Dell Precision Laptop Gets Core i5, USB 3.0

Dell is updating its Precision M6500 laptop systems with Intel's Core i5, USB 3.0, and a few other new options.

Dell is throwing new options into its Precision M6500 pro notebook, making it the first Dell PC to receive the new 5 Gb/s USB 3.0 ports. While the laptop already ships with Intel's quad-core i7 CPU for $2,750 (the "Value Package" starting price), the M6500 is also receiving an option for the newer dual-core i5, giving consumers a much wider choice and a lower pricetag.

Electronista points out that the laptop sports other new choices that will be available later this month. These include a 3.2-megapixel webcam and a 64 GB SSD mini card. As for the current list of options, consumers can sort through a variety of goodies such a 17-inch RGB LED display, a 160 GB 5400 rpm HDD, a 1 GB ATI FirePro M7740 GPU, up to 2 GB of DDR3 RAM, and more.

In addition to the $2,750 Value Package, Dell also offers the Precision M6500 Advanced Package starting at $2,869 (after an instant savings of $501), and the Precision M6500 Covet starting at a meatier $4,219. We're curious as to how Dell will price the rigs using the Core i5-- perhaps they'll be listed in the Precision M6500 "Economy" Package.