Cat's out of the bag: we're nerds, and can't think of a better way to spend a Tuesday morning than to shuffle through endless configuration pages, trying to build the best bang-for-buck
Studio Hybrid on the internet. Dell's product page for the new mini desktop -- which was released last night -- is now online, and offers up that fabled $499 configuration, in addition to some rather spendy siblings. For instance, if you want to go bamboo that's an extra $130 right out of the gate, a display will cost you $200 minimum, it's $50 to bump the Hybrid up to 2GB of RAM, that Blu-ray drive is a hefty $250 add-on, and WiFi will cost you $70. There's no option for discreet graphics -- that's no surprise -- and the TV tuner option is of the USB dongle variety. Luckily some of Dell's pre-configured versions come with decent "Instant Savings," but it's clear Dell is going for a slightly premium, design-conscious consumer here, not the spendthrift.
[Thanks, Nathan]
posted Jul 29th 2008 9:29AM
sex. wow dells actually look good.
Agree, just a shame the Europeans have to pay double (at least at the Scandinavian Dell-sites)
In Germany too, 599€ and above...
I don't have a studio, *sigh*
from £399 ($800) in the UK. What a rip off!!!!
Well this one does not look bad. I'd just be afraid of it getting knocked over. The pictures showing it laying flat seem a safer way to go.
That bamboo one is hot.
You could probably use it in the kitchen and lay it on it's side (when needed) and double it up as a cutting board.
I wonder if that's actually real bamboo or just plastic made to look like bamboo. But either way, yes; it's very hot.
What a failure waiting to happen. Just get a mac mini.. jeez
And pay more money? Sounds like a deal... wait a minute.
This is what the Mac Mini should be.
I just priced out a system comparable to the $799 mini, and it came out to $868. The differences are with the inclusion of a keyboard, mouse (no option to exclude them), and anti-virus software on the Dell. The need for anti-virus software is what really realigns the playing field in terms of cost for most people.
Look, this is a GREAT addition to for people who don't want to blow a load of cash on a ShuttlePC for a HTPC.Mac Minis are great for people who already have a Mac, and these are great for Windows users...Let's leave the argument alone for once!
@Mo,
The mac mini is junk. If haven't got one SHUT UP. IDIOT.
Moreover, the Mac mini is sooooo boring !!!!
how should we put this Mo ?
would you call this a mac mini killer ?
lol the mac mini is dead in the water already.
@puhstitch: wait, are you really including add-on software in a hardware-to-price comparison? Seriously?
Dude, I've got three Vista machines that have been running since the system came out without any anti-virus software installed, and have had no issues. This, after a decade using anti-virus software but never actually encountering a virus due to not being an idiot. Anti-virus software is optional, period.
@puhsitch
I price it up as $662 inc. remote/2Ghz upgrade/802.11n. Where the hell do you get $868 from? The Mac mini includes Bluetooth, the Dell system has a large HDD and comes with keyboard/mouse. Don't forget that it's possible to get free and legal virus protection for Windows.
So...do they have any ones for dudes?
@puhsitch:
I'm not sure how you got $868... considering the 36-month AV/firewall/anti-spyware package is only $99. I added that and I'm still only up to $718... and there are perfectly good free alternatives to McAfee software, so you really don't need to spend that $99. Leaving out the security software, you can still get a system for only $20 more than the price of the low-end mac mini that tops or equals the high-end Mac Mini in every way except for Bluetooth (but it does have 802.11n at that price). For an extra $6 they'll plant a tree for you. Even the integrated graphics are better.
Was your $868 model one of the ones that included a monitor?
Yeah, I priced out a system that has double the RAM, a faster processor, and twice the storage space of the Mac mini for exactly $799. Plus the Dell unit comes with a keyboard and mouse (not a make or break thing, but hey, it's nice).
Sorry, but Dell is starting to give Apple a run for its money in the sexy department.
"Dude, I've got three Vista machines that have been running since the system came out without any anti-virus software installed, and have had no issues."
You think, of course it's necessary to have antivirus installed. But it's silly to buy it from Dell.
Pushitch said:
"I just priced out a system comparable to the $799 mini, and it came out to $868. The differences are with the inclusion of a keyboard, mouse (no option to exclude them), and anti-virus software on the Dell. The need for anti-virus software is what really realigns the playing field in terms of cost for most people."
That's funny. I just priced comparible systems too and this is what I got.
Specs for both:
- 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 2GB 667MHz DDR2 (who runs OSX ro Vista with only 1GB?)
