Dell Studio Hybrid PC reviewed. Verdict: Good, except for weak graphics

The Studio Hybrid PC, Dell's surprisingly attractive answer to the Mac Mini, turns out good. Wired's Rock Broida says it looks great, comes with HDMI as standard, and handles high-def video just fine. Moreover, it doesn't use much power, meaning you can leave it on permanently without knocking a $10 chunk out of your wallet every month.

Problems include the fact that it's too basic in its $500 base config. You'll double that adding all the goodies that make it the perfect all-in-one DVR, Blu-Ray player and game console. It's also not a very good game console, either, thanks to its puny integrated video: I hope you like MAME, son. Also, it's noiser than it should be.

Review: Dell Studio Hybrid PC Goes Green To Tangle With The Mac Mini [Wired]

[#1 posted by dculberson , September 9, 2008 6:44 AM]

The pretty bamboo case is also startlingly expensive; it's a $130 add-on. Ouch.

[#2 posted by Rob Beschizza , September 9, 2008 8:04 AM]

I know. Consume your way to climate change! $130!

There's no reason to get it, as the standard casing is contextually a lot more attractive: doesn't the bamboo fight the plastic fascia, design-wise?

[#3 posted by dculberson , September 9, 2008 10:49 AM]

Yes, the bamboo doesn't really "fit." But it would coordinate with my bent plywood couch! unlike the welded aluminum coffee table... Or the horrible melange of other furniture... But two matching things!

No, I'm not going to buy it.

[#4 posted by Not a Doktor , September 9, 2008 3:42 PM]

I'm sure a Ben Heck follower could be able to mod it for me, right?

[#5 posted by Anonymous , October 18, 2008 10:48 AM]

got one dell outlet core 2 duo for 388 shipped
yes the graphics are weak x3100 but isnt that better than a mac minis?
can't beat the energy savings yearly will pay in itself.

Truly is a hybrid running at 30-40watts.
Good enough for my media pc for my large plasma streaming content.