Maybe you can still recall the plain, wedge-shape design of past Studio notebooks. Those who couldn''t accustom to that will then have bad luck because the current Studio 15 series also shows this line management. Dell will probably once again suit the taste of the majority, who reject high-gloss bolides as well as dull office cases, with the deliberate plain design, anyhow.

A bit of everything - that was probably the motto of the designer in charge. Whilst the base unit radiates more of a business charm with its matt-black case shell, it gets clearly more consumer-orientated with the lighted keyboard over the glossy, black finished display bezel up to the colorful display lid.
The numerous cover designs of the lid deserve a special mention. Aside from the six different unicolored finishes, there are also many artistically created designs offered. There should be something among these for every taste, merely the wallet will snarl somewhat: Up to 89.00 Euros surcharge are to be shelled out for the ornate display covers - Respect!

In regards to the applied materials, Dell still sets on plastic, which has an effect on the notebook haptics. It repeatedly came to quiet groaning noises when handling the device, under which the quality impression of the notebook does suffer somewhat, in the end.  Aside from this, a slightly too sharp plastic edge on the notebook''s front side on our test sample has to be criticized, but this doesn''t restrict the laptop''s use.
Despite this, the base unit''s stability turns out to be sufficient. There''s neither an extensive deformation to be observed at compressive load nor at picking up the chassis.

It looks a bit different with the display, though.  This can neither convince in regards to pressure stability (especially in the area of the Dell logo on the display frame) nor in respect to torsional stiffness. The same applies to the folding mechanism. The hinges have been made to look very large and seemingly sturdy, but can''t prevent a flapping of the display, though. The noises at opening and closing the display doesn''t exactly testify the most stable construction method, either.
The omitting of a security latch, which fixes the display in a closed transportation state, can be coped with. But you should take care at stowing the notebook. The elaborate (and expensive) display covers would have deserved their own, softly cushioned protection cover, anyway. No problem, as Dell also has a fittingly designed backpack in their program - although for an additional 48.99 Euros (Energy Collection).

Loyalty to the principal of connection arrangement on the notebook''s side edges has also been generally kept upright in the Studio 15.  The battery finds its place on the back side, and the display hinge also obstructs a placement of additional ports in this area.
It quickly becomes obvious that the connections are positioned especially favorable for righties, as the majority of these have been placed on the left side edge. A drive with a "slot-in" mechanism, as well as a 34mm Expresscard slot and a cardreader have been positioned on the right side. In the back area of this side there is also an USB port and the connection for the power supply of the device, too.

Lefties (approx. 10 - 15% of the population according to studies) will only be partly delighted about the connectivity on the left side edge. It has obviously been attempted to put intervening and often permanently occupied ports more into the back area. For example, the HDMI port, VGA-out and the LAN interface would count to these. A further USB port and a combined USB/eSATA socket are found in the middle section placed one below the other. A Firewire and the audio ports (2x headphones, microphone) follow this.

The whole range of communication features is also available for the new Dell Studio 15, many of these only for an according surcharge, though. A fast gigabit LAN from Broadcom and a wireless LAN module from Dell (1397 – 802.11 b/g) is implemented ex-factory, in any case. And so is a standard-n supporting wireless module from Dell. Both of the proven Intel mini-cards WiFi Link 5100 and 5300 (a/g/n) would also be possible as an alternative.
If a wireless linking of the Studio 15 with various peripheral devices is being considered, then the configuration with an integrated Bluetooth module might make sense, so that all existent USB ports can be kept vacant. This option costs 34.99 Euros.

The optionally available mobile broadband option might be of interest for many potential buyers, in view of the numerous luring offers of mobile providers. For the according mini-card, including antennas and cables, an additional 120.00 Euros have to be paid.

To be listed as a further configuration feature is also (without surcharge) the integrated 2 megapixel webcam. Pictures with a resolution of up to 1600x1200 pixels or video recordings with up to 640x480 pixels are possible with it. The cam delivers a good and smooth image even at maximum resolution. The sensor''s good light sensibility, which also provides a good image at low surrounding light, makes a positive impression.  The depth of field also turned out surprisingly good. Useable image quality for video chats is achievable from 20 centimeters up to over a meter.

Dell naturally has an optional configuration with the according hardware for BluRay fans in the program. An integrated player is attainable at a surcharge of 140.00 Euros, while the player/recorder combination still adds up to a proud 369.99 Euros. The DVD burner is built-in ex-factory without surcharge, though.

Let''s finally come to the possible warranty options. If you orientate yourself on the current basic offers, then the Studio 15 comes with a basic warranty of one year. The device can be upgraded in several steps up to an overall maximum of 4 years on-site service. Currently 209.00 are due for this. From experience, Dell makes special campaigns time and again, particularly in view of warranty, where an upgrade is attainable for often considerably less or even without surcharge. It could prove to be worthwhile to keep an eye on the prices for a time.

To be continued...