[New] Vostro V13

Do other V13 owner experience a bit of vibration like me, which is probably from the 7200rpm harddisk, or it should not vibrate?

 

Build Quality:
For a laptop in this price range the quality is simply excellent. Even compared to Dell’s premium line (specifically the Studio XPS 16 that I owned for two weeks), this lowly budget model is superior in fit and finish.

The case is perfectly rigid, without any creaking, and really feels like a single, solid piece of metal. By comparison, it feels just as strong and well-engineered as my unibody Macbook Pro. It also has the same quality of manufacturing (at least in appearance) as my older Macbook Air (MBA). In fact, the screen hinge on the V13 feels much, much stronger than the MBA. No wobble or flexing when opened and there is a very nice resistance when opening and closing.

As others have noted, the distribution of weight is quite good, it doesn’t feel heavier in any particular area and feels great on your lap.

Aesthetically, it looks amazing. The aluminum case is nicely machined (no odd scuffs, chips, or impurities in the metal) and seems immune to smudging, fingerprints, etc. However, I feel the black plastic trim somewhat detracts from the overall look of the metal case (to a very small degree however).

All in all, I really can’t say enough about the quality of the case and construction. It really is bordering on an Apple-level of craftsmanship. The moment I showed to a few friends they couldn’t believe it was a Dell product and, once they had their hands on it, consistently remarked on the expensive “feel” it had (before I told them I paid $479). If Dell could finish the remaining pieces in aluminum (e.g., upper keyboard area), it would improve on an already amazing laptop and round out the look and feel. I think Dell has a fantastic opportunity to expand this model into a new line (with a 15 or 16” model) and/or develop a consumer model (Trulife screen, HDMI, etc.).

Keyboard/Palmrest:
The large, well-spaced keys look similar to the Studio XPS 16. They do make a slightly metallic/clicking sound when pressed but are otherwise standard Dell quality. Some very minor flexing but this is under considerable pressure (i.e., not normal typing). The palmrest is very rigid and remains pretty cool during operation (I think it may be metal as it doesn’t feel or look like the plastic trim section above the keyboard.

Touchpad:
Seems quite responsive but not large enough to easily/comfortably use the pinch-zoom function. Track pad buttons are soft but responsive without any loud clicking noises.

Display:
Adequate but not really noteworthy in any way. Contrast seems relatively low and the black level is fair but, for basic productivity, the screen is more than sufficient. Colors are somewhat muted due to the absence of a glossy screen but the benefit of the matte coating is, in my opinion, more important (limited reflections). The matte screen does make the LCD matrix slightly more noticeable than most displays (i.e., the “screen door” effect) but is by no means an annoyance. Viewing angles are limited (particularly vertical) but seem about average compared to other business displays I’ve used.

*Note* After I uninstalled Linux and installed Windows 7, I had some odd issues with the screen (jerky mouse cursor, sputtering image movement, and strange brightness fluxuations – most noticeable whenever Windows “dimmed” the screen during confirmation windows). Turns out that the Intel Graphics software defaulted to a 40Hz refresh rate (jerky mouse cursor, sputtering images) and also defaulted to a power-saving mode (which apparently reduced the screen brightness on all-white images). Switching to 60Hz and “no power management” corrected all of these issues.

Fan/Noise:
Perfect. Even after pushing the unit as hard as I can (100% processor load + large file transfers for 30 minutes+), I couldn’t hear a thing. Better yet, the laptop stays very cool with only a slight bit of warmth coming from the right side of the palmrest. With my ear right against the computer during a large file transfer, I could barely make out the sound of the hard drive (5400RPM). Easily the quietest and coolest laptop I’ve ever used.

Performance:
Tests and benchmarks to come…

I purchased the base model (Celeron ULV 743, 1.3GHz, 1MB Cache) with 2GB Ram and a 5400 RPM drive. My sole use of this laptop is productivity (Office, email, etc.).Windows 7 Professional ranks the user experience at 2.9 (for what that assessment is worth).

Video playback is a mixed bag. CPU-intensive video (Flash) is fine if it’s SD but playback of HD video via Youtube maxed-out the CPU caused stuttering.
Conversely, the Intel graphics chipset (X4500HD) had no problem playing back 720p .mkv files with the CPU load only reaching around 20%.

Multi-tasking isn’t too taxing on the Celeron and running a few Firefox tabs, Word, and Adobe were fine (a good sampling of common productivity work).

Ports:
Standard stuff. Expresscard and 5-in-1 reader on left side but all other ports on the rear (which I love, keeps the clutter out). 2 USBs (one doubles as Esata), standard VGA out, Ethernet in, Power in, Kensington lock. Headphone out and Microphone in on front/right.

One review (notebookcheck) noted that the Expresscard and media card reader inserts were plastic and colored differently from the case. They are plastic but I did not see a difference in color.

Sound:
Coming soon…

Battery Life:
Still calibrating the battery…will have more accurate tests soon.

Battery life on the first full charge/drain was under 3 hours (2:47) but this included a Windows 7 install, various driver upgrades, 2 windows update cycles, multiple reboots, Bluetooth/wireless on, and two software installs via an external, USB DVD drive. I’m not, however, expecting a great deal of battery life as the Celeron does not support Speedstep. The AC adapter is the standard Dell “slim” model with a blue-LED plug end. Rated at 65w and stays cool to the touch during recharge use.

Photos:
Coming soon…

 

Probably the 7200 drive, nothing on mine (5400).

 

Just wondering which model you have?

(as well as anyone else w/ suggestions for a decent cheap USB DVD drive)

 

Altech or something...cheapo that was on Dell Days of Deals a few weeks ago ($49).

 

Yesterday there was the $350 off instant rebate for about 20 minutes. I guess it was a pricing error because the rebate applied to all models, you could get the low end for $99. I ordered 3 and am going to try and make them follow through on the order.

 

Looks beautiful, but not for me with those specs.

 

mine came without the blutooth module.can someone tell me which one I should buyo so I can install it myself?

 

Could someone post, link, etc. me to the wallpaper(s) that came with the V13? I ordered the Ubuntu version and didn't get anything...hoping the Windows 7 versions (which I installed) did get something.

 

I have a 500GB HD , 7200RPM and get the very slight vibration.