Dell Studio XPS Desktop With Core i7 From Under $1k

If you'd like a new Intel Core i7 machine with a Dell logo, but can't quite stretch to the XPS 730x, you'll be pleased to hear that there's another option.  The Dell Studio XPS desktop uses the Core i7-920 processor as standard (the i7-940 is a $470 upgrade) paired with at least 3GB of DDR3-1333 triple-channel RAM, a 500GB 7,200rpm hard-drive and 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3450 video card, all for $949.

That doesn't get you a monitor, but if you order before 6am CT on November 19th you can get the entry-level Studio XPS complete with a 20-inch Dell LCD display for $999. 

Up to 12GB of RAM is supported, together with up to 1TB of storage and there's optional Blu-ray and a TV tuner for using the Studio XPS as a media center.  An HDMI output comes as standard, together with eight USB 2.0 (four front, four back), two IEEE 1394 (4-pin front, 6-pin back), microphone/line in (front and back), built-in 7.1 audio support (six connectors), S/PDIF and eSATA. OS is Windows Vista 64-bit.

The Dell Studio XPS is available to order now, priced from $949, with deliveries starting from December 5th.