Dell Studio S1535-143B

We were very fond of the previous incarnation of this retail only configuration, dubbed the S1535-125B. The updated version, the $849 S1535-143B, knocks the CPU back a bit, from a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 to a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo T5800. The difference in real world performance is negligible, but since the older version is still available for a slightly discounted $799, it might be worth a look. One difference to keep in mind the newer S1535-143B has a bigger battery, which adds about 80 minutes of battery life but is positively huge, adding bulk and heft to the system.

Specification

• Price as reviewed $849
• Processor 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800
• Memory 4GB, 667MHz DDR2
• Hard drive 320GB 5,400rpm
• Chipset Intel GM965 Express
• Graphics Intel GMA X3100 (integrated)
• Operating system Windows Vista Premium (64-bit)
• Dimensions (WxH) 14x10.8 inches
• Dimensions (thickness) 1.0 to 2.3 inches
• Screen size (diagonal) 15.4 inches
• System weight / Weight with AC adapter 6.6/7.5 pounds
• Category Mainstream
  

The design of this retail only fixed configuration laptop is identical to both the previous S1535-123B version as well as the customizable direct from Dell Studio 15, (although this version has a darker midnight blue lid). While clearly inspired by the popular XPS M1530, the Studio 15 has a more angular look, with its large side hinges curving the screen down at a sharp angle the XPS presents a more rounded look.

The Studio 15 follows Dell's recent, and welcome, trend of outfitting nearly all of its laptops with HDMI outputs and touch sensitive control buttons you can also get those on even the cheapest Inspiron 15 inch model. Like most Dell laptops, the keyboard's keys are slightly tapered, giving you less surface area to use than flat keys, but we found it comfortable and easy to use, if a bit clacky.

Unlike the customizable direct from Dell Studio 15 we looked at, this less expensive version has a 1,200x800 pixel native resolution, rather than the 1.440x900 pixel resolution usually found in higher end 15 inch laptops, and we miss the extra screen real estate the higher resolution affords.