Dell STUDIO 15 (dncwba1) PC Notebook

Note: I've updated this since returning the orginally reviewed one and ordered another, beefier, Dell 1558--this one has a 1Gb ATI Radeon HD4850 graphics card, Soundblaster software sound, bluetooth, 4Gb memory, and 3 years McAfee Antivirus--for about $250 more. Skip to the END to see the Difference.  Although I used $400 in credit card rewards, the "straight total cost" was $982.


                       
                                                                                   INTRODUCTION

     I like to start things off with a bang, so the Dell Studio 1558, with the new-for-2010 Intel Core i3 processor, was a very natural fit for me.  I've always kept up with the very latest in tech, but usually settled for last year's creme de la creme, at great prices. In this instance, I was able to utilize Dell's Employee Purchase Program, as well as some other discounts & specials, to get exactly what I would minimally settle for. To boot, I was able to use my American Express credit card rewards, so it was just the "cherry" on top!
                                                                                      BACKGROUND

     When I first set out to get a new laptop, I aimed for an Intel Core 2 Duo as a minimum.  For 6 years, I've enjoyed an IBM Thinkpad X-22--a legendary, durable 800 Mhz unit that has been doing daily duty, and is still going strong. However, it does look clunky, dated, and it is more cost-effective to buy a new laptop than to drop in a few hundred to max out the memory and repair the screen, which has a loose hinge, as well as try to play "catch-up," when I could just put that money towards a more future-looking device.  So I kept checking the resources cited in "How to Find Computers & Electronics Deals Online" to zero-in on a good deal on this configuration.

                                                                                   SPECIFICATIONS

     My particular unit came with the entry-level Intel Core i3-330M 2.13 Ghz processor, with 3 Mb of cache, 3 Gb shared dual-channel 1066 Mhz RAM memory, a 15.6" 720P LED screen with "TrueLife" and 2MP camera, and a 250 Gb Sata 7200rpm hard drive. I chose the i3-330M over the 350M because of the tiny performance difference--in a laptop, the money is better spent on a faster hard drive (7200rpm vs. 5400rpm), for a performance boost.  There is so much else included, that I'm just going to professionally copy and paste it from my invoice!

Standard Keyboard (I didn't choose backlighting, a $25 option)
15.6 inch High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife and Camera
Dell Webcam Software 1.4 Application Kit
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD, with HDMI-out
250GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Disk Drive
DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
Dell Connect 2.1
DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
Dell Support Center Software 64 Bit 2.0
Windows Live Search,Multiple User Interface
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit, English
Dell, Software, Wild Tangent Inc Games
Cozi-Calendar
eBay Webslice
Skype VOIP Application (this is my first time noticing this!)
ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
Dell Software,Roxio 1.0
Cyberlink Power DVD 8.3 Playback
SLOT-LOADING 8X DVD /-RW Dual Layer Drive
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.2
Dell Wireless 1501 (wireless B/G/N)
Dell Dock Consumer (this must be software, I did not get a physical dock)
MCAFEE PEARL MUI,30DAY,Without Media (antivirus)
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Microsoft Works 9.0, English For Inspiron (installed, and on disc, for restoral purposes)

                                                                                               FIRST IMPRESSIONS 

     First of all, the local Fedex carried on as if the laptop was being delivered by Secret Service convoy--they REFUSED to let my wife pick it up, insisted that I call the 800 number and get the tracking number (I picked it up a day before the scheduled delivery), and then would only give the tracking number to the FEDEX employee, who then had to state her EMPLOYEE NUMBER!!! I can definitely appreciate the lengths taken to ensure that my package arrived in the right hands, but it was still funny! I'm surprised they didn't photograph me and take my fingerprints!

     The box was much smaller than I expected-which I can appreciate due to the environmental savings-and it was well-protected. I chose "black chainlink" as a finish, and it is quite handsome.  The unit is sleek (10" X 14.6", with a height from 1" to 1.5," resulting in a slight wedge shape--more of a slate, really) and light (5.54 lbs);it is slightly lighter than my X-22 with the "media slice"/dock.

