The Intel Core i7 processor gets suited with four new Dell systems, including one mainstream Studio XPS desktop and three gaming systems. Gateway is also dressing up two FX-series gaming systems with Intel Core i7 processors. No news from HP on when they will be offering systems with Core i7.

Are we finally in a stage in computing where hardware is now out performing and pushing software? We look forward to hearing some feedback from consumers who have purchased systems with the Core i7.

The new Core i7s are designed for performance desktops. Intel usually has a high price tag for their latest and greatest, but it’s surprising to see so many systems with this new technology being offered. The Dell Studio XPS desktop starts at $950 while Gateway’s entry-level gaming system starts at $1,250.

The base configuration of the Studio XPS includes the 2.66GHz Intel Core i7-920, 3GB of DDR3 memory, the ATI Radeon HD 3450 with 256MB, a 500GB hard drive and the 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium SP1. During the holidays, Dell is running regular specials (visit www.dell.com/xpsevent) and the new Studio XPS is currently on the list. The press release states that for the next 48 hours Dell is offering the Studio XPS with 4GB of memory and a 20-inch monitor for $1,000, but when I configured the system, it also offered the new 23-inch monitor, the S2309W, for the same price.

We would like to hear your feedback on these new systems.