Cons: No Windows Media Center remote option that makes use of internal wireless receiver. Mediocre performance
The Bottom Line: Look no further if you want one of the smallest desktop PC's. Dell Stuido Hybrid has a well thought out design, quality build, and flawless operation.
hankshay's Full Review: Dell Studio Hybrid (DDCWLA2) PC Desktop
I've had my eye on the Dell Studio Hybrid for some time. Secretly I wished my old computer might kick the can one day. That day is here.
The Dell Studio Hybrid is slightly larger than a Mac mini. I would have purchased the Mac mini, but I it's still using an older system technology/board and I really wanted this for a HTPC setup for my living room.
My Dell Studio Hybrid (slate color) Specs:
Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor T5850, 667MHz system bus, 2MB L2 cache and 2.16GHz processor speed per core
3GB DDR2 SDRAM for multitasking power; expandable to 4GB
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD R DL and DVD-R DL media
250GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with 128MB shared video memory
support for 5.1-channel audio1 IEEE 1394 FireWire port and 5 high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity
Built-in Dell Wireless 1505 802.11n Mini Card
Wireless keyboard and wireless mouse included; shell casing and computer stand also included
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system preinstalled; Roxio Creator 10 Dell edition
INPUTS/OUTPUTS:
Five USB 2.0 compliant ports IEEE1394a port (4-pin)HDMI video connector DVI video connector Integrated network connector 10/100/1000 LAN (RJ45) AC adapter connectorDigital Audio: S/P DIF Out Analog Audio: Headphone (front); Line-in / Line-out (back)
7-in-1 Media Reader: Secure Digital (SD) Memory CardMulti-Media Card (MMC)Memory StickMemory Stick PROxD-Picture CardHi Speed-SDHi Density - SD
LOOKS
It's awesome. I have mine resting on the included silver metallic stand. You can also lay it down on the flat side like a VCR. It's modern, yet sorta feels retro like with the roundness. The power button and 'hybrid' logo light up. The side Dell sign can also be backlit, but i chose not to do that (through the bios).
The slot-loading dvd drive ejects discs via a touch sensitive button on the front of the Hybrid.
INSTALLATION/USE
Installation went without a hitch. Just plugged the unit into the wall, plugged my monitor (hdmi) into the unit. The only cables in my setup is the HDMI monitor cable, and two power cables (one for monitor, one for PC).
The dell wireless keyboard w/optical mouse is very solid. The keyboard is a single piece including the wrist rest, but overall very compact. The mouse was a surpise, as it's glossy and the batteries are accessible via a magnetic cover. Dell includes 4AA batteries. The receiver is built-in and was later amazed that the computer can come out of sleep/hibernation by moving the mouse or keyboard.
One powered on, Windows Vista required several setup screen before I was up and running. Vista detected my wireless-N network, and I was able to connect to the internet after entering my passcode.
PERFORMANCE
It's speedy, but not as fast as a regular desktop machine. That's because it's using laptop components. For internet surfing, document editing, music and/or video watching, I felt it was always up to the challenge.
The Dell Studio Hybrid is quiet and barely audible at idle. During high cpu utilization, the fans kick in a bit more, but wasn't harsh. Actually, it was softer sounding than a laptop.
I hooked up a Hauppauge USB HDTV Tuner and was able to use the Hybrid as a DVR. Performance was very good and image quality was on par with my TV.
OTHER
I really like the headphone jack on the front of the unit - easy access.
The card reader was very fast and accepted my 16GB SDHC Class 6 memory card.
Something that I found out while using the DVI port to feed my HDTV's HDMI was that the audio output of the Dell Studio Hybrid is broadcasted over the DVI port. I used a DVI->HDMI cable to connect the Hybrid to my HDTV's HDMI port and was able to hear audio through the TV. Amazing ...
WISHES
I wish Dell would had offered a wireless remote control that is compatible with windows media center and has a build in receiver.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 550 Operating System: Windows Processor: Other Processor speed: over 1000 RAM: More than 256 Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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