I like my Dell Studio PC 17.  I needed a bigger screen for my at home job and this computer works great.  The screen is big enough for what I need.  It is easy to use.  Computer was a pricey, but Dell has great deals on used computers.  It is larger than most PC, but a 17 inch is going to be.  Weight wise I think it is comparable to other 17 inch laptops.  I owned an HP prior to this and it seems my HP was slightly heavier but I think they are about the same size.  The features are user friendly.  I am not a computer pro by any means and I am able to use this computer with out any problem.  The keyboard is nice and I like the extra side number panel.  Dell Studio is fast and works great when searching the internet.  I have also had numerous windows open for work and have not had any issue with slowness.  All in all I think this is a great laptop and serves all my needs.  It is durable and holds up to daily abuse quite well.

FTmom3

Selkirk, NY

I've had this laptop for one school year and it has been a great laptop. I got the backlight keyboard and it has worked me wonders while working in the dark. The laptop has a great design and seems like a great laptop to bring around to class, at home or at work. The problem is that I dropped it (not too high up) and the side broke off. Also, the buttons on my keyboard started coming off randomly and it has caused me a problem to click on the "6" button and the "shift" is currently becoming a little stiff.  My laptop started making random noises like a lawn mower at some point during my semester. I had no idea what the problem was and I was afraid that it was going to cause my problems and possibly even blow up... I think blew into the bottom of the laptop to try to air out the dust and it seemed to have helped. I have not seen anyone witness this problem but it may cause a slight problem for others.

brendanyuen1

Brooklyn, NY

In principal the Dell Studio 17 has the same advantages than the Studio 15. The 17 inch model basically differs by offering a bigger screen with higher resolution and therewith bigger desktop size, and by a keyboard with a separate number pad. The design of the Studio 17 is alike the Studio 15 user customisable. Many colour versions for the lid and a number of options regarding hardware, especially regarding CPU and hard disk, allow adjusting the notebook to your personal requirements. An advantage of the Studio 17 is its very bright LED display, which has a glossy surface, but an excellent contrast ratio of 818:1. Also the viewing angles of the reviewed WXGA+ panel are absolutely alright. The performance of the Studio 17 can be influenced by choosing a proper CPU. But, you can only choose between two different video solutions, an integrated Intel GMA X3100 or an ATI HD3650 graphics card. So, the user can either select a very limited 3D performance or a lower middle-class graphics card. However, the hardware of the Studio 17 is not appropriate for fast 3D graphics or smooth gaming. If you are interested in these application fields you should look for XPS models by Dell. The Dell Studio 17 is particularly suited for temperate multimedia use and a good choice if you consider a high-quality screen with high resolution important.

JackJack911

Eugene, OR

I purchased my Dell Studio 17 about a year and a half ago online.  I have health issues that have damaged my eyesight and I struggle with shaking hands and pain.  One of the main reasons I chose this laptop was because of the extra large screen.  It's just perfect and there are many things I wouldn't be able to do if I didn't have it.  I would like to be able to work outside on it but it is difficult to see the screen.  It also has a 10 key pad right on the laptop instead of having to use the top number keys or plug in and additional USB device.  I have had an issue with the original power cord bending and causing a short, so I did have to replace that but I think you get that with any laptop.  Overall, it has yet to fail me in what I want to do and I do everything online, including designing a website, blogging, e-mail, facebook, marketing etc.  I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a big screen.

rodeosgirl

Sharon Springs, KS

While not a techie myself, I am married to one.  When shopping for a laptop, I needed something that fit into my busy lifestyle.  At the time that I was shopping for laptops, I was working full-time, in graduate school full-time, house-hunting, looking up products and activities for my then-toddler and preparing for having our second baby.  I needed a laptop that was physically comfortable for me to use and could keep up with everything that was going on in my life.  I truly did find it in this product.  My husband guided me through the online purchasing process; which would not be very easy to do without him.  I really don't know the difference between different hard drives and battery options.  However, the finished product is a thing of beauty.  Now with two kids, I find that it's highly durable.

