It’s nearly Christmas and I got my hands on a new Dell Studio 15 for some “out of the box” preparation. I took the advantage to write a Laptop User Experience Review on the Dell Studio 15.
Alright, I’m not going through the specs as there are plenty of them around the web. Features are down to nothing when a machine is not user-friendly. Thus, this Laptop User Experience Review section will talk about every tiny little things that enriches every single bit of user satisfaction while using a Dell Studio 15 Laptop.
Let’s get started.
Top View
The Dell Studio 15 I played with had the Graphite Grey/Black Trim design over the chassis. The design made me recall what I had learnt before in high school geography.
Look, the design looks like it came right out from the map of mountains! If you have no idea how mountains in maps actually look like. Please refer to http://www.schweich.com/images/DSCN0451sm.jpg
Here’s a Wee Tip, if you don’t want backpackers to mistaken your laptop as their map to Mount Everest, don’t get this kind of design, people’s life are at stake here.
Side View
Dell decided to shift all the ports from the back of the laptop to the sides of the Dell Studio 15. Everything was fine until I decided to plug in the power cord and the mouse.
Dell Studio 15's extended wires taking up extra spaces
I mean, what is wrong with Dell? A laptop is always about saving space not taking up spaces.
Optical Drive
I have also received complaints about the Optical Drive in the Dell Studio 15. It’s located at the top right hand side of the base and that’s where most (right handed) people use their mouse at. Seriously this machine is designed by loonies.
Power Adapter & Power Cord
At first glance, the Studio 15′s power adapter is extremely nice … slim, and looked like it came out of Lamborghini’s garage, but I was wrong. As I was starting to plug in the power cord into the adapter, I was having a hard time figuring out which is the top and which is the bottom.
Stress areas at both top and bottom of the adapter. Engineering wise, this design sucks.
Let’s move on, Dell did not always suck when designing their products. I was searching the light indicator that shows that the power adapter is receiving power (or not) and I was unable to find it. As I looked further, I found something that qualified for the word “stylish”.
Speaker
Here is also something that is worth a round of applause. The speaker was shifted upwards so that your hands would not block some of the sound waves produced by the speaker which would result in hollow noises. Unlike the conventional speaker which is placed right over the palm rest.
Wireless Switch
Dell blew it on this one. Having a switch for a tiny thing like the wireless is a no no. Nobody likes a switch where you have to break your neck to see it. It’s conventional and I’d prefer using the keyboard (Fn + F2 keys) to turn on my wireless card.
Slot Protector (SD Card)
One thing also that I found fascinating is the little Secure Digital (SD) Card slot protector. I personally think it’s very cute to have a little piece of fake memory stuck in the SD card slot.
But what’s the point of being cute when you throw user friendliness right into the drain? I use the SD card slot almost 2 or 3 times a week to backup my camera photos. I would not want to waste my time unplugging this fake SD card every time I want to insert pictures from the SD card. This is only useful to those who don’t have a SD card.
In a Nutshell
Disassembling the Dell Studio 15 to clean the fan seems to be easier with this model, chassis size is smaller then previous models despite having the same monitor size, Studio 15 looks better as well.
But Dell has been redesigning and improving their laptop chassis in order to court the market with slick computer designs to compete with Apple. Why am I still looking at rubbish that is not user friendly at all?
19 Comments
It would be hard to believe that this reviewer could find anything that is satisfying. I am typing on one of these laptops now and love it. I haven’t found anything inconvenient in how it was engineered, parts placed, etc. If you have to ‘break your neck’ to see the wifi switch you must be a quadrapalegic or complete fat butt who doesn’t want to even tilt your head. get real. people like you shouldnt be doing reviews.
Well, Jason, I wouldn’t expect anything different coming out from a Studio 15 user. In fact, any Studio 15 would babble preposterous remarks like you just did.
But try using your Studio 15 in a cramped environment. Then come back and tell me you didn’t just figured that some component must have been misplaced.
