Dell Vostro is here!!!

Link? I might have to make a trip to Fry's...

 

The online offer is gone, they sold out on the same day. But you can go to your local Fry's store if they still have them available.

It's the Crucial DDR2 2GB PC5300 Kit.
Crucial part #CT2KIT12864AC667

My store had it for $79.99 with a $30 rebate, not sure if that's at all stores.

The deal runs from 7/13 to 7/17 and they are not giving rainchecks if sold out. There is a limit of one per person in the store.

 

You can get lucky if you mix manufacturers. Brands/manufacturer (Kingston/Patriot/Crucial) doesn't matter, it's the individual chips on the RAM's that matter. Kingstons don't make those chips, they just put them together. A Kingston RAM can have a chip they bought from China, but another kingston RAM can have a chip they bought from Korea.

But how the heck did you get dual channel if you have different speeds? That's impossible. Unless you are getting dual channel at the slower speed because the higher one got downgraded to meet the lower one.

How did you do your check?

There is a reason why they sell them in "dual channel kits". Most prices are the same whether you buy a kit or 2 single 1GB's so it's not like buying kit just means buying bulk to save $$$.

 

if you mix rams both will function at the same speed of the slowest dimm,,, not like that really matters ram speed have negligible impact on performance other than for overclocking.

 

Yes, speed will work when you mix and match. But not at dual channel.

Just helping clueless people out when they are doing upgrades themselves. It's okay to mix and match if you just want 2GB RAM. For those that seek dual channel, get the kit.

 

i guess theres a small chance that dual channel might not work, but most of thee time if you buy the same mem from the same manufacture it'll work.

 

That's why I am telling people to buy the kits because that eliminates any chance dual channel won't work. The fact that the price is in the same ballpark whether you buy 2 singles vs the kit makes no sense to chance it. You bought a nice computer with dual channel speed, might as utilize it. Not worth saving a few bucks and jeopardize your $1000 investment.

 

Perhaps someone could clarify something for me. I was under the impression that the Vostro notebook line was identical to the new Inspirons except being in all black. Has this changed? I have now seen this written on a number of sites:

Spill-proof/dust-proof keyboard
Magnesium alloy chassis (I'm assuming all around?)

I have not heard of the first as pertaining to the Inspirons and the 2nd only in terms of the magnesium alloy lid of the new Inspirons. Can someone please confirm this?

 

I've read the same thing that the Vostros come with spill proof keyboards whuch my T60 has and the second is that it has a Mag Alloy Chassis and you assumed right it's all around whereas the 1520 has it on the lid.

I haven't heard or read anything about a dust proof keyboard. What the Dell rep told me it has a fingerprint resistant finish on the case. That's one of the things I dislike about my T60, it's fingerprint city.

 

So the black finish on say the 1400 is not the same finish as the 1420? Cause I have seen/felt the 1420 black lid in person and it's a fingerprint magnet.

I ordered the 1420 in Ruby Red, but this new info about the Vostros is almost making me regret my purchase - primarily the all magnesium construction of the Vostro line. ugh...

 

I ordered this RAM from Dell last week for $38 a stick. It was the same price as any other RAM before rebate online. I would have gone with the Crucial at Fry's but it was shipped before I saw the deal.

 

Wow that's pretty cheap.

 

Oh sweet, I hope the rep was right! Also, where did you read about it being an all Mag chassis? I hope your right!

 

this is why after all i got the 2 GB from dell and not upgrating it my self.
didnt want to get the wrong memory and to mess with changing the memory ubder the key board and most important for sure im going to get the same 1 GB of memory in each space and get real and good 2 GB dual channel !

 

Well no, you just wasted $100 for doing that. It is not that hard to do the RAM upgrade yourself, keyboard or whatever. All you have to buy is the "kit" where you get the SAME RAMs. It's not that difficult or confusing. You got ripped off. I am sorry.

