Vostro 3300 Redux, higher end configuration, good price ? what do you think?

Well, the speculation's over . Dell corrected the Vostro 3300 section, and the display is now back to 1366 x 768.

They also fiddled around with the prices, which means it's business as usual over at Dell. The same configuration that was $703 yesterday is up to $760 today, which includes a supposed $100 savings. They pretty much pull the numbers out of a hat, or out of someplace else on their bodies I can't mention in public .

So now we know, in case anyone is interested, at this moment it's overpriced. If you need it now, I think the best way to go would be to order by phone and use your powers of persuasion - carrot or stick, whichever works - to get a more sensible price.

But frankly, the way it looks today, at the higher price plus the confirmed lower display resolution, it's just another face in the 13" crowd. The aluminum chassis and the backlit keyboard are still nice features at that price point, but the weak points also need to be considered.

 

From the reviews, it appears that the Vostro 3000 series notebooks all have plastic cases with aluminum trim on the lid and the sides.

 

That plummeting sound you hear is the Vostro 3300 plunging to the bottom of my short list of candidates.

Seriously, though, I still think it's a decent machine, but at this point, it certainly doesn't stand head and shoulders over its competition in the same price range.

I'm in no rush. For now, I'm keeping an eye on Latitude prices in the Outlet, and checking other brands as well - I can wait till it feels right, in terms of specs, build quality, and price. When the time comes, it may even be a Vostro 3300 (but it would have to be a really great deal).

If I ever get my hands on one, I'll report.