Looks more like an external harddisk... Nice designs though, I've seen some nice things from Dell recently.

If Apple had designed these, all Mac fanboys calling this "ugly" right now would automatically be praising it instead. (Not a troll, I own only Macs.)

It's called the "hybrid"? $500 pricetag for the low end model? 802.11n and bluetooth are options? Removable faceplates and skins?

The problem with Dell is that they think they focus on form and "options" over function. Remove the stupid gimmicks and add base functionality, and then Dell might have something.

Its refreshing to see a design like this. Im a Mac fan but compared to the mini these Dell machines look great. The Dell's are little works of art and would look great in a modern : colourful environment. The mini is a little square plastic box.

I think Dell is doing some fine designs these days, just looks at the soon to be released EEPC clone it looks great.

I agree with many of you however if you could get OSX running on one of these that would be really cool.

Jason

This will be huge for the youth market for one and the causal user for another!

This adds style while not sacrificing functionality.

FINALLY, someone in the PC world got it right!!

Sorry Mac Mini, but this box is HOT!

Good Design, and nice specs.

Even the minimalist stand adds to the Hybrid. Maybe this will inspire a growth spurt in the Mini.

I use Mini as a media center (Front Row being a wonderful tool for music, videos, etc).

Hate to sound like a maroon....but is there an equivalent program to Front Row on the PC?

This looks like a great computer actually. Apple has been putting so much into the iphone that some of the other hardware is getting outdated. It's sad that no new Apple computer has even a bluray drive option.

but Dell's quality and longevity is lower than GARBAGE.

If it were any other brand it would be decent, but being a Dell it will be a POS and barely make it through the warranty period.

I work in IT on the Windows side of things and speak from years of experience.

Mini vs Studio Hybrid

2.0 GHz
2GB ram
802.11n
120GB HDD vs 160GB HDD
None vs 8 in 1 card reader
Studio Hybrid also has HDMI

Not a bad price.

The only thing I really like about this is the choice of color and finish for matching home decor.

Many of these finishes are tacky but I think Apple should have a few "skins" for their desktop/mini computers.

Like another said in an earlier post, the wood finish is nice. Other than that, it just a "Dumb Dell" running a crappy OS. ;-)

It's a hybrid of Mac Mini and the original iMac flavors

Comparing this to an Apple product which hasn't been refreshed in a year (yes, a full year) and which has been rumored to be end-of-life shows that Dell is still playing catch-up.

Adding Blu-Ray to a low-end computer is like putting a big fat spoiler, spinners and low-profile tires on a Dodge Neon.

This is Dell's attempt to...not sure what...sorta compete with the Apple TV, but not quite. It's all irrelevant in that regard anyway, as Apple is going to blow everyone's socks off with the next generation TV/mini (which will likely converge).

fugly.

It's pretty sweet. The specs aren't bad either. Good job Dell, you found a modicum of inspiration or something!

Too many configuration options. I withdraw my comment about Dell doing a good job. Nice computer, stupid (and pricey) addons. Once you configure, you realize what a great deal the Mac Mini actually is!

Considering the lack luster thinking of Dell, that is rathre impressive.
But as mentioned above, it runs Windows.

Although it's design will get old fast compared to most of Apple's timeless looks.
But bold for Dell to be fair.

Yes, if this had been designed by Apple, the fanbois would be drooling instead of hating. It'd also be mostly white with some piano black thrown in. Or chrome.

If the video can handle low-end gaming (for the kids -- some Star Wars Battlefront II and the like), I'm sold.

"The company also promises that the system "leaves the Mac mini behind" with the option of a Blu-ray drive for HD video, HDMI video out, an 8-in-1 card reader and the choice of a TV tuner."

So, it runs OS X then? No? Well then how does it leave the Mac Mini behind. That would preclude competition. It's not. It's Apples and Oranges so long as there is a different OS (THE reason people go Mac.) I would not be buying this over a Mini simply because of hardware specs.