 

been huntin

my question about the vostro is, which wireless card to choose?

are they easily upgradeable like the RAM?

Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Mini Card [add $29]
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card [Included in Price]
Dell Wireless 1490 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Mini Card [add $10]
Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-card [add $59]
Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card [add $49]

The Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-card is the best of all with most connectivity and range, but it's $60 more. Can I do the same as RAM and go with the basic wireless then upgrade for cheaper later on?

 

Let's set this straight: IT IS NOT BEING RIPPED OFF! Some people perfer to not take the chance and mess up the laptop and void the warranty, so we buy it from Dell. To me, $50 proffesional installation is NOT a rip off.

 

Has anyones status changed from pre production to in production? Mine is still 'pre' but I am wondering if anyone is actually 'in' production.

 

Any other word on the build quality/lid cover material question I presented a page back?

According to YoJr (where is he when you need him?? heh) and some others earlier on, the Vostros and Inspirons are identical in every way, including build quality. Now the story has changed and it's quite unnerving. hmm...

 

The upgrade to 2GB of memory was an extra 150$, no? If you just bought it afterwards (~$60 bucks), and even did get a professional install(20-40 bucks) you would save around 50-70 bucks. And if you ordered Dell, I bet you ordered for the price, so any money saved is good.

 

I got the Intel 3945 for Linux. Wireless N is still a draft technology, so it might change which would render your card useless (you might be able to upgrade the firmware, but I'm not sure about that).

Yeah, you can upgrade the WLAN card later. Check out the Vostro 1500 manual:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/vos1500/en/om_en/html/parts.htm#wp1130573
I'm sure the same applies to the 1400 and 1700 systems.

 

No one has a Vostro yet, so nothing is set in stone.

Being that it is a business notebook, people are making the generalization that it would have better build quality then the Inspiron. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that the Vostros have a magnesium alloy chassis, whereas the Inspirons only have it on the lid. Another support for this hypothesis, is that Vostros claim to have a dust-proof/spill-proof keyboard, whereas with the Inspirons I don't see anything.

 

thank you for that, are there any cards that you think are worth the upgrade besides the basic one included?

 

on http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&fb=1&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=bqdwj2j&s=bsd

are any of the processor upgrades worth the price? especially 2.0ghz to 2.2 ghz?

 

If you're just going to be using Windows and using it as a standard notebook I would recommend sticking just with the Dell 1390. Otherwise, other wireless technologies will be coming out that will make N obsolete (i.e. WiMax)

 

I haven't and I don't think anyone on these forums have found any detailed information about the T5470, other than that it is a Santa Rosa platform processor, but it's a budget one. My *guess* is that it is the same, but it might not include VT (virtualization technology) since it's so cheap, but I'll see when I get my Vostro 1400. If you're not too worried about the details of the processor, then pretty much all of the processor upgrades are ripoffs IMHO.

 

my dilemma tho is the processor cant be easily upgraded later on, so it would be best to get the best now. but it is a rip off, so i am stuck. what should i do? are there any reasonable inbetweens like the 1.8 or 2.0ghz?

 

Let's look at this way, let's see how much MHz you get for your dollar.
base: T5470 (1.6GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
T7100 (1.8GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB): 200 MHz/115 dollars = 1.74 MHz/$
T7300 (2.0GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB): 400 MHz/195 dollars = 2.05 MHz/$
T7500 (2.2GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB): 600 MHz/300 dollars = 2.00 MHz/$

So apparently, the best value is the T7300. I also didn't add the fact that about the upgrade in L2 cache, but it is clear what is what in regards to that.

 

Sweet, I ordered the 1400 on Saturday and got Dell to upgrade to Vista premium for $29 more this morning.

They had to do a whole new order and cancel the old one.

 

ooo nice job, btw wont you need the original RAM from your Vostro in order to get the mail in service under warranty?

