Dell Launches Studio Hybrid Desktops

Dell has launched its new line of colorful Studio Hybrid desktops, packing a small footprint, high-def video, and price tags starting at $499.

Computer maker Dell has taken the wraps off its new Studio Hybrid line of desktop PCs, and far from being the clunky beige or grey boxes most folks associate with a desktop, the Studio Hybrids are small, colorful, and stylish—plus they pack high-def video capability and a green, power-sipping footprint.

"The design and craftsmanship of the Studio Hybrid alone are enough to cause you to do a double take," Dell’s VP for global consumer sales and marketing Michael Tatelman, in a statement. "Combine that with the performance of this little beauty and its environmentally smart DNA, and you’ve got something truly unique—something that you can make your own."

The Studio Hybrid is 80 percent smaller than the standard PC mini-tower, and is designed to be at home in an office, living room, den, or bedroom. The Hybrid also uses 70 percent less power than a standard desktop PC, and will ship with reduced (and recyclable) packing materials and less printed documentation. To make them more appealing, the Hybrids will be available in six jewel-like colors (emerald, quartz, ruby, sapphire, slate, and topaz) plus bamboo (do we sense a theme here?).

Under the hood, the Hybrids will sport either Intel Pentium Dual Core or Core 2 Duo processors, up to 4 GB of RAM, up to a 320 GB hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, one IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port, either an 8× DVD±RW drive or 6× Blu-ray/DVD/CD combo drive (both slot-loading), , optional 802.11n Wi-Fi, and gigabit Ethernet. The Hybrids will feature HDMI and DVI output, S/PDIF audio output, and an optional TV tuner. The systems will run Intel GMA X3100 graphics.

The Dell Studio Hybrids are available today on Dell’s Web site and should land at retailers "this fall." Prices start at $499…although by the time customers trick one out with a 320 GB drive, 4 GB of RAM, a Blu-ray drive, and a 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the price rapidly climbs above $1,500.