Dell has at least lifted the veil on its Studio line of notebook computers, a new line of 15- and 17-inch notebooks aimed at folks who want to take their high-definition entertainment, computing, communications—and creativity—with them wherever they go. Available in a wide range of configurations, the Studio line features up to Intel Core 2 Duo processors, an integrated Web cam, a new Dell Dock designed to keep applications organized, and an optional Blu-ray drive—plus, they’re available in a wide range of colors, from flamingo pink to jet black.
"People seeking stunning design, brilliant colors, and innovative new technology find inspiration in Dell’s new Studio brand," said Dell consumer sales and marketing VP Michael Tatelman, in a statement. "These products are built for today’s digital nomad based on the millions of conversations we have every year on dell.com, Ideastorm, and community forums. With Dell Studio we’re answering the call for personalization, connectivity and simplicity."
Dell lifted some design elements from its XPS line for the Studio notebooks, including capacitive touch media buttons, personalization features, slot-loading drives, and the option to have a mercury-free LCD screen. The Studio notebooks feature a new Dell Dock, a new application organizer that makes a user’s most frequently-used programs more accessible—and possibly harder to hide from the boss’s prying eyes. The idea is to save the hassle of finding and launching programs: the Dell Dock automatically organizes applications into "friendly" categories and tasks. The notebooks will also include Dell Video Chat (developed by SightSpeed), enabling folks to stay in touch using the integrated Web cam.
The Studio 15 sports a 1,280 by 800 LCD screen, either Intel GMA or ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450 graphics, 2 to 3 GB of RAM, a 160 to 250 GB hard drive, Windows Vista, and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Also on board: a 2 megapixel Web cam, 802.11b/g or draft-n Wi-Fi, four USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI connector, VGA output, gigabit Ethernet, a 4-pin IEEE 1394 port, and a 54mm ExpressCard slot. The Studio 17s sport a 1,440 by 900 pixel display and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 graphics. Both systems are available with a variety of case and add-on options, including Blu-ray drives, wireless broadband.
Prices for the Studio 15 start at $799; pricing on the Studio 17 start at $999. Both are available today from Dell, and will hit retailers in the next few days.
