Dell has launched a range of colourful hardback book-sized Studio Hybrid desktop PCs aimed at conscientious consumers: they are "Dell's greenest, most power-efficient consumer desktop". As usual with this type of thing, they are based on Intel mobile technologies. Features include HDMI and optional Blu-ray drives.
US prices start at $499 (pus $35 shipping, plus taxes) for a system with Vista Home Basic SP1, no monitor and only 1GB of memory (a chunk of which will be snaffled by the graphics chip). Blu-ray costs a hefty $250 extra. And although Dell offers TV/DVR options, these are actually on USB sticks, not built in.
UK prices start at £529, including VAT and shipping. For some reason, the UK company has decided to upgrade the processor, hard drive (250GB), RAM (3GB) and operating system (Vista Premium) of the monitor-free version, which inflates the price, but it still wants another £30 for a coloured sleeve. Worse, taking the Customise option doesn't let you downgrade the spec, or opt for "No keyboard". Rip-off Britain strikes again? I expect £399 versions will appear when the initial rush dies down....
Correction! UK prices start at £399, reports CSClark in a comment below. And he has a link, otherwise I probably still couldn't find it....
The systems measure 196.5mm x 71.5mm x 211.5mm (with sleeve) and weigh 2.18kg with the (optional) stand.
Any takers?