I disagree with the comment on the wireless switch, its also a wireless ‘catcher’. it shows you if there is a wireless network available even when the computer is turned off or in standby. Its really useful when your traveling. though admittedly this laptop is a tad heavy for extended travel.
as for the mouse, at the moment the laptop comes standard with blutooth, and you can get a blutooth wireless mouse for $22AU as well.
though you are right, its a silly place to put them together.
nice to know about the power adapter, thanks for that.
some gripes you probably should have mentioned are the keyboard flex and lack of screen protection. (tap your fingers on the back of the lid and watch the led display make pretty colors =.=) i wonder how long it will take me to ruin the screen carrying it around in my backpack~
Hello,
I am using a Dell Studio right now and most of the things that you mentioned are not helpful for a new user.
1. I didn’t find the DVD writer location to be wrong. It;s right that most of us have mouse on the right side, but then I wouldn;t want to insert DVD by my left hand making it even more difficult.
2. The power cord is one of the stylist I have seen is not at all diffuclt to understand how to plug in.
3. Wi-fi, at least I NEED A BUTTON.
Is this laptop suitable for lady?
I wanted to buy this model since 2months ago, but it is quite big for a lady.
So i need some advise from user. Thank you.
Any laptop is suitable for anybody. It actually depends on what’s your need. If you’re doing graphic design and the 15 inch (and above) offers built in graphic cards, then you have no choice but to get the 15 inch notebook, or the 17 inch one (which is a bit too heavy for ladies I think).
If you only want to buy a notebook for web surfing, office works and facebook games, then 12 inch would be fit your need (provided if you don’t have myopia) because it’s more portable.
So consider your needs, then only decide which laptop to buy. There’s a Studio XPS 13, which I think would fit a lady perfectly. Not only it has a graphic card, it’s small and sexy too, like it’s owner (I presume).
James,
I’m a little concerned that you are writing computer reviews when you apparently can’t or won’t use proper english. I had trouble understanding what you were trying to say in some places…. Im not trying to insult you, it’s just that you said at the bottom of your article that you value feedback even if its bad…
Also, regarding your review of the sd card slot and protector… Are you really that lazy/strapped for time that unclipping the sd card protector plastic 2-3 times a week is a genuine hassle for you???? did I read this properly? It only takes one little push to take it out right… kinda like pressing the power button… maybe I misunderstood…
Concerned,
Well, I’ve already tried to keep my posts as easy to understand as possible. I haven’t got people complaining about my English yet. Anyways, thanks for telling though, I’ll pay attention to that in the future.
You did not misunderstood my friend. And yes, the fake sdcard is a hassle to me and I’d throw it in the rubbish bin or present it as a birthday gift to fool my friends.
Oh you should also know that I don’t shut down my laptop. I barely even touch the power button it once a month, well maybe once or twice. :)
I bought the Studio 15 from Staples for $649.00 to replace my Inspiron E1501 that was $1500
Cons:
Vista – I’m putting up with it.
Crappy speakers compared to my e1505, not as loud, and very tin-ee sounding. Sound quality on my e1501 is much clearer and louder.
Whats up with the 2 headphone jacks? Weird.
I prefer ports to be in the back rather then the side.
Slot loading dvd drive, I cant use the smaller cd/dvd disks. (Business card disks.)
Pros
Fast 64 bit AMD Proc.
4GB Ram
320GB Sata HD
Love the HDMI port, I can use my HDTV as a monitor!! YAY!
Built in 2mp Webcam and Microphone array (would be nice to had a little cover to slide over it when not in use to prevent scratches to the lens? or maybe im just paranoid? LOL
Got Dell Studio for church production purpose. Under 2 month, the DVDRW stopped recognizing DVD disc. Talked to Dell butt hey don’t seems to have any solution for it, I think the problem is from the manufacturer of DVDROM. I say this because of you google the problem, 98% of the people that have gotten this product are facing the same problem & no solution. Yet no one has sued them for fake product sales yet.
Whenever you go to my computer and click the DVDRW (if there’s a disc inserted) it automatically spits the disc out and tell you to insert disc.
I think Dell should look into this.
I actually love this laptop. It is so well designed and I don’t know what this silly review is about… Look at the responses they largely disagree…
1. The power cord is CONVENIENTLY placed on the right, as no getting up off seats peering behind a screen for some silly port, same goes for the usb stuff.
