Dell Studio Laptop Review

As some of you may know, I am a freelance writer.  After months of saving my writing income, I was able to have enough to buy the laptop of my dreams.  I purchased a Dell Studio 17" laptop computer in the color Ruby Red.  Yeah me!  I have put off writing my review on my new laptop until I was certain that it would continue working efficiently.

I am pleased to share my experience with my Dell Studio 17" laptop computer.  I selected this computer for many reasons, but the main thing I liked about it was it's size.  I didn't want a small laptop.  I wanted a laptop computer with a full size keyboard, that included the number key pad.  If you remember, laptop computer didn't use to have a full size keyboard, the key pad was not always included.  But I really liked the full size keyboard and wide screen size of my Dell Studio 17" laptop computer.  When I type on it (which is every single day) it doesn't feel like I'm using a cramped laptop computer.  It feels just as comfortable as a standard desktop computer.

My Dell Studio 17" laptop computer has a nice sized built in mouse area, which is much easier to use than most laptop mouse areas.  I have since purchased a separate external mouse (read review here) but my original built in mouse was easy to use.

Because I do all my research from home, I needed a reliable anti-virus software.  My Dell  Studio 17" laptop computer came with 15 months of Trend anti-virus protection.  This anti-virus software is the smoothest running anti-virus program I have ever used!!!  I've noticed that a lot of anti-virus software really slows down a computer when it's running updates or scanning for viruses.  Trend doesn't do this at all & is virtually silent while it runs.

Aside from the Trend anti-virus software, my Dell Studio 17" laptop computer also came with a 90 day trial sample of Microsoft Works 9.0.  I've enjoyed trying out the different activities in Microsoft Works 9.0, and would probably never been able to try it out if it weren't for it being included on my new laptop.

Windows Vista Home Premium was pre-loaded into my Dell Studio 17" laptop computer.  I had never used Windows Vista Home Premium, but have found it easy to use and similar to Windows XP, but with better graphics.

This laptop was only available in a Ruby Red color, but I like it very much.  You only see the Ruby Red color when my laptop is closed, the rest of the time you only see the silver and black colors of the keyboard and monitor display.  The Ruby Red is on the back side of the monitor, and isn't bright and flashy.  The finish is more of a matte' which makes it easy to keep clean and looking nice.  You don't see fingerprints or smudges on the surface like you would if it was metal or some other shiny surface.

The Dell Studio 17" laptop computer has FOUR USB Ports!  I can have my chill pad plugged in, my optical mouse plugged in, and still have two empty USB ports available.  This means I could load the pics from my digital camera at the same time I'm doing other things, and STILL have one more open USB port.  When I first got this computer, I didn't think having four USB ports was that big of a deal, but now I think it is a great feature.

I had never owned a laptop computer before I got my Dell.  I LOVE THE FREEDOM & MOBILITY THAT COMES WITH A LAPTOP!  I can work in the dining room and be near the kids, I can work outside while the kids play, and I can pick my laptop up and take it with me when I travel.  This particular Dell model has a very long battery life.  I can't remember the exact battery time, but it usually lasts between 6-7 hours for me.  When the battery begins to run low, a small light flashes on to alert me that I only have 30 minutes or so left on the battery.  Then I have plenty of notice that I need to finish what I'm doing and take it and plug it in.  I can continue working on it while it recharges too.

Now, I am the first to admit that i don't really understand everything about computers.  I don't know what a GB is or if that's a good thing.  I'm going to be listing the key specifications of my Dell 17" laptop computer exactly as they are shown displayed on the box.  These key specifications include:

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.0GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB)
• 4GB memory
• 320GB Hard drive
• Slot-loading DVD+/-RW (Plays and creates CDs and DVDs)
• Next-Gen Wireless-N mini card
• Intel GMA 4500MHD Integrated graphics
• Integrated webcam
• 9 cell battery
• Premium ruby red finish
• Windows Vista Home Premium with SPI (64 bit)
• Microsoft Works 9.0
• Trend Micro Internet Security (15 months)
• Facial recognition technology
• 1 year limited hardware warranty

I have been extremely pleased with my purchase of the Dell 17" laptop computer, and would be lost without it.  I don't know the specific weight, but it's light enough that I can carry it easily, but not so lightweight that I have to worry about it accidentally sliding off of the table.

Bottom Line - This laptop has absolutely everything I need in a computer and then some.  It was pretty easy to set up the first time, and this is coming from someone who really doesn't understand the in's and out's of computers at all.   I found my Dell 17" laptop computer on sale at Best Buy for somewhere between $ 800.00 - $ 850.00.  I thought that was an excellent price for a computer that came with so many little extras and I would highly recommend it.