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    Studio 17- Display to choose? Backlit keyboard?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by allfiredup, Aug 2, 2008.

  1. allfiredup

    allfiredup Notebook Virtuoso

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    Howdy folks,

    I'm seriously thinking about ordering a Studio 17 this weekend. They're running an insanely good deal (thru 8/4) and the following configuration is only $1,074 after the $499 discount.

    Graphite Grey with Black Trim
    T5850 Core 2 Duo (2.16GHz)
    Windows Vista Home Premium
    WLED Display 1440x900 (or non-LED but Hi-Res 1920x1200 for +$25?)
    256mb ATI Radeon HD 3650
    3GB DDR2
    320GB HDD
    8x Slot Load DVD
    Dell 1510 Wireless-N
    Webcam
    Fingerprint Reader
    Backlit Keyboard (worth the $25 upgrade?)
    6-cell Battery
    Std. High Def Audio 2.0 (Sound Blaster Audigy Adv HD is +$25- good idea?)

    I almost ordered the HP dv7z earlier today, but decided to wait until Sunday to make a decision. Then I saw this deal tonight and it's only about $75 more than the HP for a lot more extras! =)

    Any suggestions? :)
     
    allfiredup, Aug 2, 2008
    #1
  2. focalBlur

    focalBlur Notebook Enthusiast

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    I got the same deal but on a studio 15
    they were running it last week $425 off, 2year server, free 3-5day shipping

    I would go for the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T8100 (2.1GHz/800Mhz FSB/3MB cache) for only $75 more

    skip the sound blaster
    Keyboard is up to you
    I would stick with WLED
     
    focalBlur, Aug 2, 2008
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  3. buzz_cii

    buzz_cii Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just ordered the S17 yesterday. I went through the same thought process and concluded that I would own this laptop for a long time and would not skimp on creature comforts. I considered the backlit keyboard a comfort. A while back with a work laptop, I recalled sitting on the couch at night whilst the wife is watching TV with the lights down low and I was folding the monitor of the laptop back so I could see the keyboard while typing and then folding it back to view the screen. What a p-i-t-a. That experience alone was enough for me to decide. I chose the Glossy WLED display (1440x900) because I read somewhere that it saves a little on battery because I got the 6hr batt. I chose glossy because I have seen the anti-glare and it just doesn't seem as crisp. I will do video creating / editing and want clear as possible. Caveats: My order is showing 30 days to ship. I highly suspect it is due to the backlit and/or WLED, but not confirmed. This delay could also be inherint to ordering through the military AAFES exchange Premier Dell. I'm Ok with it all because I did not have to pay Sales tax or shipping and got 10% off for first time purchase.

    Bottom line: Get what YOU want because YOU have to live with the decision.

    Good luck and enjoy the buying experience!

    Buzz
     
    buzz_cii, Aug 2, 2008
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