     The glossy hi-def screen is readable from extreme horizontal angles-about 180 degrees each way-and about the same, vertically, from below-center. However, it's best to view it straight-on, as there is some "fade-out" when viewing the screen from above; larger and darker text is still readable, however, but keep in mind that I'm using the integrated graphics solution--$75 more would've netted me a powerful, discrete graphics card.

There aren't any connections in the back. The power cord is of a straight design, that's thicker & longer than my Thinkpad X-22's (which cracked), and sticks out of the right side; I initially felt that it was an accident waiting to happen (and hoped for the magnetically-attached power cords the Macbooks come with), but after comparing the two, feel much more secure. The 4-hour observed battery life gives me some reassurance here, though (there are myriad power and illumination options, including a "battery saver" setting, that can extend the life beyond 4 hours. At my current usage, I will have had 4.5 hours of web browsing with 6 tabs open between Firefox and Google Chrome).  Next to the power cord is 1 of 2 USB 2.0 ports, the slot for the DVD-burner, the multi-card reader (SD, SDIO, MMC, MS, etc), and the 34mm Express-card slot; the power button is smartly integrated into the right hinge, and has a glowing ring.  On the other side is a combined USB/E-Sata port, the IEEE1394 firewire port, 2 headphone jacks, a microphone jack, an HDMI-out jack, standard monitor port, ethernet jack, and a slot for notebook security devices, such as cables.  

                                                                                                        SOUND 

     Although I only have the integrated sound, the unit comes with an SRS premium sound system, with a "subwoofer."  It sounds quite good--in my limited experience with laptops (and my considerable experience with car & home audio, and  desktop sound systems), it's the best I've heard in a laptop.  It fills an entire large classroom, and actually has feelable bass (sometimes I feel like I have a mini "boombox," hehe!) There are lots of options, and I had to enable the "quadraphonic" sound to hear the 4-speaker effects.  It can get pretty loud, but you have to adjust the right options.  The soundbar extends almost across the entire length, right above the F-keys, and gives the Studio 1558 a unique, formidable appearance. Dedicated keys near it have playback controls, including volume and mute.  Movies and music sound very, very good with this unit.

                                                                                            MORE ON THE SCREEN 

     The 720P high-definition, glossy screen is a thing of beauty--under the right lighting conditions. It is not a "matte" finish, so there are lots of reflections, and it won't be very usable in direct sunlight; however, I was able to use it fine in a shaded area of the top row of outside stadium bleachers, under a blazing summer sun, surprisingly.  My X-22 is a better performer under bright light conditions (ed--only a very slight increase in the color saturation setting DRAMATICALLY improved the viewability, under all situations, and from all angles; it also helps to make sure the brightness is high enough, which reduces reflections).  When you are watching movies, however, there is a deep, 3-dimensional-like effect.  While watching the output on a projector, the contrast with the screen image was dramatic, and striking.  I can only imagine what the optional graphics cards would do to improve this (ed--I found that it's usually quite difficult-if not impossible-to change this option after you've ordered a laptop;they're usually soldered to the motherboard).  However, there were times that online text wasn't that sharp (this was with the 720P resolution), but lowering the resolution didn't help this. I will update this as I investigate more (ed--after enabling Clear Type, and playing with some other options, the text looks crisp and clear). Now, I did notice what appeared to either be a few dead pixels, or some dust under the screen--dabbing the screen lightly with a soft cloth appeared to move a random, red speck around, which then disappeared. This takes great strain to even notice, however, so I accept this--it looks like an extremely slight, very, very slim, hairlike grease smudge. 99.9% of the time, I don't notice this, and it might be an artifact or effect of the LED technology. My X-22's screen is still going strong, after 6 years of daily use (and having bought it used off of Ebay); it's 8-9 years tough!
                                                                                                  PERFORMANCE 

     This unit is a BEAST!  With modest specifications (I can add another 6Gb of system memory, when I free up the 1Gb being shared with the integrated graphics and drop in 5 additional Gb's).  Boot-up seems to be about 30 seconds, by the seat-of-my-pants.  Everything moves right along, and I was able to play Guitar Hero 3 with only a slight-to-moderate lag (with integrated graphics)!!! By comparison, my recent dual-core desktop (with Athlon X2-4200 , 256Mb GeForce 8600GT card, and 2 Gb extreme Corsair dual-channel RAM (with chrome heatsinks!)) runs the game flawlessly; then again, it has a 425 Watt extremely high-spec power supply. 

