[New] Vostro V13

Hi

yes you can intall from USB. Google has plenty of info on how, but here is a useful link.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/dd535816.aspx

 

Point taken. Still, I would argue that most of the modern equipment you mention also has VGA. A lot of projectors, which are still heavily used, have only VGA. For better or worse, VGA is the lowest common denominator, so if one is going to include only one port, for business use I think VGA is the way to go. Of course, that begs the question WHY Dell included only one port. I'm not sure size is an issue, maybe they are just cheaping out?

 

Just some remarks to what I've said about memory timing problem.

1, Actually, I made that judgment theoretically. It's clear that unmatched timing and FSB could cause memory crash, say blue screen. And I've already noticed a similar recommendation from the developer in the thread where I found the tool. Anyway, I have to apologize for my indiscreet assertion before a real test.

2, In these days, I've made several tests to try to change timing. First of all, SPDtool is really a hardcore oriented tool. Too many parameters... The most important thing I've found is that, SPDtool 0.63 shows a poor compatibility with windows 7 32bit. In only 10% of tries, it can read properly parameters of memory. Most of time, all parameters appeared in the table are 25,25,25... Second, when it works properly, I found that it's impossible to change tCL value to 7, the maximum value provided by tool is 6... So, I have to say, SPDtool can't handle this job.

3, I've also tried another tool, named memset. It works great, but can only change values of tRCD, tRP and tRAS. We know, the most important parameter is tCL which decides the value of delay between reception of request for memory and execution of this request. If we can't change the value of "CAS latencies supported", nothing would be ameliorated.

4, Although all those tries were failed, I've still found something interesting. Under OC condition, I've run memtest which is thought the most crucial test for memory stability. Surprisingly, my memory passed successfully this test! So I question my early judgment, maybe blue screen problem is not caused by memory... Although error message appeared in blue screen said it is the problem of memory... I have no idea about that...

Anyway, I have to apologize again for my imprudence... Sorry guys...

 

I agree with Dell's decision on fitting a VGA output. Granted that I'm not quite the targeted business user but I plan to do presentations with the V13. Not to a small group in a restaurant's private room with an LCD TV but to 20-100 people in a lecture theatre. In my university all projectors (100+) have VGA and I don't know of any with HDMI. I don't need HDMI's sound either, I will do the talking instead.

 

slick 13" notebook for a good price

 

I ordered one Monday! Got the high end (C2D) but with no additional upgrades. Estimated delivery is 3/19, can't wait!

 

could anyone who has a vostro v13 kindly post up some pics of the notebook? i'm really leaning towards this, and i just want to see some actual pics of it before i buy.

thanks in advance!!

 

Hi Folks - Check out the custom made sleeve case for the V13 !!

I just HAD to write and let you know of an incredible 'Custom Made Sleeve Case' that I just bought. It arrived today from the US.

The company 'Waterfield Designs' makes custom made laptop cases\sleeves for specific laptops. I ordered one for my V13, and I think it's awesome. It fits like a glove!!. I liked it so much that I thought I'd give you all a little review. (By the way I am not affiliated with the company at all, so this is not an advert but a genuine happy guy in the UK )

The case has excellent padding inside it with a soft surface that wont scratch, but will easily absorb shock and bumps when carrying it around. The outer surface is a tough woven material and feels very hardwearing.

You can customise how you want the case. I went for the optional flap, and the D-rings in case ever want to attach a strap to it. Straps are also an option if you want them.

Check out the site. The prices are really reasonable for the quality. Plus I didn't get any customs charges on delivery.

http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sleevecases.htm

Enjoy !!

 

I'll agree with your last statement. And it's why I'll stick with my e4200 since I picked up the dock which has a display port I can run hdmi. People can defend vga only all they want, it's still antiquated because it's limiting. You can ONLY do video out. You can't do any real audio out besides dragging a headphone to rca cable around. And many displays will have VGA, but they're usually on the back of the tv where most displays have hdmi on the side. It's just easier to connect, especially if it's wall mounted. If they wanted to put one port only then they should've put their antiquated display port on there which would've given the user the option to go hdmi, dvi or vga. You'd then be able to do sound and video via hdmi and make the laptop more useful. Unless all business people are supposed to have two laptops, one for work and one for play. For the premium they charge? Seriously. The Asus UL30A-X5 is $650. SU7300 processor, 500gb HD, 4gb DDR3, HDMI, webcam, wireless N and 4400mAh battery. Comparable Latitude 13, $1297, or double that of the UL30A. The Vostro is $923. The UL30A is a 1/4" wider, 1/10" shallower and 2/10" thicker. Weighs less than 4/10's of a lb more, but you get a larger battery and longer time away from the power cord to compensate. The only thing you really lose is gigabit ethernet. If that was really such a concern you could get the Acer Timeline 3810T for $800 and get the SU9400 C2D processor that's in the older E4200/4300 series. Has all the goodies in a smaller footprint and is still under an inch thick. Pricing is even more favorable with no sales tax and bing cashback.

And that's without getting into the E4300 refurbs which can be had in the outlet much cheaper and offer more in a smaller footprint while hovering around the inch thick mark and include an optical drive.

All three of the above models have a removable battery as well. The V13 is a little more reasonable in price but still more expensive than both options above on top of not getting as much for your money.

I really don't see the appeal. And sorry, I'm not trying to pick a fight. I just don't get the point. The Asus UL and Acer Timeline series are great laptops, feature packed and extremely competitively priced in comparison and close in overall size. And refurb e4300's are more powerful with a smaller footprint and similar weight while including an optical drive for around the same money.

 

I agree it's antiquated and limiting, but at the moment VGA is still used a lot more than HDMI (projectors are still used a lot more than lcd's/plasma's).

The Asus and Acer you mentioned may be feature packed (I wouldn't call them feature packed btw) and competitively priced but they are not as thin (The V13 is at least 0.19" thinner, yeah the thickest part is what counts). You pay a "premium" (although not that much more) for the V13 because it is thinner than both the Asus UL30A-X5 and the Acer Timeline 3810T.
Comparison (thinnest part - thickest part):
V13 = 0.65" - 0.78"
UL30A = 0.58" - 0.97"
3810T = 0.92" - 1.14"
BTW, what's wrong with the V13 priced at $669? Is 2GB of RAM or a 320GB hard drive insufficient for the V13 to work properly?