UCgirl02

Fairless Hills, PA

I received my Dell studio laptop as a birthday present.  I have not even begun to learn of all it has to offer.  So far, I love the 17 inch screen, the dynamic sound capabilities and the optional wireless mouse. I look forward to learning what fun my laptop has in store for me.

smphilly

Menomonie, WI

I purchased a new dell studio 17 laptop, 64 bit, Windows 7 - Home Edition back in March of 2010.  The price was very competitive compared to other brands and even to other dell choices.  I waited until they were making some great deals toward the end of a quarter.  I had to have the 17 inch screen.  In my opinion the screen size and graphics quality is one of the first things you have to have. The second thing to make sure you put in a Windows laptop is enough memory.  In this case with Windows 7, I feel 4gb is the minimum. I also recommend going with the 64 bit vs. the 32 bit.  64 bit will be the standard and will keep you running fast for years ahead.  32 bit is coming to an end.  You could always add more memory in the future, but there is no easy way to upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit a few years from now.  You would be buying a new PC instead. There are several versions of Windows 7.  For the average home user, the Home Premium Edition is enough which is what I purchased.  Do your research if you think you want to spend the extra to purchase the Professional edition or the Ultimate edition.  Most users will not need these extra features. Overall the construction is very high quality which I have found with almost all Dell PCs I have ever used.  It just feels solid the way the screen attachs to the CPU base.  This is a tough thing to know before hand when you are going through the build process on Dell or some competitor. Some of the other features included the JBL speakers which sound great.  The controls for sound and video are very convenient placed at top of keyboard near the monitor.  The touchpad which is greatly improved over previous I have used and the keyboard which has a great feel to it.  I can rest my hands comfortably next to touchpad and have been using this laptop without a mouse since I got it. Most PC makers will charge up front for the Microsoft Office Suite.  Compare the price Dell is offering to what you might be able to get on your own.  I prefer to get my own Office package and install on my own.  That way you can make a purchase at your choice of vendor and get best price, maybe reward points or an alternative to Microsoft. Another choice with Dell is the warranty.  I highly recommend the 3 or 4 year plan.  I have had Dell laptops for the last 15 years and had very few problems.  But when I do, the warranty and in house service has really saved me.  A Dell technician once had to install a new monitor 3 times until it functioned completely right on an old laptop of mine.  I was 3 years and 9 months into a 4 year warranty - but they stood behind the product and made sure the service got done right. The free McAfee Virus software you get is good for 3 months I think.  Don't renew directly from the free tiral that is installed.  Go and compare what's available out there and purchase on your own.  You most likely will get a better price.  Again you might be able to get reward points. Battery choice is another consideration and should be based on how long you think you will be away from the "office" or plug-in at a sitting.  In my case I took the baseline battery since I don't need the extra time and extra weight.  Batterys have improved over the last few years, but I recommend not putting too much money into up front.  They don't last forever and when they stop holding a charge, you may be buying one down the line anyways.  Comes with webcam, choices of DVD drives - in my case the baseline DVD read/write was enough for me.  There are Hard drive choices, the baseline was 500gb which was enough for me.  There are a lot of external storage choices that you can buy seperately that you can use on the home network, attach via USB or firewire.  Research that and buy seperately from the laptop. Connectors are plenty and there are USB, esata, firewire, external monitor, headphones, microphone ...  I wish there were more than 2 USB connections though. Consider the power plans you can adjust via Windows control panel.  This can dramatically affect your use of the battery and monitor.  It also affects the power consumption your laptop uses in your house.  In these days of Green, there is no need for your monitor to be lit up if you are not sitting there and actively working. A combination of the 64 bit and Windows 7 has dramatically increased the speed at startup and shutdown which is really nice. I have tried to review the specifics of this laptop along with some tips to consider when you purchase any laptop.  It is a challenging process, but with an organized approach and some research before you sit down to build, you can end up with a PC that will satisfy for years ahead. Overall I have been very satisfied and would recommend this laptop to everyone. Thanks

yarbinski

Gibsonia, PA