Dell's Studio Hybrid product page goes live: Gotta Spec 'Em All!

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]

Gallery: Dell's Studio Hybrid product page goes live: Gotta Spec 'Em All!

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[lowdef @ Jul 29th 2008 9:37AM]

sex. wow dells actually look good.

[Jakob Henner @ Jul 29th 2008 10:33AM]

Agree, just a shame the Europeans have to pay double (at least at the Scandinavian Dell-sites)

[inch @ Jul 29th 2008 10:43AM]

In Germany too, 599€ and above...

[OneLove @ Jul 29th 2008 10:49AM]

I don't have a studio, *sigh*

[DrMips @ Jul 29th 2008 11:51AM]

from £399 ($800) in the UK. What a rip off!!!!

[Blackstar @ Jul 29th 2008 12:16PM]

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.

[Matt @ Jul 29th 2008 9:45AM]

That bamboo one is hot.

[LiqwidZero @ Jul 29th 2008 9:47AM]

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.

[Anthop @ Jul 29th 2008 8:36PM]

I wonder if that's actually real bamboo or just plastic made to look like bamboo. But either way, yes; it's very hot.

[Mo @ Jul 29th 2008 9:39AM]

What a failure waiting to happen. Just get a mac mini.. jeez

[phobic99 @ Jul 29th 2008 9:41AM]

And pay more money? Sounds like a deal... wait a minute.

[Chris @ Jul 29th 2008 9:53AM]

This is what the Mac Mini should be.

[puhsitch @ Jul 29th 2008 10:06AM]

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.

[Dave @ Jul 29th 2008 10:16AM]

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!

[kccboy2004 @ Jul 29th 2008 10:29AM]

@Mo,

The mac mini is junk. If haven't got one SHUT UP. IDIOT.

Moreover, the Mac mini is sooooo boring !!!!

[kccboy2004 @ Jul 29th 2008 10:34AM]

how should we put this Mo ?

would you call this a mac mini killer ?

lol the mac mini is dead in the water already.

[asurroca @ Jul 29th 2008 10:40AM]

@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.

[Rich @ Jul 29th 2008 10:55AM]

@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.

[Jason @ Jul 29th 2008 10:59AM]

So...do they have any ones for dudes?

[norm @ Jul 29th 2008 11:54AM]

@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?

[Matt @ Jul 29th 2008 1:00PM]

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.

[Jakob Henner @ Jul 29th 2008 1:12PM]

"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.

[Jagster @ Jul 29th 2008 1:31PM]

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.

[roach @ Jul 29th 2008 1:58PM]

@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.

[puhsitch @ Jul 30th 2008 2:12AM]

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!

[puhsitch @ Jul 30th 2008 2:21AM]

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.

[Tom @ Aug 6th 2008 12:58PM]

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.

[ethana2 @ Aug 18th 2008 1:10AM]

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.

[Homeboy @ Jul 29th 2008 9:41AM]

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.

[Pochi @ Jul 29th 2008 9:42AM]

"...doesn't have a 3D accelerator capable of running basic 3D flash based games."

I think it can handle 3D flash based games.

[LiqwidZero @ Jul 29th 2008 9:46AM]

It costs $949 to actually make it a good, efficient computer. Saddening.

[Nihility @ Jul 29th 2008 10:32AM]

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.

[JayC @ Jul 29th 2008 9:51AM]

Does the HDMI carry audio?

What's the noise level?

How does it compare to the Acer X1200?

[Danakin @ Jul 29th 2008 10:17AM]

1. yes

2. IDK

3. IDK

[DP @ Jul 29th 2008 9:52AM]

Those look mighty sexy.

[Neeko @ Jul 29th 2008 9:59AM]

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.

[Matt @ Jul 29th 2008 10:08AM]

Bud, I'm pretty sure that the people that these are aimed at aren't building their own PCs.

[Endejas @ Jul 29th 2008 10:22AM]

I +1'd you because you made me laugh while you dissed the product.

[Homeboy @ Jul 29th 2008 10:29AM]

I guess you've never heard of the term "form over function"

[Neeko @ Jul 29th 2008 11:38AM]

@ 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.

[Bob The Mexican @ Jul 29th 2008 10:01AM]

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.

[kjb434 @ Jul 29th 2008 10:10AM]

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.

[Jason @ Jul 29th 2008 10:03AM]

Granted, they're pretty dang cool looking, but how is it $200+ better than the Inspiron 530s? Is it just the style/form factor?

[Michael Scrip @ Jul 29th 2008 12:35PM]

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.

[Mo @ Jul 29th 2008 10:08AM]

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!

[Josh @ Jul 29th 2008 10:18AM]

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

[Jay @ Jul 29th 2008 10:45AM]

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

[Evan @ Jul 29th 2008 1:49PM]

@Jay
Your $819.99 HP s3500z is more expensive and butt-ugly.

[Skazer @ Jul 29th 2008 10:16AM]

Looks nice, but it's WAY too expensive for what you get.

[Mark @ Jul 29th 2008 10:14AM]

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.