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Theros
June 26th, 2008, 05:20 PM
Hey guys!

http://www.slipperybrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/dell-studio-laptops.jpg

Here's to a new direction for Dell consumer laptops. It's been all over the internet for awhile, but today Dell took the cat out of the bag. The new Studio line is even listed on their sitem buyable immediatly.

I've read a few reviews from LaptopMag, Notebookreview.com, etc, and all were very positive. A good step-up from the reception the new vostro line recieved. Notebookreview summarized this:


All things said and done, the Dell Studio 17 is the most impressive 17-inch consumer notebook we've seen so far this year. The build quality, range of customizable options, expandability, style, and price make this an excellent choice if you're in the market for a 17-inch notebook. Still, we would have liked to see more graphics card options than just the integrated Intel X3100 and dedicated ATI Radeon HD 3650.
While issues like lack of VGA cable screw posts, dedicated docking station connector, or lack of a simple RdAM expansion cover might prevent some buyers from purchasing this notebook, there's a lot to like about this notebook. The Studio 17 has virtually every cool feature you'd want in a 17-inch notebook ... with the exception of a built-in TV tuner.
Bottom line, you'll be hard pressed to find a better 17-inch notebook in the same price range at the time of this writing.

On a side note, I hate how FF3 sucks at being compatible with phpBB stuff.

Anyway, my impressions are that this new line is a worthy upgrade from the inspirons which needed some magic XPS dust. The specs are quite good, and they can be configured cheaply...a good config is around $1,200 I found. There is one thing I find upsetting, it the ATI GPU choice...it is decent enoug, but it could be much better. Finally, the ability to have a 1920x1200 resolution screen on a 15.4" laptop blows my mind away. I can't imagine trying to read text that way.

notebookreview.com review of the 17" studio laptop (http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4471)

Dell link (http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/laptop_studio?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs)

Thanks,
Eric Huang

Templarian
June 26th, 2008, 06:54 PM
lol. looks like they are sticking with that battery design which significantly kills out airflow through the laptop. My bets are on HP in the future.

Awesome battery design for a M1330... but its a little clunky for larger laptops.

Theros
June 26th, 2008, 06:57 PM
lol. looks like they are sticking with that battery design which significantly kills out airflow through the laptop. My bets are on HP in the future.

Awesome battery design for a M1330... but its a little clunky for larger laptops.

Hmm.... I kinda hate how that battery design works in my current laptop. It's kinda dumb IMO as well. But HP? I mean, I love Voodoo and all, especially with what they're doing...but HP consumer, I dunno.

I'm seriously considering picking up a Envy when it debuts later in July.

Templarian
June 26th, 2008, 07:16 PM
If this laptop wasn't only a year old I'd make the switch to an envy in a heart beat. You know HP is probably already fitting the new style into their future laptops. A carbon fiber case looks sexy and its durable and is the future of ultra mobiles. I think i'm gonna wait till Intel starts releasing ultramobiles with gaming grade integrated chips. If they do it right they can get the airflow perfect through those utlra portables. Also slot drives are the best thing next dell has ever done with their laptops trays are for desktops!

Theros
June 26th, 2008, 11:38 PM
If this laptop wasn't only a year old I'd make the switch to an envy in a heart beat. You know HP is probably already fitting the new style into their future laptops. A carbon fiber case looks sexy and its durable and is the future of ultra mobiles. I think i'm gonna wait till Intel starts releasing ultramobiles with gaming grade integrated chips. If they do it right they can get the airflow perfect through those utlra portables. Also slot drives are the best thing next dell has ever done with their laptops trays are for desktops!

I can't agree more with you on the metal casing...its about time someone other than Apple used them in their laptops. I think HP did Voodoo a favor by buying them out..hopefully maybe Dell can learn a lesson from the HP-Voodoo team and incorporate their purchase of Alienware better into the Dell lineup.

Although, I don't see the ultramobile gaming sector powering up anytime soon. Even if they have the power...I think manufacturer's rather hold the powerful back to 15.4"+. But we can all hope.