     It has a Windows 7 Experience Index rating of "4.2," held back almost solely by the integrated graphics (your lowest score becomes your overall one); it would have a minimum score of "4.9," were I to put in a discrete graphics card, obliterating my latest desktop. A $75-200 investment would make this a moderate gaming laptop.

                                                                                                   WHAT ELSE? 

The Dell Studio 1558 comes with a number of other "goodies."  The standard wireless-N card connects quickly and efficiently with my home network, my portable router when I'm out-and-about, and I can finally utilize the AT & T wireless hotspots in Starbucks and elsewhere (I didn't want to invest the money to make my X-22 compatible).  The 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium works pretty well--read my review to get the gist of it.  I haven't tried the online backup/storage, but it's nice to know it's there.  I haven't tried the webcam, so I can't comment on that; haven't tried Skype either.  The keyboard feels better than the Inspirons I've tried, which felt too flimsy, but not as robust as my X-22's--adequate.  The touchpad is responsive and uses gestures to enable zooming and scrolling; I prefer my Microsoft wireless mouse, however, and find myself missing the X-22's infamous thumbstick. I have to get used to the thick screen hinges, but they appear to be a lot more substantial than most laptops'.  The unit never gets even perceptibly warm, whereas the X-22's mediaslice attachment served as a heat buffer, and most laptops get uncomfortably hot.  The power supply only draws 65 watts, so I could even use my 2nd car power inverter, which doesn't have enough juice to charge my X-22.  These last 2 features are incredible--faster, sleeker, lighter, and cooler.  The power supply itself does get a bit hot, so I ensure that it's not near anything flammable.  You can also put in a SIM card, to add cellular connectivity, where supported by your wireless carrier (I thought that was pretty extreme!)  There are several internal slots for options such as bluetooth, which can make up for the lack of additional USB ports.

                                                                                                   CONCLUSION 

      The Dell Studio 1558 is a media powerhouse, at a great value.  It is a large step up from the Inspiron, and has style and features to suit demanding people--from students to astute professionals.  With the latest Intel Core iX processors, as well as powerful graphics and sound solutions, one would be hard-pressed to go wrong.  Now if only it had at least 1 more USB port, a 90-degree power cord in the back, or a magnetic cord attachment, it would be near-perfect. I can accept that a thing this gorgeous is going to attract fingerprints--I just keep a suitable cleaning cloth (Fellowes "Perfect Clean") handy. There are more than a few things I'm able to quickly do (like transferring photos and videos from my class 6 secure digital card which is being hampered by a virus on my main rig, preventing my camera from connecting), and I really enjoyed watching "Lord of the Rings" with my daughter last night, on the couch.  Several people have assumed that this is a $3,000 laptop--that's the impression it gives, at one-fifth the price!  I'm giving this a "4.75/5.0" rating. 

                                                                                   IT'S A WHOLE NEW BALLGAME NOW!!!

     As it happened, the DVD drive ceased to display a picture. Combined with my chagrin at not ordering the unit with better graphics and sound, and having the slight screen defect, I decided to return it and order what I REALLY wanted!  Here's a quick synopsis of my experience so far..!
ARE YOU SARIOUS???

Everything is much quicker, as you might imagine.  The extra gigabyte of main memory is doing wonders, and the processor is now freed from handling graphics duties (and sound, somewhat); the main memory is also no longer encumbered with these comparatively menial tasks.  I didn't think the sound could get any better, but it is clearer, and doesn't even show a HINT of distortion; there are also MANY MORE OPTIONS in the sound processing department--soundfield effects, bass "room correction," "Crystal-X" sound enhancement, and a few others. I will mention that I had to download the Soundblaster sound driver (from Dell) and reinstall it, as it seemed to lose the "bass" after I tinkered with the settings too much;this restored it to its former glory, though--in about 45 seconds, including the reboot.  This performance boost also makes it get a little warm, but it's never uncomfortable, and always cool enough to touch or keep in your lap.  I was able to comfortably keep it in my lap and take notes for a meeting for an hour, and it seemed more balanced on my lap than the previous one.  You will never need a "laptop cooler," as long as it doesn't run awry.

