In a move that has surprised many in the PC industry, Dell has launched its latest high-end AI workstation — the Dell Pro Max 16 Plus — with Linux first, leaving the Windows 11 version scheduled for a much later release in early 2026. The decision marks one of the strongest endorsements of Linux by a major OEM in recent years, especially for enterprise-grade AI workloads.
Also Read: Dell Unveils New Premium Laptops with RTX GPUs
Linux Takes the Lead
Dell has maintained a long-standing relationship with Linux, particularly Ubuntu, across its developer and workstation lineup. Many of its machines ship with drivers that function flawlessly out of the box — including audio, networking, Thunderbolt, and even fingerprint sensors.
The company’s latest workstation reinforces that commitment. According to early reports, the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS version of the Pro Max 16 Plus is already validated and available for purchase, while the Windows edition is still under development and slated for 2026.
A New Class of AI Workstation
The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus is being introduced as the first mobile workstation equipped with an enterprise-level discrete NPU: the Qualcomm AI 100 PC Inference Card. This specialized AI hardware includes dual NPUs and 64GB of dedicated AI memory, enabling on-device inferencing without depending on the cloud.
Dell says the machine is designed for professionals operating in highly regulated, air-gapped, or remote environments where cloud access is limited or prohibited. The system’s architecture prioritizes privacy, security, and ultra-low latency AI workloads.
High-End Performance Hardware
Beyond the discrete NPU, the workstation packs top-tier performance components:
- CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX
- Memory: Up to 256GB CAMM2 at 7200MT/s
- Graphics: Up to NVIDIA RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell with 24GB VRAM
- Storage: Up to 12TB with optional RAID
- Display: Up to 16-inch UHD+ OLED, 120Hz, touch
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, eSIM via Snapdragon X72
- Ports: USB 3.2, SD card reader, smart card reader, RJ45 (2.5Gbps)
- Camera: 1080p HDR FHD and optional 8MP HDR RGB+IR
- Battery: 96Wh Li-ion
- Weight: 2.55 kg (5.63 lb)
Pricing and Availability
The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus starts at $3,329 before taxes and shipping. It is available now with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, while the Windows 11 model is expected to debut in 2026.
Dell’s unusual rollout strategy highlights a shifting landscape where Linux is increasingly becoming the preferred environment for professional AI compute — especially for on-device inferencing and enterprise security.
