So, I have been using the Dell Studio 15 since last 3 months and got the feeling that I MUST write a review of it. I have divided it into various segments and rated it individually. So here it is:

Configuration:

Processor: Core 2 Duo T6400, 2GHz

RAM: 3 GB DDR2, 800MHz Dual Channel RAM

HDD: 320GB SATA II, 7200 RPM

Graphics Card: ATI Raedon HD 3400, 256MB Card

DVD Writer, Webcam ,Card Reader, Bluetooth travel mouse, Remote Control, Creative EP-630 earphones, Ruby Red color as shown in the homepage thumbnail.

Rating: 4/5

Performance:

Of course, being a Core 2 Duo it a lot faster than my previous P4 machine and does everything that I even wanted. Regarding graphics card, I have played GTA San Andreas in full resolution and GTA IV: Liberty City at lower and medium resolutions. However, it doesn’t support games above this requirements. GTA IV is a benchmark that you can compare here. If you are not a hard core gamer, this laptop is more than enough for your requirements. The Vista Index score shows me 4 rating as average and 5.9 in processor speeds, HDD speed which is pretty good!

I use the laptop for about 12-15 hours daily and I must say that it doesn’t get much hot. I can comfortably use it on my laps all the time.It gives me a battery back up of 2 hours 45 minutes on normal mode and 3 hours 10 minutes on power saver mode with FULL application running like media player, photoshop etc.

Rating: 4/5

Looks and Design:

The looks are really great according to me. It’s slim like the XPS and I just love the Ruby Red color. Infact, I waited almost a week for that color. Studio 15 is actually a cross version of Dell Inspiron and Dell XPS. It has a touchpanel for volume and media control button which adds to it’s looks.

Rating: 4/5

Shortcomings:

The thouchpanel reportedly has a problem in a lot of Studio versions.  The internet is full of threads with people saying that they had problems with touchpanel. Even I had a problem with mine! But got it replaced and the new one is working fine. Also, the speakers are not that good and the volume is really low. However, there is work around for this and you can check that in my post ‘Increasing Volume of your Dell Studio 15′.

Rating: 3/5

Customer Care Service:

I am really happy with the customer care service from Dell. I had problems with touchpanel and called the customer care. They listened to me, suggested me few steps but when they were not working, they send for the replacement in less than 24 hours flat! Later, I had problems with my LCD. Was getting a black spot on the right corner. Again, I called uo the customer care and I got the replacement in less than 48 hours this time! So I am really happy when it comes to customer care.

Rating: 4.5/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Price I purchased: Rs.47,892/- (inclusive of all taxes.)You can now get it for around Rs. 45,ooo/-