Skip to main content

Dell Unveils Studio Notebook Line

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."

Recommended Videos

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.

Topics
Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Dell’s wireless, magnetic webcam fixes the eye contact problem in video calls
dell project pari magnetic webcam helps make eye contact concept 4

Dell has revealed Concept Pari, a completely wireless webcam that just happens to magnetize to surfaces. This isn't the first wireless webcam in existence, but Dell's implementation feels particularly magical, especially in regard to how it tries to establish eye contact.

Part of the appeal is its size. It weighs just one ounce and slots easily into its USB-C dock above Dell's monitor, where it can also charge wirelessly. Having seen the device in person, it really was remarkable just how light and small this webcam was.

Read more
Kensington’s StudioDock lets an iPad replace your desktop, not your laptop
The Kensington StudioDock in landscape orientation.

Many people call the iPad Pro a "laptop alternative," and when it's used with a keyboard case and the latest software, there's no doubt it's a highly capable work machine. But have you ever considered the iPad Pro as a desktop replacement? Probably not, but when it's fitted to Kensington's extravagant, stylish, and very versatile StudioDock, that's exactly what it becomes. It’s unquestionably expensive, but as we'll find out, the price is surprisingly reasonable when you examine its functionality.

As the iPad evolves to become as much of a work machine as a play machine, it could be exactly what you’re looking for if your iPad stays mostly at home.
Hold my iPad
An alternative to buying a keyboard case for your iPad is to use a Bluetooth keyboard instead. You don’t have to carry it around if you don’t need it — a problem with Apple’s excellent Magic Keyboard — and the typing experience is often much improved, ready to make good use of the iPad’s now undeniable productivity skills. The problem is, you need to prop your iPad up to use a Bluetooth keyboard, and the height and angle provided by a regular folio case is rarely optimal.

Read more
Dell unveils a new XPS 13, and it’s now way more powerful
dell xps 13 9310 specs price release date 03

The best 13-inch laptop just got more powerful. Dell announced an update to the XPS 13 (9310), bringing 11th-generation Intel processors into the fold for the first time.

The 11th-gen Tiger Lake processors should provide a significant boost in performance. We've tested an early pre-production model from Intel, and Tiger Lake is a seriously impressive boost in performance. Despite being limited to just four cores and eight threads, these new Tiger Lake-powered laptops should be far better at tasks such as photo and video editing. We've tested the performance in an early pre-production unit, and the results were impressive.

Read more