Opinions Wanted: Dell Studio Hybrid

My step-mom is looking into these Dell Studio Hybrid models to replace her old desktop. Any feelings out there on these things?

I'm pretty much a laptop guy but she isn't really concerned with performance as much as how it looks. Basically just needs it for photoshop and to watch DVDs.

(some stock images)

Your thoughts?​

 

I like the look of it (esp. the bamboo sleave option)

You do know that there is now a companion site to NBR dedicated to desktops? http://www.desktopreview.com/ They did a review of the studio there if you want more information-- http://www.desktopreview.com/default.asp?newsID=453

It even has a "what desktop should I buy?" section so you may get more options from other members.

 

Has she seen the Studio Slim desktops They look pretty nice but give you a better price to performance ratio than the Studio Hybrid and they aren't that large. The Studio Hybrid though is a very nice looking desktop and is small. It is made of notebook parts, so it'll have about the same performance ability.

 

Who can't say that it looks like a nice machine? Unfortunately it introduces all the issues that laptops have; proprietary parts, limited space for components, possible cooling issues, and a less powerful computer overall.

For all that, you're paying extra money - if you want my opinion, I would say that such desktop systems are a complete waste of cash because they bring all the disadvantages of desktops (mobility) and all the disadvantages of a laptop.

Moreover, the Studio Hybrid isn't the best computer to tackle Photoshop, despite its looks. The weak graphics card won't be useful for future versions of Photoshop that will be GPU-accelerated. The Hybrid also has a relatively weak CPU, and the slot-loading drive burns discs at slower speeds than tray-loading drives. Overall, the concept of compact, fashionable desktops not only defeats the purpose of a desktop, it also lacks practicality.

 

nice and cute but under powered.. no go

 

What about the xps one?

you can get them from the outlet cheap with this coupon:

Use 30% off any refurbished XPS One Dell coupon code NPZ2DD16C20BCR

http://www.dell.com/content/product...&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&dgc=CJ&cid=24433&lid=836389

ie: Refurbished Dell XPS One 20" All-In-One Desktop: Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium for 524.30 + 29.99 shipping and tax if applicable.

 

@nizzy,
Didn't even know their was an xps-all-in-one desktop, imo it looks sweet but she (my step-mom) likes the changeable sleeves of the Hybrid and was taken in by the whole bamboo 'go-green and use less power' marketing.

@Bog
Thanks for the graphics card tip. I forgot these things are running laptop video cards (duh) and complex psd's would probably hog up the video memory.

@BooBoo
I'll out checkout the desktop review site, thanks for the link. I'm new to NBR and figured the Hybrid would be more like a laptop than a traditional desktop.

I'm currently trying to convince her to go with a Dell 1525 or XPS 1330 or something for mobility (something the Hybrids obviously lack b/c monitor needed) and get a docking station for her room that can hook up to a monitor if it's the laptop screen that bugs her.

For a budget around $1200-1500 what 'cute' laptops would you guys (and gals) recommend? I think she would want 15.4" and at least a 512MB video card. Then again, I'm all about the hardware and don't really know the 'cuteness' factor of a laptop. (Aside: Helped my sister buy that new Pink Vaio from BB recently after she dropped her old clunky Vaio and busted the LCD and am amazed that the pink color was more of a factor than anything else )

Thanks for the replies!

 

To me, it's a ripoff. The Studio hybird has all the cons of a laptop, with almost none of the pros. Also, it's in about the same price range, except it needs a screen. Overpiced IMO. Dell Studio 15/Inspiron 1525/XPS 1530 w/ Chill Pattern or Wood skin FTW.

 

Why does she need a 512 mb graphics card? What about the studio 15 with the 256 mb ati graphics card?

Remember stay away from nvidia in laptops for now.

 

What happened with nvidia? (besides their stock getting rocked this past year)

Would 256MB be enough to handle some complex psds?

I'd want to get her a docking station too for x-mas so she can move the laptop around but have the benefits of a good widescreen monitor (what i had in mind)

Any suggestions for a 'cute' (idk what that means) minimalist usb docking station linked to a monitor?

I'll probably look more into that Studio 15 in "flamingo pink"
Thanks!

 

HI Guys
I'm trying to buy 17 of this Studio Hybrid but found out that my software is not compatible with vista. Dell won't put Win Xp in this computers.
they are 399$ so great price for the configuration.
Does any one know if I can install win Xp on this computers
Thanks

 

Yes you can install XP on it. You may have to look for a few drivers but overall it isn't too complicated.

 

Thank you. I've just learned that i would lose the warranty too.

 

No the OS doesn't affect the warranty.