Dell’s Studio Slim desktop system is a half width version of their traditional Studio desktop system that packs the same level of performance and worth into a smaller package. This includes full use of desktop grade parts to give it a competitive edge against traditional laptops.

However, if you plan on upgrading the system, you would be better off upgrading at the point of purchase because of the internal design that makes client upgrades quite difficult. Unlike the traditional tower design though, Dell has built the Studio slim to be used either in a tall tower or traditional desktop orientation.

This makes the Studio slim fit in nicely with a home theater style setup, though you do not want it in a closed cabinet for cooling reasons.

Life the standard Studio, the Studio Slim uses standard desktop parts within of the system.

This gives it equal performance levels to a traditional desktop. The Intel Core two Pair E7400 desktop processor provides it with a solid level of performance and optional quad core processors are even available.

The system includes 4GB of memory but it does use the slower DDR2 memory compared to the quicker DDR3. This should let it run applications without issue. The 500GB drive is much bigger than the computer drives that are usually found in mini Computers but this is because of the Studio Slim’s use of 3.5 instead of 2.5 in. drives. A twin layer DVD burner comes standard but users do have the choice of upgrading to a Blu-ray drive if they so need to watch the new high definition video format.

Graphics are handled by the new Intel GMA X4500HD integrated graphics that permit it absolutely support high definition video streams including Blu-ray pictures.

The drawback is that it does lacks 3D graphics support for gaming. The major issue comes from the internal layout of the Studio slim. The bigger case design would lead many to think it is straightforward to upgrade. The internal wiring and part layout including the retention bar make this close to impossible for the average user. The heavy use of metal also makes this system quite heavy for a tiny form factor Computer .