                                                                                                    THE SCREEN!!!

    The SCREEN now looks AMAZINGLY CLEAR--ALL THE TIME, regardless of the angle; it is an ABSOLUTE JOY to use!  Text and graphics are clear in all applications.  This is the MOST STRIKING ASPECT.  It appears to have some kind of precious coating, and has a certain reflective quality that is not distracting, but COMPELLING--it actually magnetically DRAWS you into the screeen. And there are absolutely NO dead pixels--PERIOD!!! 

                                                                                                   STRUCTURALLY


    Compared to my X-22, this unit does NOT say "TOUGH," so much as it says "ELEGANT"--I find myself constantly concerned about someone bumping into or otherwise "injuring" it.  And whereas the X-22 has a rubberdized exterior that is easy to grip and a locking clasp, this unit is pretty, sleek, and kind of slippery; I haven't dropped it, but it's not something you want to toss around, and there's no locking clasp.  This version has an E-SATA port that also doubles as a (tested working) USB 2.0 port--that means this has 3 USB ports.  It also makes me unsure if the original unit had the same, but as far as I can remember, it only had a single-purpose E-SATA port.  The other difference is the power supply--whereas the first one had a traditional BRICK, this one came with a slim power supply.  It has a cool blue LED running around the end of the power cable, indicating that it's plugged-in (an important safety feature); there's also an LED on the slimmer brick, and a button you can press on the battery compartment which shows the battery charge in LEDs, without turning on the unit! In addition, the shape factor allows you to more easily wrap the cord (which detaches into 2 pieces) around the main unit, and store it without producing a bulge in your bag.  It also doesn't get NEARLY as warm as the original one.  I REALLY like this power supply!  Lastly, this unit is a bit heavier than the original, but feels more balanced and substantial in my lap--it now is about the same weight as my X-22 with the media slice attachment. This is still remarkable for the power this thing packs, and actually fills out my laptop backtop better.  And you know what? This one even resists fingerprints much more than the other one--as if it has some kind of "magic" coating!
                                                                                                         CRYSIS

   This is the part you've been waiting for--isn't it?  The MEAT.  HECK, It's the reason I'm writing this now!  I loaded up Crysis yesterday (for the uninitiated, Crysis is the game that all the major magazines use as a BENCHMARK for POWER DESKTOP SYTEMS!  It has brought down ridiculously-configured systems-with OODLES of memory, beefed-up power supplies, multiple graphics cards, exotic liquid cooling-YOU NAME IT-to their KNEES)!!!  I went into the settings, and clicked the button to have the game scan my system to automatically find the best settings to make the game playable.  And you know WHAT???  It came back, and set EVERY SINGLE SETTING to HIGH!!!  For comparison, my recent desktop build had to have everything set to MEDIUM, if I recall correctly.  Keep in mind, this is with a screen setting of 720P High-Definition.  And although I haven't loaded the free FRAPS application (it measures the frames-per-second), I was able to move around with RIDICULOUS EASE in the game.  My desktop was doing up to 35 fps, so I estimate this is doing AT LEAST 60 FPS!!!   Going into the Windows Experience Rating, it came back with an overrall "4.9" rating--again, it goes by the lowest rating, which was given for "desktop performance for Windows Aero" (who cares about THAT???).  The next lowest score was a tie--"5.9" for hard disk and memory, with a "6.2" for 3-D business and gaming graphics (now THIS is IMPORTANT!!!), and the same for the processor.  This product now rates a "perfect 5.0."  'Nuff said!

Update--Guitar Hero III:

    The game now plays with ZERO lag!!! I just scored a 98% on "Slow Ride" on the "easy" setting, with an 82-note streak (I just woke up from a nap); this is using the X-Box360 guitar with a USB adapter. Although my fastest, dual-core desktop (2.2 Ghz Athlon X2 with 2 Gb Corsair dual-channel Ultra Ram and GeForce 8600GT card with 256Mb GDDR3 RAM) seems to play it perfectly, as well, this seems to add just a hint of playability--it might just be that it's "OVERqualified!!!"


