Computer maker Dell has introduced two Studio XPS notebooks at this year’s CES show, the Studio XPS 16 and Studio XPS 13, both aiming to put high performance and stylish design into computer buyers’ hands. Both models feature an obsidian black finish with leather and anodized aluminum accents, along with slot-loading optical drive and edge-to-edge displays.
Leading the pack, the Dell Studio 16 XPS sports a 16-inch 16:9 display, available in either “HD” (1,366 by 768) or “Full HD” (1,920 by 1,080) configurations—the latter of which can support 1080p video playback. The systems offer Intel Core 2 Duo processors ranging from 2.2 to 2.8 GHz, up to 8GB of RAN, up to 500 GB of hard drive storage (an SSD is available as an option), and either an 8×DVD burner or 4×Blu-ray player/DVD burner. The graphics are powered by an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3670 graphics controller with 512 MB of video memory, and the systems pack 802.11n and Bluetooth wireless options, and mobile broadband solutions are available for Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T networks. The systems also sport two USB 2.0 ports (plus one combo USB/eSATA port with PowerShare); VGA, DisplayPort, and HDMI video output; gigabit Ethernet, a 2 megapixel Webcam, an IEE 1394 a port, an ExpressCard/54 slot, and an integrated 8-in-1 media card reader. The XPS Studio 16 is available today at prices starting at $1,199…although by the time you pump up the processor, pack in the RAM, and add Blu-ray the price tag goes over $2,500.
In a somewhat smaller package, the Dell Studio XMS 13 offers users a choice of high performance graphics or conserving battery power via optional Nvidia GeForce 9500M GE graphics with hybrid SLI graphics: dial it back for surfing the Web or handling email, or crank it up for high-definition video and gaming. The systems offer a 13.3-inch HD WXGA display with an integrated 2 megapixel Web cam, Intel Core 2 Duo processors (from 2.2 to 2.5 GHz), support for up to 4 GB of RAM, hard drives up to 500 GB (an SSD option is available), an 8× dual layer DVD burner, plus Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile broadband options. The systems offer a USB port and a combo USB/eSATA PowerShare port, IEEE 1394a, an 8-in-1 media card reader, plus VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort outputs. Again, prices start at $1,199, and escalate fairly quickly one users start adding power and options.