- 160GB SATA HDD
- 8x CD/DVD Burner
- Keyboard & Mouse
- 20" monitor (who uses a computer without a monitor?)
Cost:
Dell Studio = $849 (without monitor: $599)
Apple Mini = $1,646 (without monitor: $1,047)
And mind you, the Dell Studio comes with a full year of phone support vs. 90 days on the Apple Mini, and the Studio also includes HDMI and SPDIF which are both not even an option on the Mini.
So I'm not sure how comparable your "comparable" systems really were. To do a real comparison you have to bing both systems up to the point whre they have same components, not just say "Well, that couldn't be removed from one, so oh well". Seems you used typical fanboy fuzzy math.
@puhsitch
I actually been running 3 Vista machine without anti virus for over a year. I rely on updates (Apple user should also follow), common sense (Apple user should also follow) and UAC (hate it or luv it, it works).
Also, I like to make a point (MS basher likes to leave out), that Vista will run on slow machine. I run a Vista on a 1.1 ghz, 1 gig mobile tablet that is almost 4 years old.
I doubt folks are monitoring this anymore, but I just remembered that I priced it out with Vista Home Ultimate. OS X doesn't come in any crippled-down versions, so I thought it would only be fair to compare top consumer-level OS packages. But hey, let me know if that's not as fair as I understand it to be!
Oh, and here's how it broke down for the $868 model:
Core 2 Duo 2.00GHz
Vista Home Ultimate
1GB RAM
160GB Hard Drive
8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner
Integrated Stereo Audio
Multimedia Keyboard & Optical Mouse
Wireless-N Networking
No Monitor
No Modem
36 months McAfee virus protection
All service options left at default
The Dell does have a media card reader that isn't an option on the Mac mini, so that's a bonus. Seriously though, I'm not trying to use "fanboy" math here...I think this worked out to be a fair comparison.
Ah, but remember that a mac mini will run OS X. It's easy to use, comes with more features, is much more advanced in terms of security and looks better too. And it'll run your windows better than the dell. Hell, it works straight out of the box! how can you have anything against it? not to mention that it will not take up much space on your desk. This isn't a mac mini - or an iMac killer... just a contender to win people's hearts.
And i've got to say, why are you all pricing the mac mini so high? iMac will be cheaper if you're going to those prices...
Just a thought. You don't have to agree.
Yeah this really isn't even on the same level with the mac mini...
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10091209/Can_we_get_Studio_Hybrid_with_Ubuntu
..yet.
Tasty very tasty. Though it's a shame that the Bamboo option is so expensive. Either way I'm very tempted to buy one in order to compliment my Pavilion dv9074ea which enjoy getting sent in for service. Further more I'm buying a 37 or 40 inch LCD TV in two months and the Studio Hybrid having HDMI ports makes it even harder to resist buying it.
The orange one plus an external drive in piano black storing all your movies and music will make living room entertainment a sweet experience. My only concern is that it's quite pricey and doesn't have a 3D accelerator capable of running basic 3D flash based games. I mean, my laptop is already non upgradeable and buying another non upgradeable computer bite me doesn the road.
"...doesn't have a 3D accelerator capable of running basic 3D flash based games."
I think it can handle 3D flash based games.
It costs $949 to actually make it a good, efficient computer. Saddening.
Onboard graphices, you can add as much money as you want and it won't be a decent computer. I guess its a decent internet gateway/word processor though.
Does the HDMI carry audio?
What's the noise level?
How does it compare to the Acer X1200?
1. yes
2. IDK
3. IDK
Those look mighty sexy.
WOW..$674 for a decent specd system.. For that price i can go on newegg and build a SHUTTLE that will blow that out the water.. Sorry dell. But without discrete graphics im not sold. But im sure others are excited.
Bud, I'm pretty sure that the people that these are aimed at aren't building their own PCs.
I +1'd you because you made me laugh while you dissed the product.
I guess you've never heard of the term "form over function"
@ Matt.
As i stated im sure other people will be excited for it. But I wasnt interested. I never said it was garbage. IT SERVES ITS PURPOSE FOR OTHERS.
Why is the bamboo option so expensive? Since when is bamboo so hard to come by? I have a whole yard here in Austin full of bamboo that Michael Dell can have if he personally comes over and cuts it down. If he does a good job, maybe I'll take him a glass of Kool-Aid. Well, I'll be honest. I would probably only break out the Flavor Aid for Michael.
Are you going to spend the time to cut, flattened, then soak it for hours to soften it? Then mold it and force it stay that way for hours while it dries? Then you have to treat it to several coats of sealer to keep the color.
