SlashGear

Dell have officially announced the Studio Hybrid mini desktop PC, powered by Intel’s Core 2 Duo T8100 Penryn processor and starting from $499.  Gigabit ethernet, HDMI and DVI video outputs and 1GB of RAM are standard for the Vista machine, with slot-loading Blu-ray a $250 option and draft-N WiFi a $70 option.  PC Magazine has already reviewed the Hybrid, describing it as “stylish, compact and unburdened by crapware”; however they also criticised the lack of expansion potential (particularly the inability to spec a separate graphics card) and the fact that a large chunk of the cost is for the attractive design.

Graphics are of the integrated variety, courtesy of Intel’s X3100, and storage is available in up to 320GB from a SATA 5,400rpm HDD.  The Hybrid will support up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM and has five USB 2.0 ports, a 4-pin FireWire port, S/P DIF output and analog in/out sockets.  A USB TV tuner will be available direct from Dell, and the price does not include a display.

The Dell Studio Hybrid is available to order today in seven different colors/finishes, each an interchangeable plastic ’sleeve’: Bamboo (at a $130 premium), Emerald, Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, Slate, and Topaz.  It measures 196.5 x 71.5 x 211.5mm and weighs in at 2.18kg (including the stand).