About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

Dell's Studio Hybrid is a very stylish mini-PC that offers a large amount of customization that can make it a great low cost compact desktop to a very well suited home theater system. Just expect to pay a bit more than similarly equipped laptops or desktop systems.



Pros

• Stylish Design
• Highly Customizable
• Draft-N Wireless Networking

Cons

• More Expensive Than Full Sized Desktops or Equivalent Laptops

• Limited Post Purchase Upgradeability

Description

• Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 Dual Core Mobile Processor
• 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
• 160GB 5400rpm SATA 2.5" Hard Drive
• 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Slot Loading Burner
• Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
• Intel HDA Audio
• Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wireless
• Five USB 2.0, FireWire, HDMI
• 7.7" x 2.8" x 8.3"
• Vista Home Premium, Works 9.0

Guide Review - Dell Studio Hybrid Small Form Factor Desktop PC

9/2/08 - Dell's Studio Hybrid case is really interesting from a design standpoint as Dell offers it in six different colors and even an option for it to be clad in bamboo (at extra cost). Any of these options give it a very distinctive look unlike the traditional white or black found in most small form factor cases.

The hybrid portion of the name likely is derived from the fact that the Studio Hybrid primarily uses notebook components but is sold as a desktop system. The choice of using the notebook components comes down to the fact that they consume less power and produce less heat.

This lets Dell produce a much smaller case to hold the system in allowing it to be used just about anywhere including a home theater setup.

In fact, home theater systems are where the Dell Studio Hybrid can really excel. The system comes standard with an HDMI video connector that lets it hook up to most HDTV units. Combine this with a standard dual layer DVD burner and it makes for a computer that also doubles as a DVD player or recorder. Options are available to upgrade the drive to Blu-ray to make it compatible with the new high definition video disc format. Other options include external USB high definition TV tuners.

One of the big problems with all this ability to customize the Dell Studio Hybrid also leads to one of its big issues. On the whole, the system costs as much or more than similarly equipped desktop or laptop computer systems. In fact, standard desktops will outperform the Studio Hybrid for the same cost, while a similarly equipped laptop is less. This makes the system less attractive other than to those who need a desktop that will fit into a small space.

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