The $130 price is a pretty good price for the work that has to go into making the case.
Granted, they're pretty dang cool looking, but how is it $200+ better than the Inspiron 530s? Is it just the style/form factor?
I wonder that too. This is a laptop in a shoebox with no monitor. You can buy a real tower for less, and get multiple drive bays and the option for a real video card.
Well.. besides the bamboo one, it looks like Dell likes to stick with good old cheap plastic as do all windows computers.
I love plastic!
Again, it has been done.
Notebook Processors??? Be for real. You can get an Acer or HP much cheaper with faster procesors, better graphics, wireless networking..
Only thing it has got going for it is style.
$849 for:
Slate
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5750 (2.00GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1
No Monitor ( System comes with DVI & HDMI)
3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz (2 DIMM)
320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive)
Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Integrated Stereo Audio with 5.1ch digital output (S/P DIF)
Dell USB Multimedia Keyboard & Optical Mouse
Built-in Dell 1505 Wireless-N Networking
No Modem Included
HP s3500z $819.99
Components
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• AMD Athlon(TM) 64 X2 4850e dual-core (2.5GHz)
• 3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9500GS, DVI-I, HDMI, VGA adapter
• No Modem
• FREE UPGRADE to 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive from 320GB
• Blu-ray / HD DVD player & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner
• 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, headphone port
• Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound w/ front audio ports
• No additional security software
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• HP keyboard and HP optical mouse
@Jay
Your $819.99 HP s3500z is more expensive and butt-ugly.
Looks nice, but it's WAY too expensive for what you get.
Would love one of these but i checked the Australian Dell store and they're starting @ $1399! How did it get from $499 in the US to $1399 in Australia.
shipping
I'll buy it for you.... Let me set up an escrow account really quick. 100% No-risk.
But, of course, you can get graphics that are loud and noisy, and tend to get more than a little drunk at social gatherings?
I think you might have been looking for "discrete", Paul.
Yay!! A cheap desktop for only $499....
Should be nice and cheap in Eurozone then... Oh wait why is the cheapest one on the Irish site €549...
I'm getting really pissed off with being charged a HUGE premium over everyone else for this kind of thing, especially when a large chunk of Dell's machines are made in Ireland..
If it was £250 as the straight exchange rate goes then dell would sell them like Hotcakes. £400 for something that is not as well specced as the already pricey Mac Mini is less than desirable.
No Ubuntu either :(
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10091209/Can_we_get_Studio_Hybrid_with_Ubuntu
We'll see how long it takes them, hang in there.
A spendthrift is someone who spends money wastefully so I imagine Dell would be going for them too.
Please: "discrete" graphics. No one wants discreet graphics...
Adding stuff to the specs is insanely priced. $100 extra for a 320GB drive? $250 for a Bluray drive? $70 for 802.11n?
It's a Dell, so within a month, this thing will be discounted nicely, and the first ones will be popping up in the outlet.
Question: So with the shared memory graphics card and 2gb of RAM, do you guys think this would display DivX movies on a 37" HDTV decently? Or will it be choppy/look like crap?
Thanks in advance.
I think it should have no problems with resolutions up to 1920x1080.
It would be fine, the x3100 is actually quite competent, its just that people see fit to bash it because its not a top of the line ati card that uses more power than the rest of the computer combined.
If it can play video and do basic Windows desktop stuff, then the graphics will meet the real needs of most consumers.
sadly in order for me to upgrade my processor to the dual core it will cost close to this computer.
sadly upgrading my comp will cost as much as this computer alone. Good thing I have a decent monitor =)
Dell should use T5xxx, at least, as the default and offer discount if you choose T2390 to help them empty their warehouse!
I would like to see a Linux option. It's not so far-fetched, this being Dell and all.
yup. I would think about getting one of these, if there would be a Linux option.
*sigh*
The place to say all that and vote is here:
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10091209/Can_we_get_Studio_Hybrid_with_Ubuntu
(..and if i paste that link in these comments one more time i'll get lynched)
All of the configurations I see that are equivalent to the Mac mini put the pricing at just about even between the two.
The only advantage I see to the Dell is the HDMI and S/PDIF.
Why is Dell calling it a "Hybrid"? Is there a really tiny steam turbine in there or something?
No, no, 'STUDIO Hybrid' - it actually doubles as affordable housing.
There's a whole new IKEA line coming out for it next fall called "Sukka."
Marketing.