 

I doubt it. What's the RAM have to do with giving me a new HDD or insert some other problem that would warrant a mail-in? You don't void the warranty if you're upgrading the RAM. On the other hand, if you're upgrading your RAM and you statically shock your motherboard, I think at that point you could be screwed, but I'm not sure, they might cover that too if you're lucky?

 

Great! I've been trying to upgrade to Premium all day. Can you give me the name and extension number of the CSR that helped you? Would be most appreciated. Thanks.

 

rather than go up to premium, is there anyway to go down to XP? (home or prom)

i'd pay a little extra just to go down to XP

 

Only if you want the 1500 I think. This is an internal email that was forwarded to me from a CSR...

*** Internal communication. Do not forward to customers ***



***Windows Vista Only***

We have received questions about the Vostro 1400 and Vostro 1700 notebooks being offered with XP Operating System.

The Vostro 1400 and Vostro 1700 notebooks are offered only with Vista Operating System.

They are NOT offered with XP Operating System and there are NO plans to offer it.

 

yeesh thats rude, guess i'll have to format the hard drive and install a copy or something. i just hate that Vista, all it seems to do is look pretty and eat more power.

i am currently panicing, everytime i try to configure
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=bqdwj2j&s=bsd

it sends me to this page
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/error.aspx

i hope that deal hasnt died. ive been comparing for days thru SB, EPP, and Home
the best to come out was that Vostro 1400 for $599

 

Using my EPP I can get a 1420 with 3 year + Complete Care and everything I want for 1370... but I rather have a Vostro anyway... hopefully a coupon soon or maybe I'll call in today and see if they can work something out for me...

@spizes: I too am gettign that error

 

i'm not anymore, i kept getting it when i clicked "update price" without changing anything (which i was doing to see if the error would come up)
now if i change something everyime i update, it works fine

 

I ordered my Vostro 1400 today but it turned out that my estimated shipping date is 8/7/07..What are your estimated ship dates?
I will go back to my country at 8/2..So I hope this will ship in the next days..

 

mine's the 6th of august

 

what is your screen? did you get one with webcam?>

 

No way it will ship in the next few days. Most people have been waiting over a week and its still in 'pre production'.

 

1280x800 truelife, no webcam

 

well i am about to order the vostro 1500 stock.

I am wanting to know. It says it will ship on the first of august. Why such a long delay?

Also.. has anyone actually received theirs yet?

THANKS ALOT

 

I don't think anyone has got their vostro yet. My ship date is Aug 2nd... XP is delaying me a few days.

edit to add: Vostro was released July 10th.

 

Good lord, how come Canada does not have the Vostro 1400 for $599? For $599, that can only get you a Celeron system with 512MB RAM.

With the strong Canadian $$$, I went ahead and ordered the 1400 over the phone, and will be picking it up in the US. This computer is for my girl friend anyways, I am keeping my XPS M1210!! The guy over the phone didn't even move when I tried to haggle with him.

Total came to $720 with WA tax, including 13% Canadian taxes at the border, my net cost is CAD$860. It is still $200 cheaper than the 640m I ordered for my mom that has the T2080 CPU.

