Laptop Thoughts: Desktop Replacement Powerhouse: Dell Studio 17 Model 1747

"The new Dell Studio 17 - model 1747 - is about to hit the virtual shelves, and offers users with yet another option in the desktop replacement market. This 17.3 inch laptop comes with the usual variety of configurations offered by Dell, and apart from a few issues, it seems to be a pretty solid machine."

A new model from Dell in the "desktop replacement" class, the Studio 17 Model 1747 offers a wide range of configuration options, a screen resolution of 1920x1080 with Radeon HD 4650 graphics, a keyboard "almost" full size with numeric keypad, and a battery that lasted for three and one half hours in real use. At just over 7.0-pounds, it's not light, and some heat issues may make using it on your lap an ordeal, but again, this is a desktop replacement, and probably not meant to be used regularly on a lap. Entry-level configurations start at about $700, with the cost increasing as upgrades are added. No information was provided on availability in North America.