UPDATE III: Sound and Speech Recognition


It's been a few weeks now, and a few things worth mentioning have "popped up."  This is a VERY sophisticated machine, so the chances of some of the higher-end components butting heads with each other (as well as the still-a-babe Windows 7 operating system, which has not quite ironed out all of the Vista quirks) are "there."  In my case, I've had some "wonky" sound issues.  Also, I've discovered Windows 7's "speech recognition."  This is a serious "Hal Three-thousand" feature, but it seemed to cause the microphone array to become oversensitive, at times, which caused a high-pitched screech until I disabled the "listening" feature.
Sound
     
I'm using the "software" Soundblaster sound card--it's basically still utilizing the integrated, built-in sound on the motherboard, but some higher-end features and (sound) effects are enabled-but through software, not a discrete-separate physical device. Although it sounds better, and you have a LOT more sound options, it may be actually better for you to stick with the more basic integrated sound. Sometimes the abundant options (on top of the effects already available through Windows Media Player) may overwhelm you and over-process the sound, and some of the sound options are buried so deep in menu options in the control panel, that you might throw your hands up in frustration while attempting to "right" your sound. And although I haven't tried it, I'm pretty sure you can disable the X-Fi and use the basic, integrated sound, which sounds GREAT already.  For the hardcore audiophiles who actually enjoy tweaking their sound ad infinitum, I recommend you go for one of the hardware soundcard options (and one could always add an external sound card via USB to go this route, as well).  I will add that I was blown-away with the amount of deep, taut bass I experienced when I connected a pair of cheap, noise-cancelling headphones from Radio Shack ("Presidian" brand), although the various effects enabled made the higher notes more murky; I didn't have enough time to adjust the options to clarify the higher notes, but it completely blocked-out the ambient noise (screaming kids), which was my chief aim!

Speech Recognition(!)
     

I stumbled upon the speech recognition by accident--while just fumbling around.  During a recent lunch, I took 7 through the voice-training application, and learned a great deal (it was pretty fun, too).  You can start programs through the "Start" menu, dictate text in word processing applications, edit the text, dictate web sites to go to, open and close windows, and do quite a few things-hands-free-that are actually quite useful.  "OK! OK! Cancel! Next!" "W-W-W-Dot.Google.com" or "....G-O-O-G-L-E-DOT-C-O-M"  I don't remember everything, but it was fun.  What I experienced during this, however, was a high-pitched squeal (a bit painful) while working on the laptop later, and I couldn't play files in Windows Media Player.  I muted the sound, and had to choose "disable listening" for the microphone array, as well as under "Rec. Playback" under audio devices in the control panel.  This fixed this issue. You can say "Start listening" or "Stop listening" any time, to control the speech recognition.  And I guess it makes sense, but playing music (or even having a modicum of ambient noise) will be detected and interfere with this feature. It's still pretty new to me, but there are some Alienesque feature to limit the detection range of the microphones (in the control panel).  And apparently, one can listen to an Ipod or other music device-through the microphone(s), and have it play back through the laptop's speakers.  I'm unsure why someone would want to do this, instead of simply plugging it into the microphone jack (I guess it works as sort of an amplifier), but the amenity exists.  I guess it's a natural extension of the phrase "If you build it, they will come," whatever that means, hehe! 

     LONG TERM UPDATE...

It's been a few months now, and I have much more experience "under the hood," so to speak.  I only just tonight found a suitable rolling case-a Targus I got at "Target" (who'da thunk?)-with enough protection; if you hurry, you can still get it for $25.  This is key, as it seems people seem to get REALLY ANIMATED when they get around this unit--waving their hands around seemingly 20% more than usual (and farther), getting closer and closer to it, and poking at the screen; it's like it's a "magnet" for clumsy people, or merely an enabler. My solution was to just have to close the screen down from time to time--just to avoid having a CORONARY!!!

They Just Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To..! 

