Designed for architects, graphic designers, and others requiring high-performance computing, the M40 combines workstation-level performance with a 17-inch monitor in a truly portable laptop. The M40's shell was reduced to make it the slimmest and lightest 17-inch laptop currently available (less than 1.5 inches high and 6.5 pounds), and giving the company a real competitive edge. Standardized parts were used early in the design for lower manufacturing cost, and design components were optimized for the global user-resulting in exports three times faster than original projections.