For comparison, Dell's Core 2 Duo-based Latitude E6400 scored a Vista Experience Rating of 3.8, derived from CPU, memory, desktop graphics, 3D graphics and HDD scores of 5.2, 5.9, 4.1, 3.8 and 5.2, respectively. So laptop components mean laptop performance, but unless you're looking for a serious power system, that's unlikely to be a problem - the Studio Hybrid has sufficient horsepower for mainstream tasks.
The PCMark05 results below show how the Studio Hybrid compares with Dell's Centrino 2-based E6400. The Latitude's CPU is clocked just 13 per cent higher than the Studio Hybrid's but the latest Core 2 Duo architecture makes a difference too, and the laptop shows better performance than the laptop-based desktop across the board. It's also beaten - by a lesser margin - by the earlier-generation 2GHz Core 2 Duo in the Acer Aspire 2920 we tested earlier this year
PCMark05 Results
Longer bars are better
Mind you, look back at our review of Asus' N10 laptop, which although it too runs Vista is based on a 1.6GHz Atom processor, and you'll see the Studio Hybrid soundly thrashes it - and, indeed, the similarly sized but also Atom based Eee Box.
The Eee Box can be picked up for around £200. The reviewed Dell retails for around £379, while the reviewed E6400 costs £860. You pays your money, you takes your choice on performance.
3DMark06 Results
Tested at 1024 x 768
Longer bars are better
Incidentally, while PCMark05 and 3DMark06 were doing their stuff and thrashing the CPU, memory and hard drive, the Studio Hybrid remained nice and quiet. Yes, the fan was going, but with more of a blow than a roar. We don't see this one interrupting anyone's viewing if they stick it next to their telly as a media centre. The unit itself didn't feel particularly warm, either.
You'll see from the 3DMark06 score that the Studio Hybrid's Intel GMA 3100 GPU core, built into the 965GM chipset, isn't exactly a graphics powerhouse. Unfortunately, you're stuck with it. While Dell offers a range of processors to pick from, the better to balance price and performance, the Intel GMA 3100 is the only graphics option.
COMMENTS
Not exactly a new concept...
More than 10 years ago DEC made the Multia in both alpha and intel versions. It was basically the same idea to cram laptops parts into a design box. Those machines proved extremely prone to overheat and failures due to being (unlike most laptops that are carried around) constantly run at full speed.
Same cause, same effects, I fear.
Wireless
For the UK, you have a "Dell™ Wireless 1505 Wireless-N MiniPCI Card EUR" which is included in the price. You don't have the option to remove it or change it or anything.
It's on the "Accessorise my Dell" tab when you start to customise it.
@ Gulfie
Ah, you'd be talking about Apples nearly abandoned machine, so badly in need of a refresh, it makes the Abacus look modern. And I like Apple kit (not a blinded fanboi though).
Lets look at some of the bits:
Choice - Not Apple's strong suit, but here is wireless, blu-ray or DVD, different case styles etc.
Blu-ray - In spite of Job's line about it being too much hassle, people do want blu-ray, and this makes it a nice little mediacenter when combined with HDMI.
Firewire port - One up on the Mac Book, and probably on other Macs in the long term (though a little pointless on a box like this....)
HDMI port for full HD support and, no, I don't think that using a VGA port or DVI is a substitute.
The only downside is the horrors of Vista, but it does come with 2GB RAM, which should just about cope.
Apple need to refresh the mini, or euthanise it.
Paris, cause she'd know where to stick a mini...
Wireless
Wireless N is available for $70.00 additional in the U.S.. Not sure if this is available for the populous of G.B., but it means the option certainly exists.
@ Mini Mac
Then sod off and buy one..... We are talking about windows based PCs that are nice and small and look cool. Not Macs. If were were talking about macs, the machines in the pictures would not be Dell's.
