[New] Vostro V13

Hi guys, am now more confused between the v13 and the hp dm3t. I dont want to spend too much (like up to $600) and am getting better specs on the hp than dell at that price. but i understand the dm3t has too many issues. I just want to know if the SU3500 will be sufficient for day to day stuff(office 2007, watching movies, surfing), the thing is, I really hate slow laptops so I'm thinking of the hp( cos at 600, I can even get the su7300). anybody with help on this one? and are there any coupons out there for the v13? or any shops i can order from, other than dell?

 

I returned my HP dm machine to the store because I had too many problems with it - it broke twice with a one month repair time each time!. Also the AMD version is too noisy.
I really prefer my V13 and I think it is one of the best laptop I bought since I''m using laptops...

 

You just need the x64 media. The retail dvd for example will work as an oem copy, the key defines the version. To activate you will have to use the automated phone service - well thats what I found anyway.

 

Interesting. So, presumably, if I have the OEM version of Win7 Pro x64 from say newegg.com, I can use the key that comes with that to install on my desktop, and then use the same media to install on the V13 and use the Dell key. Or use a friend's disc to install on the V13 with the DELL key. And this would all be legal, because you aren't really buying media, you are buying licenses, and I have the license.

Good to know!

 

question

v13 has hdmi or display port ?

monitor is glossy or matt ?

i must choice beetween v13 and 13z , for my girl...

 

1) VGA only
2) Matte with a slight gloss finish

 

Guys, I intend to get this laptop for work. I usually do multi-tasking with the following applications open:
- Outlook 2007
- Word
- Excel (up to 30,000 records)
- InDesign
- Adobe Acrobat (full version)

Can it handle the above well? Of course I'd be looking at the 4GB RAM model with SU7300.

 

Is there software for the V13? Software as in the GUI that most laptops have when you change brightness/sound/etc. Can't seem to find it on Dell's Support site.

 

Another option to consider would be getting a thin/lightweight laptop like the Latitude E4300 or Lenovo x201/301 and getting a docking station + monitor for use at home. That way you would have all your stuff with you wherever you are. Great deals can be found on the E4300 in the Dell Outlet, which would leave room in your budget for a dock, keyboard, and a nice monitor.

Full Disclosure: (see my signature for my E4300 + dock setup)

 

Core 2 Duo / 2gb RAM / 500gb Hard Drive / Dual boot Windows 7 - Ubuntu 9.10

Well I ordered a V13 and it came today. I didn't get the fedex notification until the night before it was delivered which was about 1 working day earlier than the Dell website said and about 3 days after they said it shipped. Took less than 2 weeks between ordering and delivery.

I was thinking of returning the laptop as I thought it would be too flimsy and too hard to actually use all day but after opening it up I was pleasantly surprised and will most assuredly be keeping it.

My first impression is that it was smaller than I thought it would be especially the screen length but it's plenty wide and at the 1366 x 768 screen resolution a descent amount of information is displayed and it's very portable and durable so you can take it just about anywhere. It gives you plenty of screen space to work with, way more than my old Dell D610 that it is replacing.

It is very solidly built and the metal casing is very nice and eye catching. Great workmanship. It's actually very fast with the core 2 duo processor and the 7200 rpm 500gb hard drive is not noisy at all. Windows 7 and Ubuntu 9.10 load quicker than my core 2 duo desktop. Doesn't get too hot either.

The screen is matte but seems to have a slight glossy hint which makes the colors jump out but doesn't glare like a glossy screen at all. A really nice balance between glossy and matte.

The internal battery can be replaced with some screws according to the Dell workshop manual so as long as you can get the battery it's possible to replace it it appears by opening the unit up.

The white status indicator lights are great. At first I couldn't decide if I wanted the Studio 15 or the V13 but I clearly made the right choice. Only negatives are having only 2 usb ports and no hdmi outlet.

Keyboard seems pretty firm. Having the audio plugs on the right front is very nice too instead of having them on the side. The wireless reception is very good too.

I really don't miss the cd-rom and would gladly choose to have the portability than the cd-rom anytime.

This is one very nice laptop and I think Dell has done and excellent job with the design and the build quality. It's very well thought out and it's even balanced very nicely so it doesn't jump off the table when you open the lid.

I have not found one thing at all that is not working as should be. What an awesome laptop and at the price you feel you are very much getting your money's worth. I really love this laptop!

Nice job Dell...