2. A nice thick hinge is now placed at the back for a stable non-wobbly monitor
3. comes in an array of beautiful designs & colors.
4. two Wifi buttons > the switch to completely disable the card and another to quickly catch WIFI… it can also be used to see if you have wifi available before you even power on the laptop (by flashing when you press it while off.)
5. Touch sensitive , light up when pressed Media keys.
6. easy access optical disk drive.. placed on the right as most people are right handed, nobody uses a mouse jammed so close to your laptop that you cant get to the disk drive… Its so easy to bloody move a mouse anyway (ugh! easier than putting it in on the left hand-side.).
7. many other pros… vga-out ports High-definition HDMI PORT, 4x usb + 1x powered usb, firewire, IR remote sensor, as well as many extras webcam-integrated, bluetooth etc….
8. Only downer is its preinstalled with Vista and lacked functionality for a while on XP, But people have successfully downgraded it with new drivers dell released recently resolving that issue, but thats not to say everybody downgrades if there on a laptop…
I would suggest people read up on a more educated review for a full list over its assets and flaws.
@Konto,
When I write this review while staring into all the faults that I can’t help to notice in this Dell Studio 15, I say to myself, “If I were to publish this review, current Studio 15 owners wouldn’t be happy”.
I were correct, and you Konto is not discounted from any of my expectations from this review.
You can read up a “more educated” reviews, please do. But bear in mind that what you read is what they want you to read. I on the other hand can’t be bothered if you like to read what I wrote or not. I write what I feel about the laptop.
And besides, Konto why are you reading up reviews on your own Studio 15 while you’ve already own one yourself? This begs the question, do you have doubts on your laptop? Do you honestly think your Studio 15 is a perfect laptop for yourself?
Please bear in mind that there is no doubt tonnes of upgrades compared to the previous laptops in this Studio 15, but as I have stated in the 2nd paragraph, this review is nothing about Studio 15′s specifications :)
I bought this laptop for the sole reason that no other brand offered this config at such low price. And as far the performance goes i am pretty satisfied. but that comment only lasts till i let the laptop rest on a table.
cons-
- poor build quality. i wonder how long my screen gonna last. the back panel is weak to the slightest pressure and the hinges are already loose in just a few months.
- ITS FREAKING HOT!!i would burn myself if i kept it on my lap. hoping dell can resolve this for me.
- the silver panel on the left side creaks. there are plenty of uneven surfaces. the keyboard is gonna sink soon. the speaker were never good to begin with. it feels like a cheap plastic box!!
- the battery is loose. just waiting for the day its gonna fall off!!:-/
i wish dell took the build of the studio a bit more seriously. i would have readily spent a few more bucks to get a sturdy machine.
well…not gr8 but manageable!!
Your review is petty……. I have one and two of my friends have one and we love em!! best laptop I have ever bought actually.
Thanks for information about Dell studio 15. I want to buy a laptop for my younger brother.
I love the laptop. However the mouse section becomes so hot I am burning my fingers. Is anyone else having this problem?
is this a studio 1558 from 2010?
i cant find my wireless switch and the computer says that i turned it off.
Any help?
I bought my Studio in June of this year for about $500 with 4GB RAM, 250GB hard drive, and Windows 7. Intel Dual Core T4400 processor @ 2.2Ghz (2010). The design has been a bit modified it seems. There is NO Wi-Fi switch on the side on mine. It’s on the keyboard, just above the number 2, like a regular keyboard button. It’s electronic, not a “physical “switch.
With that said, I love this laptop. The only frustrating thing is the damn adapter cord design. I happened to find this review while searching for alternative/replacement cords on Google lol.
I like having the fake SD card in there since my laptop is in my backpack, and as a college student, who knows what could find its way in there. The backlit keyboard is awesome, even though you really shouldn’t be typing in low-light conditions anyway.But for presentations where the room is dark, it serves a fantastic purpose.
The slot-loading drive is great too: no disc tray to worry about breaking or applying too much pressure on. The built-in webcam is acceptable quality, and recording is clear. The sound quality from the speakers is phenomenal compared to other laptops. Mine uses IDT-High Definition Audio drivers.
Hi, James,
Can you show us how to disassemble Studio 15 laptop?
Thanks