...i like it!

The mac Mini is not the best valued mac, but it does a fairly good job as a HTPC. The major drawbacks are lack of tuner, solved with an EyeTV, lack of BlueRay playback, solved with external player, and lack of good software for running everything from your couch.

The AppleTV is a lesser machine but does offer greater functionality of the front row interface. Why can't I rent movies from the mini, but I can from the AppleTV?

Now, another problem with Front Row is that it becomes its own media player. With old versions, Front Row actually controlled iTunes so I could bump back and forth from the FR interface to my regular interface. Now, the music stops each time I switch. Sad.

Anyway, it's nice to see Dell getting the concept of interesting computer designs. Good for Apple to have competition to keep them on their toes.

Looks nice, pretty decent specs... but integrated INTEL graphics??? Total deal-breaker: no good for Vista; no good for games; no good for anything. Should make a nice paperweight, though.

What do you want for a $600 computer? The mini's graphics are just as bad.

Oh, and bear in mind the price actually includes a complete computer. No need to tack on an extra $50-$100 for a keyboard/mouse.

The problem with Dell is that they think they focus on form and "options" over function. Remove the stupid gimmicks and add base functionality, and then Dell might have something.

What gimmicks?

And leave it to a macophile to complain about options. Yes, give me a computer with built-in bluetooth and wifi, even if I have absolutely no need for either. Because what's more important than spending money on features you aren't going to use? Maybe someday the Apple-elite will realize this. Doubt it (apparently Mac users are too stupid to understand what their needs are, so Apple forces them to get pretty much every feature under the sun).

Oh, and what about Apple? Their gimmicky price doesn't include a mouse/keyboard for their computer.

And I bet you could open the Dell without the need for a putty knife. And swapping memory may actually not require removing cd drives.

If the Mac mini was ten times the size and beige I'd still buy it over this. HEY, DELL, I DIDN'T BUY THE MINI BECAUSE IT WAS CUTE, I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE IT RUNS OS X. h***, I'd rather it was 10 times the size and beige, then I could get rid of these damn external drive cases, external powered USB hub, and the rest of the stuff that makes my Mac mini much larger than it looks. :p

"Maybe someday the Apple-elite will realize this. Doubt it (apparently Mac users are too stupid to understand what their needs are..."

Where as Testudo the genius just whines about everything Apple!

Looking at it with the monitor......hmm wow it really matches up perfectly. You can tell its designed to blend right in with that monitor. Good job DELL for coming up with a product that looks ugly with everything else.

I am a total Mac Fanboy (since the '90s), but I really like this design over the MacMini. Alas, if it only ran OS X.

I have three macs and one pc in the house and wouldn't mind replacing the pc with this. Yes, it sucks that it runs windows, but there are places in the house the OS isn't as important. For example, I have one in the kitchen. it's used to play itunes content, for a TV tuner and web access. itunes, safari and Firefox are the same on both platforms and once the TV is in full screen, the os doesn't matter.

Dell has a lot of c*** in their lineup, but this doesn't look bad.

Not only does it not run OS X, but also can not slice bread.

Not only does it not run OS X, but it also can not slice bread!

will replace mac mini that i use in the living room.
these machines are just right for surfing the net, keeping minimal space, great for kids room as they are cheap. can be used to replace bulky office pcs. excellent design dell. keep up the good work. i have always like dell monitors, i have a 27 inch one attached to my pc. works a dream.

i dont really know why people are slating it about OS, last time i checked dell never sold OSX.

will replace mac mini that i use in the living room.
these machines are just right for surfing the net, keeping minimal space, great for kids room as they are cheap. can be used to replace bulky office pcs. excellent design dell. keep up the good work. i have always like dell monitors, i have a 27 inch one attached to my pc. works a dream.

i dont really know why people are slating it about OS, last time i checked dell never sold OSX.