I’ve been blogging about the Intel Cougar Point chipset issue since not long after Intel released the details with media outlets and the blogosphere. My initial post regarding Intel’s Cougar Point chipset issue appeared early last month. I added two updates to that initial post, and eventually published a second post on the topic. Throughout this process, we’ve worked to offer customers the most flexible options possible during the times where these systems were not being shipped.
One thing that seems to be getting overlooked throughout this process is the fact that Dell is shipping more new Sandy Bridge systems with updated Cougar Point chipset hardware than just about anyone else. In my February 22 post about the new XPS 15 and 17 laptops, I made the point that both of them would be shipping with updated chipset hardware. Also, early this month, we began accepting new orders for several high-end desktops including the XPS 8300, Vostro 460 and Alienware Aurora R3 systems. The Alienware M17x R3 laptop is the latest example of a system we’ve begun shipping again.
Over the next six weeks, we’ll be expanding the number of systems that offer Intel’s latest technology beginning next week. Among the systems customers can expect: new Inspiron laptop options in the near term (next week) followed by a new ultra-slim notebook that will answer a few questions plus bring performance and style together in a big way. We’ll also have a slew of Sandy Bridge options for business customers in the coming weeks as well, including several Latitude laptops, OptiPlex desktops and Precision workstation desktop and laptop options.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for a system that offers some of the best performance you can currently buy, the second-generation Sandy Bridge processors are the answer. No other company is offering as many Sandy Bridge-based system options with the updated Cougar Point chipset than we are, and we’ll be increasing those options soon.