Compare Prices : Dell Studio Hybrid - Expert Reviews

Review summary: With its ovoid-cylindrical design, the Dell Studio Hybrid ($874 direct, $1,064 with 19-inch widescreen monitor) is a new twist on the small-form-factor PC. Its size, though, is reminiscent of others in that space, including the Apple Mac mini, and HP ...

Pros: No crapware. Compact. Energy efficient. Nice design. Customizable shells. Nice multimedia keyboard and mouse with back/forward buttons. Wireless networking (draft 802.11n).

Cons: Only a 30-day subscription to Internet Security. No internal expansion. Weak integrated graphics. External power brick.

Verdict: The Dell Studio Hybrid, one of the most design-forward PCs out there, is a competitor to the Mac mini and the HP Slimline PCs. It's stylish, compact, and unburdened by crapware.

Pros: Flexible design lets you customize appearance and positioning ; best combination of looks and specifications among supersmall desktops

Cons: Standard budget PCs offer better price-performance and more upgradeability ; laptops deliver better space economy with similar specifications for the dollar

Verdict: If you're considering all of the computers in the $700 to $1,000 price range, the Dell Studio Hybrid is not very compelling. However, if you limit yourself to the very specific niche of small PCs, you'll appreciate this system's clever design and its ...

Review summary: It's hard for us to recommend the Dell Studio Hybrid desktop for any practical purpose. As a desktop for productivity, you can get more bang-for-your-buck from a typical budget-priced midtower PC. And if your goal is either space-saving or using this ...