The sad conclusion I came to is laptops these days just aren't built NEARLY as sturdily as those of yore.  Again, I fearlessly tossed my X-22 around, and rarely had to worry about it being "targeted."  Docked into its base, the X-22 looked kind of chubby, and it RARELY attracted any attention, unless I "slipped it into its sexy evening clothes," and undocked it, revealing its extremely svelte lines--if anything, it evoked dumb looks and even dumber verbalizations; little did I know this was like an "insurance policy," erasing the vast majority of my concerns.  On the other hand, this Dell attracts fashionable, sexy, avant-garde people which you can leverage (ERM!) any way you please (and PLEASE be RESPONSIBLE)!  And, any case, some of the cost (and corner)-cutting started to become apparent.

The Dirty Details

Before getting the rolling case (which stated it could accomodate units up to 15.4 inches), I had basically gently crammed this Dell into either my Microsoft laptop backpack (which had PLENTY of front and rear protection, but was mostly leaving it vulnerable at the TOP), or my classic leather case (a similarly snug fit). I soon noticed that, since this unit doesn't have a locking clasp, it made an annoying little "clap" as I carried it--regardless of whether I held it top, or bottom-up.  Closer examination revealed that the right side no longer closed completely flush, which the other did; this may've been due to some compression, but I was always careful as to not have much pressure put on it.  Also, I began to notice that resting my right palm on the unit started causing a bit of a creaking noise--the plastic parts started asserting their existences (again, never an issue with the bulletproof X-22); I will admit that I have VERY heavy hands, however.  There was also some flex on the right side of the back of the monitor, with very little pressure applied--this didn't affect the screen image in any way, however, but it made me strongly question how protected the screen was.  I also noticed how sensitive the screen was to any vibration (though it seemed par for the course, when I compared it with other, late-model, laptops and netbooks); I draw comfort (and am chagrined) that the unusual hinge design ensures that the screen will never get so loose that it pivots below a viewable angle (which also means, conversely, that you canNOT fold it back 180 degrees and hang it on a wall, for example, like the X-22. And I guess the apparent lack of structural integrity is a small price to pay for the prodigious performance and light weight--as long as you ensure you have it properly protected! 

Windows 7 Growing Pains?

I've had a few run-ins with Microsoft's latest offering lately.  A few weeks ago, it started taking about 2 minutes to boot (about 4 times longer).  It had to do a "repair" boot twice, and it even claimed that my password was "wrong."  I was going to induce a system restore, when it automatically (and successfully) repaired itself  It still takes longer to boot, however, and the restore uninstalled a Canon printer driver.  This might suggest a driver issue, but Canon's website stated that this driver was made for 64-bit Windows 7 machines.  Windows 7 is clearly still in the early stages, and some "kinks" need to be worked out.  And several times, after hibernating the system, it would have a nearly-drained battery upon reboot--something seemed to be leaching the power. Program performance doesn't seem to be affected, however, but summer heat has caused some noticeable heat coming through a circular area in the middle of the keyboard, at times, about 3.5 inches in diameter. It doesn't make me uncomfortable, but it is a change--it may be a reflection of the changed power settings, as well (I have it set to power saving/extending mode). While we're on the software subject, I am DELIGHTED to report that Adobe Photoshop 7.0 AND the highly-acclaimed Nero 6.6  CD/DVD Recording Software ("Reloaded") are running splendidly on this 64-bit machine!!! It feels like I've just barely discovered the power of Photoshop (and I've used it fairly extensively for YEARS)--withOUT having to pay the price of another upgrade!

In any case, (in performance and appearance), the Dell Studio 1558 continues to impress, and will increase your productivity and creativity!

The Dell Studio 1558 makes me feel like doing THIS! 

Here are a few of my fave reviews-- 

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Tom Muzila's new book-Mental Karate 
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Microsoft Vista Home Premium 
Ahead Nero Ultra v.6 CD/DVD-burning software 
Rubbermaid Soap-dispensing Dish Wand 
Tomtom One 3rd ed. GPS 
Whistler XTR-330 Radar Detector 
Kenwood KDC-MP435U CD/MP3 Car Stereo


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