Just before I buy...

Hello there, I've been avidly reading this site for the past few days. I'm about to go for a Studio 17, but I've got a few questions first.

1) Do all the models of the Studio 17 (ie good, better, best/cheapest, mid, more expensive) have all the same spec bar the processor and Hard Drive? Specifically power usb. Chipset? Do they all have a web cam/camera? Unfortunately, tech specs is rather useless.

2) If so, why are the prices so bizarre. In the UK the mid one is £599. The low end one is £499. If I upgrade the £499 one to the same processor and Hard Drive, it is still £40 cheaper. Why? Mistake on Dell's part? Or different chipset/ports? Same thing with the highest priced model.

3) Reading through the Studio 17 thread, there don't seem to be many problems - poor sound, but I'll be using the headphones out to input into a stereo system. Would line out be better? If so, does the S17 have one? I don't believe it does. Also, has anyone had problems with things like keyboard flexing? I think one person has, just wondering if anyone else had problems.

4) I was originally going to get the 1720 in black (which was confirmed via live chat) but when I phoned, they said they only had white, and they were discontinuing the model. The price of the 1720 is far cheaper than the S17. I was wondering if there is any reason to go for the 1720? Being discontinued, I guess Dell won't be providing any more driver updates. Also, it has a nvdia 8600M GT and while they haven't announced any problems with the 1720, I was reading how the 1720 has more space inside and hence is cooler compared to other models. Isn't this just a bit of a compromise? Due to the ati in the S17, I would feel much happier with the S17. (BTW I'm also going for a 4 year warranty. I would/need it to last 4 years at uni). In essence, this is a bit of a '1720 vs Studio 17' thread, similar to one I saw whilst searching. Any thoughts?

Any other comments for/against the S17 or 1720?

Specs I'm going for:
Model N0873501 (cheapest model)
T8100 processor
3GB RAM
250GB HD 5400rpm
ATI HD 3650
Vista Home Premium
4 Year warranty
Standard screen, 1440 x 900
Jet black

Thanks for any responses.

 

1. Processor, hard drive, maybe wireless canrd and maybe sound. I'm not too familiar with the studio yet. I believe dell makes more money on the pre configured models.

2. see 1

3. you wouldn't have a problem using the headphone jack out.

4. The 1720 should still have driver updates. It shares components with other dell laptops - wireless cards, video card, etc that will receive driver updates. I am pretty sure the 8600m gt card is more powerful than the card in the s17. inspiron 1720.

 

Thanks for the response. Yeah, I forgot about the wireless and bluetooth. TBH they aren't a problem for me, I'm happy with b/g and no bluetooth. About the pre-configured - that would make a lot of sense. I've seen a lot of ads for the bog standard systems, so you can imagine the majority of buyers go 'Look that's cool' and go for it, without actually doing the maths and configuring online. The HD3650 is about equal to the 8600M GT form what I've seen here and on notebookcheck.com.

One bizarre thing I've just noticed though - on the Tech specs page, it says '2MP camera (optional)', yet even on the lowest model, when you review it, it says '2.0 Mega pixel Integrated Web Camera - CCFL'. (This does mean I get a webcam, doesn't it?).

Also, this is my first Dell - what does 'Dell System Media Kit - No Resource CD' mean? Is the CD useful? Will I still get all the necessary Vista Cds & driver CDs even though it says 'No CD?'

 

I can't really tell if there is a system for cds or not. I have bought 2 machines from Dell and only one of them came with the CD for the operating system.

That would mean you get a webcam

The Dell system media kit is media direct I believe.