All Mac Mini's have optical outs through the regular line out jack. You just need a Toslink cable with the 1/8" adapter on the end which is literally a $1.99 part at Amazon.com
Ok, I am a Mac user but this isn't a Mac/PC rant. I just don't remember the last time I paid extra for WiFi in anything!
You always "pay" for WiFi, it just isn't an option in most PCs. This just gives people the opportunity to not have it if it's their only PC and they direct plug their modem into it.
Matt H: Ok, I am a Mac user but this isn't a Mac/PC rant.
No, of course not. You're just feeling like that kid who wears the t-shirt that says, "I'm so cool!"
I appreciate not having wireless built-in. I have owned a lot of desktops, and have never required or wanted a wireless network connection for them.
Could be useful for an HTPC.
....client.
I was really interested once I saw the picture and then I looked at the specs and saw Intel graphics. Blah. I'll pass. Something this beautiful looking is wasted on Intel graphics.
$499 version comes with Vista Home Basic. Lame!
Again, vote on dellideastorm.com if you want to see that change.
I think they could really use a darker real-wood option.
Holy crap, something from Dell that I actually find sexy and "do want".
My Mac Mini HTPC is working for me now... but this may be a good alternative in the future.
Somewhat cheaper but quite a bit larger than the mac mini. In a couple of weeks when they start offering deals, coupons, and so on it'll be MUCH cheaper, and a much more attractive option.
I'm surprised they didn't include a built-in MCE-compatible IR receiver as stock, with the remote control an addon option.
spendthrift |ˈspɛn(d)θrɪft|
noun
a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.
spendthrift
noun
he is such a spendthrift profligate, prodigal, squanderer, waster; informal big spender. antonym miser.
adjective
his spendthrift father profligate, improvident, thriftless, wasteful, extravagant, prodigal. antonym frugal.
FYI, a "spendthrift" is someone who spends money prodigiously and who is extravagant and recklessly wasteful. The word you are looking for is "thrifty," "miserly" or, more colloquially, "tightwad."
Oops, beaten to the punch!
Dell Australia have the most fucked up configurations for these - no bamboo have to have a screen http://dellstore03.dell.com.au/public/cart/configurator.jsp?prd_id=654540&sr_no=1
Kind if ironic that Dell's new desktop that's being heralded as one of the greenest desktops around has an option to be shipped with bamboo casing...
Huhhh, what? Bamboo isn't a renewable resource anymore?
wow! this design looks so lovely! The first time I thought it was an external Hard drive (even if it's an external HD, I was still attracted to the design). I like the clean design of it... although not so much on the everything else black (screen, keyboard, etc.). I think that this series of Dell computers sure looks better than some Apple products... I use an Apple Macbook... I'd love to see Apple using some stronger colours for its designs, like these Dells. The bamboo is a nice touch, although I think the price tag is a bit hefty.
If this sucker is super quiet or silent, I will definitely buy.
It is like some people have failed to see what the purpose of this computer is. The computer is not designed for the gamer, nor is it designed for the average home use. This computer, as well as the Mac MINI, is designed as an easy replacer for businesses that require A computer.
The fact that a business can look at this and say "Wow, I will only spend $0.30 per dollar I am already spending running all of my computers" is a great big hook.
Of course people are going to complain about the system, but it's really not for them. The fact that it doesn't come with a monitor is actually a bonus for companies that want an energy efficient answer to their computers. Since a lot of businesses in the industry don't even need a fast CPU or a large amount of RAM, they only use the Word Processor and email, these two computers are easy replacements. You can't forget Colleges either. It's not like every teacher needs a 2.4 Quad Core CPU with Vista x64 and 4 GB of RAM. They just need teaching tools and to stay connected.
Trust me on this. When the larger companies see the real value in the Studio Hybrid and the Mac MINI, then the two companies can work on something small and more appealing to the game market.
Wait, isn't....isn't that the computer from Portal?
Great, the Mac vs. PC wars have already begun in the comments. . .
Srsly just shut up and be happy for Dell to be releasing something that isnt in a weird Black or Silver shell.
;]
It's not mac vs. pc.
A mac is a pc.
It's Leapord vs. Heron vs. Vista SP1
..and I'd like to see this have options for all three, but Dell can only legally provide two-- and I'm quite hopeful they will.
...as for Apple, well, *raspberry*
Actually let me correct that-- Not all Intel X3100 IGPs are the same. The Studio Hybrid ships with one that's not supported by Heron, so it's actually Ibex we'll be looking at for this particular machine.
I don't think Apple cares too much about Mini at this point of time anyway.
I don't think Apple cares too much about Mini at this point of time anyway.