Dell Studio 17 review

Average user rating

2.3

terrible

Average user rating from 3 users

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Dell Studio 17 user reviews

December 9, 2008

Posted by: sandyc

"Avoid at all costs"

What I like:

the 17-inch screen and the hardware specs

What I don't like:

the system doesn't respond well, despite overall great specs

Review:

Where should I start? I have so many complaints. Note: I have used several Dell systems before, so I bought this system wanting to love it, or at least like it. I have also previously/currently owned/used Gateway, Toshiba, Sony Vaio, Acer (various models, depending on my company), MacBook, and of course, Dell.

1) My system specs
4 GB RAM
2.17 GHz
5400 rpm hard drive (7200 rpm is not available on this model)
3 year stinking extended international warranty (the only way you will get "guaranteed" tech support

2) My complaints
a) the original order got screwed up by Sales (Ana Molberg, Shauna Cassidy). Both were very nice pre and during sale (there was a problem with their online ordering, and therefore I contacted sales directly). However, post sale, they refused to take responsibility for NOT having included the bluetooth and remote control card options that I had requested. Why the heck is bluetooth even an option these days? In general, once the sales commission is made Dell WON'T HELP YOU.
b) I bought the system in the US. After a couple months of usage (I am a heavy user, and use my computers about 12-14 hours/day, 6-7 days/week), I have experienced a "Blue Screen" error. That's what the system calls it. It automatically shuts down the system and reboots in a continual loop. Yes, this is a Windows problem, but isn't it a possibility that it is also a hardware integration issue. I have never had this specific problem with other systems.

The Tech Support contact page on dell.com requires your Service Tag. Acc. to the pop up window, I am not allowed to contact Tech Support because my service tag shows that I bought the system outside of the US. What the heck?

c) Now for how the system actually works (a non-professional review, actual user review):
Really disappointing. WHY is it so slow? It should be snappy, and yet, its performance is plain sluggish. Real life performance with multiple programs and the Internet running at the same time. I use normal programs, like Excel or PPT, or maybe a Word doc, in conjunction with Firefox. I have kept my Firefox add-ons to a min, so that it doesn't overtax the system.

d) My wifi connection works faster on a 2005 Acer Aspire laptop than this supposed N wireless connection.

e) Also, the touch pad, despite adjustments from tech support, just isn't usable. I am forced to use a mouse always. Which means that I must have always provide a nice working surface for the mouse. Too many cables--mouse, battery, external hard drive. Why won't the Touch Pad respond as it's supposed to? I found this was a problem with previous Dell laptops, as well. However, none were as bad as the touchpad on the Dell Studio 17.

3) Is there anything I like? Well, the 17" screen isn't bad. No complaints after almost 4 months. Adjustable settings of how bright you want the screen is a nice touch.

4) Summary
Based on the reviews I read, I thought this would be an acceptable system for watching movies and videos when I needed a break from work. Since it is my largest screen (I don't have external monitors, as I live on the go) and is priced well below the MacBook 17" Pros, and I already own a 2007 13" MacBook, I also find myself surfing the Internet more on this Dell Studio 17 than on my other systems. I also have an old (2005) Acer Aspire--purely for backup, but will be getting rid of that shortly.

Btw, my best PC laptop experience was a Sony Vaio. It was fast, solid and quiet. It's only problem is that its specs got old and too slow for newer apps. However, Sony's cost as much as Macs, so you might as well get a Mac for that price.

Final summary: I'm sure there are better-value 17" laptops out there.