Features
Quality
Value
Overall

Introduction

Price: $599 for basic model; $1249 for a high-end configuration (source: options on Dell website, Studio 17 page).

The Dell Studio series is a feature-loaded and aesthetically evolved range of laptops. For users seeking a fashion statement as well as above average performance, the Dell Studio 17 would be a good choice.

Dell Studio 17 Overview

The features and performance of Studio 17, place it between the value-for-money Inspiron and the high-end desirable XPS. For just about $100 more than the basic 15" Inspiron, you can get an experience and performance inching toward that of the high-end XPS series. With an impressive battery life, large 17" screen and good multimedia support, Studio 17 may serve very well as your primary system.

Here is a detailed analysis of various features of Dell Studio 17:

Overall Design and Built

Studio 17 sports the sleek looks close to that of the XPS series. The larger 17" profile of the laptop helps with a larger screen and widely laid keyboard. However, the size and a basic weight of 7.8 lb. also impact its portability and make it suitable as a desktop replacement, rather than a travel laptop. This is why, while the Studio 17 would feel great to use from the comfort of your desk, it would be uncomfortable to use it on a long flight.

The wide hinge of the Studio 17 is a visibly attractive feature, which at the same time adds to the robustness of the display mounting. The power button is characteristically placed on the right side hinge. Visual appearance of the machine is enhanced further to match your lifestyle.

Colors and designs on the lid of the device can be chosen from a wide spectrum of available colors. A special art-edition of Studio 17 even allows you to choose from a variety of attractive design textures available online at the Dell Design Studio.

Performance

The Dell Studio laptops are built with a configuration to deliver superior performance for multimedia and even some design applications. Overall performance is marginally lower than what you would get from the XPS series. However, for a lower price the performance is observed to be impressive.

The base model is powered by Intel Pentium Dual Core T4300 processor running at 2.1GHz, with 800MHz FSB. The system comes bundled with Genuine Windows 7 64-Bit Premium Edition that offers a rich user interface adding to the overall aesthetic feel of the Studio 17.

Battery

The Studio 17 comes loaded with a generous 9 cell, 85 Whr Lithium Ion batteries that give a good backup of about 4 and a half hours on a treadmill run of movies and multimedia. However, the battery life may not be much of an issue here because the machine is basically meant to be a desktop replacement and so normally it would be placed very close to a power outlet.

Screen

The glossy widescreen 17 inch LCD panel comes with a native resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels. Studio 17, here, falls short of the 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution offered in basic models of competing 17 inch models. This can be however upgraded for a price. The screen colors seem fine for general browsing and games; however it may require a careful calibration for accurate design-related application.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The wide area of the Studio 17 has been used optimally to ensure an ergonomic keyboard and touchpad. The keyboard is a full-sized one with a separate number pad. With a slightly raised profile and smooth tapers, fingers glide quite comfortably and quickly while typing. There is a series of touch-sensitive capacitive media control keys on top of the keyboard, with labels illuminated from below.

Multimedia

The basic model comes bundled with Intel Graphics. There is a choice to upgrade to ATI Radeon based graphics too, for users needing higher end graphics for gaming and design. Studio 17 has good built-in stereo speakers with provision for subwoofer and "surround sound".

Conclusion

The Dell Studio 17 is a good alternative for a desktop with aesthetic design and reasonably good performance. Like any Dell product, the Studio 17 has a variety of options to add on top of the basic configuration, based on your requirements. With features close to that of XPS series, the Studio 17 provides a good value for a price marginally higher than Inspiron.

Pros:

• Aesthetic design with customization
• Good desktop replacement
• Above average performance

Cons:

• Bulky at 7.8lbs so not very suitable for travel
• Lower native resolution in base model

Technical Specifications

Studio 17 pictures

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