally starts at a lower price point than the Dell Precision M6800, although the price can vary depending on the chosen configuration.
Q: Which workstation is better for video editing?
A: Both workstations are capable of handling demanding video editing tasks. The Dell Precision M6800 might have a slight advantage due to its higher-end graphics card options, but the HP ZBook 17 G2’s optional touch screen functionality could enhance the editing workflow.