I would like to record videos from my xbox 360 to my Dell Studio 17 laptop. If I connect my XBox to my laptop via the hdmi connection, will I be able to record off it, and if so, what software do I need to make this happen?

I don't think you'll be able to do this. From what I know of the Dell Laptops is that the HDMI connection is an OUTPUT and not an INPUT. Not to mention the HDCP that is wrapped around HDMI signals would prevent just about anything from recording the information.