This week at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) Intel formally announces the mobile version of Core i7 quad core processors (a.k.a. Clarksfield), and Dell is one of the first notebook manufacturers to announce laptops featuring this new high performance platform.
Dell's flagship product for the mobile Core i7 will be the new Alienware M15x is a 15-inch gaming laptop that will essentially be a smaller version of the new Alienware M17x.
But Dell's Core i7 offerings won't stop there. Dell is releasing the new Core i7 processors as an option on three other laptop models worldwide, including a Studio 15 laptop powered by the new mobile Core i7 processors with a starting price of $999.
The other Core i7 news of the day includes updates to the Studio 17 laptop with a Core i7 edition starting at $1,099 as well as a Core i7 processor option to the stylish Studio XPS 16.
Dell's updates to the new Studio 17 include a JBL-branded 2.1 audio solution with SRS Premium Sound are two 1.5-watt speakers in the palmrest and a 6-watt subwoofer in the base. A 17.3-inch HD 16:9 display improves the screen options and includes a 2.0MP webcam. The new Studio 17 is the first Studio laptop to feature a 1GB graphic solution, and also supports dual hard drives. Despite the upgraded features, the new Studio 17 is actually slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor.
With a starting price of $1,099, the Studio 17 includes:
- Intel Core i7 720QM 1.6GHz (1333 FSB/6MB L3 Cache)
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) is eligible for Windows 7 upgrade
- 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650
- 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
- 250GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
- Slot load CD/DVD Writer (DVD /-RW)
- 17.3-inch HD (1600x900) WLED display with built-in 2.0MP webcam
- JBL-branded 2.1 audio solution with subwoofer
- Full-size keyboard with separate keypad
- 9-cell Battery
- Black Chainlink exterior color
For those who need a slightly more mobile solution, the 15-inch Dell Studio 15 will also include a Core i7 option, with a starting price of $999 and includes:
- Intel Core i7 720QM 1.6GHz (1333 FSB/6MB L3 Cache)
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) is eligible for Windows 7 upgrade
- 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570
- 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz
- 250GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
- Slot load CD/DVD Writer (DVD /-RW)
- 15.6-inch HD (1366x768) WLED display with built-in 2.0MP webcam
- 6-cell Battery
- Black Chainlink exterior color
For those looking for the Core i7 version of the Studio XPS 16, the starting price will be $1,249 including:
- Intel Core i7 720QM 1.6GHz (1333 FSB/6MB L3 Cache)
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) is eligible for Windows 7 upgrade
- 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670
- 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1067MHz
- 250GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
- Slot load CD/DVD Writer (DVD /-RW)
- 15.6-inch HD (1600x900) edge-to-edge WLED display
- Built-in 2.0MP webcam and facial recognition security software
- 7W audio solution with subwoofer
- Full-size backlit keyboard
- 9-cell Battery
- Obsidian Black high gloss finish exterior
We're eager to get our hands on a new Core i7 system here at NotebookReview.com, but until then, be sure to check out our reviews of the current generation of the Dell Studio 15, Studio 17, and Studio XPS 16.
Dell Announces Core i7 Notebooks
On order: Sager NP8690 i7 720QM, 500gb hdd, gtx280m, 4gb ram 
Fall back: Acer 4920g T7500, 160gb hdd, 2gb ram, hd2400xt 
Sold: Asus a8jn T5500, 80gb hdd, 1gb ram, go7300 
