Jason Dunn
07-02-2009, 05:30 PM
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="600" height="360" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_HzQuuDTrSA&fmt=18" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_HzQuuDTrSA&fmt=18"></embed></object></p><p>This is an unboxing and first impressions video of the Dell <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Inspiron</span> Studio 14z (I mistakenly thought it was called the Inspiron 14z, but it's not an Inspiron, it's a Studio notebook). This notebook, shown here in ruby red, is a little different that most notebooks in that it lacks a CD/DVD drive - but it's no netbook! It has a 14 inch, 16:9 aspect ratio screen running at 1600 x 900 resolution, which is Dell's 900p resolution option (an upgrade). The standard resolution is 720p, which is 1280 x 720. <MORE /></p><p>Powering it all is an Intel Core 2 Duo: the P8600, running at 2.4 Ghz, with 3 MB of L2 cache. 3 GB of DDR3 RAM at 1066mhz provides the memory, and storage is handled by a 320 GB, 7200 RPM hard drive. The graphics processor is an NVIDIA GeForce 9400G-M, and the on-board 802.11 b/g/n WiFI is an Intel 1515 card. It also has Bluetooth 2.1, and an optional ExpressCard 8-in-1 memory card adaptor that arrived damaged as you'll see in the video. The keyboard is back-lit, which is an add-on option, and it's running Windows Vista 64-bit. Powering it all is a 6-cell, 54 WHr battery.</p><p>I paid $1306 CAD for this configuration from Dell Canada as of May 2009, but Dell's prices change daily to always check their Web site for the most accurate pricing information.Â*</p><p>Since shooting this video I've been using the 14z a fair bit, and my impressions of it are quite positive. The screen is superb - bright, evenly lit, and very crisp with the 1600 x 900 resolution. I'm less impressed with the fact that it only has an ExpressCard 34 slot, and not an ExpressCard 54 slot, because my <a href="http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f314/delkin-compactflash-expresscard54-adaptor-31675.html" target="_blank">Delkin CompactFlash adaptor</a> needs a 54 slot. That means that I'll need to carry a USB-based CompactFlash card reader if I take this notebook travelling and want to off-load my DSLR photos. Not terribly convenient. But, all in all, the 14z is impressing me. Stay tuned for my video review.</p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operatesÂ*<a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoysÂ*<a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a>, mobile devices,Â*<a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog. He's still searching for the ultimate netbook.</em></p><p><em></em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on theÂ*<a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested?Â*<a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p>