Dell Studio Hybrid 140g Impressions

I received my new Dell Studio Hybrid computer a few days ago. This is a short review after several days of use. Here are the specifications:

• Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.1 ghz with 3 mb cache Penryn
• 4 gb DDR2 RAM
• 320 gb 5400 RPM hard drive
• Green Emerald style
• Wireless N builtin
• Intel X3100 GPU
• 8x DVD burner, slot-loaded
• Windows Vista Home Premium

My main reasons of purchasing this computer was of course its stylish design and compact nature. With this design, Dell has essential put laptop components into a small case. It is touted as a “hybrid” due to it’s laptop/desktop design and perhaps to emphasize the point that this computer uses only 30 watts when idle and up to 65 watts on full load. Dell indicates this is roughly 70% to 80% less than a typical desktop computer that uses a 300 watt power supply.

Right Side View

Apart from the evident power savings (in this day and age of high energy costs), the computer itself is not much larger than a compact disc. It can be custom fitted with a fairly powerful CPU, up to a Core 2 Duo T9500, max 4 gb of RAM and 320 gb 5400 hard drive, all typical laptop components. The only shortcoming is the use of the Intel integrated graphics processor, the X3100 with shared memory, which you cannot change or upgrade (there is simply no room for a separate graphics card).

The unit runs incredibly quiet. The fan at the back is barely audible. On full load, you’ll hear a faint humming as the fan kicks up a notch but it would make a great home theater computer beside your TV. It is capable of decoding full 1080p video and with the optional Blu-ray drive and HDMI port, it can be the perfect home theater PC. Unlike other home theater PC’s however, you won’t find a built-in TV tuner (can attach a USB version) or a remote controller (that also would need an external adapter).

Left Side View

I didn’t buy this computer for my TV though. I wanted a small, good-looking Windows PC that can do everything except gaming. When Dell came out with this Studio line, it was the perfect combination of features and design for me purposes.  I can do video and photo editing, video encoding, play DVDs, web design and software development.

I don’t tend to upgrade my computer over time. Like most people, I purchase new computers every 3-5 years and just give away the older one. It’s a clean and simple computer upgrade path where you don’t end up with a mish-mash of old parts, new parts and different standards in a continuously upgraded PC.

The Hybrid Studio isn’t completely closed off to upgrades. You can always add USB devices for more functionality and the Studio Hybrid is user-serviceable without voiding the warranty. With nimble fingers, you can open the case and upgrade the hard drive and memory.

Wireless Keyboard

The Hybrid Studio comes equipped with a DVI port, HDMI port (can’t use dual monitors unfortunately), 3 USB ports in the back, 2 in the front, microphone and headphone jacks in the front, an 8-in-1 media reader, and slot-loading DVD or Blu-ray drive, similar to Dell’s Studio and XPS laptops.

It comes in several colors, including actual bamboo for $150 more, and sits either horizontally or on the included stand. In this case, I chose my emerald green. It is a nice deep green plastic cover that I find looks quite attractive.

In an earlier post, I mentioned that this should be called an eco PC. Not only does it use power more efficiently, its packaging is minimal and 95% recyclable.

The Dell Hybrid Studio will hopefully spur PC companies to manufacture more computers of this class. In a bold experiment by Dell, and in the footsteps of Apple’s Mac Mini line, the revolution to turn computers into appliances takes another step forward.

95% recyclable packaging

CD size comparison

CD size comparison

If you want to see a video review, check out Jason Dunn’s Youtube videos below, from www.digitalhomethoughts.com

Tags: compact, computer, dell, Eco, emerald, energy efficient, green, hybrid, PC, Studio