Spec ordered, ship date @ 08/07:
223-1214 Vostro 1400, Intel Core 2 Duo T5470, 1.6GHz, 800Mhz FSB 2M L2 Cache 1 $669.00
320-5566 14.1 inch Wide Screen XGA+ TL LCD for Vostro 1400 1
311-7285 1GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 DIMM 1
320-5563 128MB nVidia GeForce 8400M GS Graphics Card 1
341-4903 120G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive 1
420-7078 Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic 1
412-0995 Dell Exclusive MediaDirect Instant Play Software Application 1
430-0493 Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron 1
410-0960 Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.08, forVostro 1
313-5521 8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+R write capability, w/o Roxio Creator 1
313-4783 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0 1
430-2445 Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card 1
320-5614 Integrated 2.0 mega pixel webcam 1400 1
410-0997 No Anti-Virus/ Security Software requested 1
412-1397 No Productivity Software requested 1
312-0557 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Vostro 1400 1
412-1397 No Productivity Software requested 1
420-7323 Microsoft Works 8.5 - English 1
983-3920 Warranty Support,Initial Year 1
987-6829 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3 1
987-7047 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Return To Depot, Initial Year 1
983-4130 Type 7 Contract - Mail-In Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year 1
900-9987 Standard On-Site Installation Declined 1
310-8627 You have chosen a Windows Vista Basic System 1
310-8319 Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 1
466-8762 Thank you for choosing Dell 1
462-4506 Purchase is NOT intended for resell 1
420-7368 Dell DataSafe 2.0 Online, 10GBfor 1 Year Free (for ABU only) 1
987-7479 VOSTRO,Datasafe 10GB,1YR(Incl w/price) 1
420-7367 PC Tune-up, 1 Year (For English OS only) 1
960-8851 1YR AUT. PC TUNE UP,VOSTRO, Included in Price 1
420-7189 DellNetwork Assistant 1.7 1

 

I'm ordering a Vostro 1400 tonight, and this thread has helped me alot.
So a few things i can add for vostro shoppers:

This thread should be split into 1500 and 1400 threads, way too many repeating posts.

I've been searching for days through Dell Home, Small Business, and Education using all sorts of coupons and discounts. The best 14" I found was:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=bqdwj2j&s=bsd

The $20 Bluetooth upgrade is a must, even if you don't have any bluetooth devices now, you will soon enough. Your other option is getting a USB dongle later on, but they are exterior.

As everyone has said, get minimal RAM and HDD. These can be upgraded for cheaper.

I invested in the WXGA+
WXGA has 1.02 Megapixels with 1280x800 resolution and 300:1 contrast ratio
WXGA+ has 1.30, 1440x900, 500:1
Since an entire screen is hard to upgrade, get it now. $40 is a deal

The $30 integrated webcam and microphones looked good to me, again since iit can't be upgraded easily. it should have uses for everyone at somepoint, and even if the webcam doesnt sell you, microphones should. remeber speech to text??

i took the base Wireless card, since that can be upgraded for cheap as well. stop fearing upgrades, it takes a few minutes with a screwdriver and careful hands. you're more likely to simply drop the laptop then mess up here, and if you do, let that 1yr standard support take care of it.

The hardest part was processor choice.
I went with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Either take this T7300 or T5470, the other 2 are not worth the cost.
I'm sure T5470 would do fine for basic use, but i chose T7300 just to be sure since again, it is hard to upgrade.

Be sure to take the Free Recycling Kit. It's free, end of story.

The 9cell that comes with the 1400 will stick out of the back. Just because it is the only option does not mean it is normal. If this extra bulge bothers you, get the 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Additional Battery for $60 and make that your primary then leave the 9cell for extra need. I'm only taking the 9cell given, an extra is anyone's business but do some online bargain hunting and see if you could get an additional for cheaper.

Do not let them put Adobe Reader on your laptop. It takes up alot of space, constantly uses memory, and always wants to update. Get FoxIt PDF Reader, free and much better.

This Vostro 1400 has free shipping. To get it, sign in with your Dell account or create one. At your cart, click Shipping & Handling (with the calculator next to it.) There should be an option for 3-5 Day Ground Shipping at $0.00

Yes, it has an 8 in 1 Media card reader.

 

Nice writeup spixes. I'm glad this post helped you out. I chose the same smart value package of $599 and I added an upgrade of the Intel 3945 and webcam. For me Bluetooth seemed just like a battery waster; I can always add a USB dongle as you said.

 

You don't need the bluetooth. Also, if you want it later, I believe you can purchase the internal one and install it without having to use a usb dongle. That is what I will do if ever decide I suddenly need bluetooth capability.

 

a new one day deal for the vostro 1400 !!
649$ and u ger 2 GB worth it !!



http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayitem.cfm/95865

 

only 80gb HD