Just bought a Vostro 1500!

Hi, I just got a Vostro 1500 with a T7300 processor, Vista business, Wide screen XGA+ glossy LCD, 1 GB RAM (will upgrade to 2 GB w/ newegg), 8400M GS graphics card, 120 GB 5400 rpm HD, and a DVD-RW.

I got all of this for only $972.

I am wondering what the actual resolution of the monitor is because I thought that XGA+ was a 4:3 format, but the laptop is wide screen. Do you guys what the resolution is?

Also, does anyone know if the case is painted black or if it is made of black plastic?

 

"Wide screen XGA+" = WXGA+ = 1440x900

 

Wow that was a fast reply! Thanks for the info on the screen.

 

I highly highly doubt they just painted an inspiron black. No way. Its black all the way through is my guess.

 

Regarding the casing, I'm just not sure what the difference is. I understand from what I've heard that the exterior casing material is plastic. At least on the Inspiron, so I assume that's true for the Vostro too. All black plastic is painted black, as far as I know. If it's metal and it's black, it's also painted black. So I don't really get it.

 

Well, I guess I will know for sure whether or not the case is painted or is black all the way through when I get it. I guess I will post a mini-review when I receive it to answer lots of these questions that are floating around the boards.

 

I too am leaning towards the Vostro. It's $150 cheaper for integrated graphics, and $220 cheaper with the 8400M GS than the 1520. I definitely don't think the nicer looks of the 1520 are worth the cost.

 

I actually think the all black looks better. And yes I got my 1400 for cheaper than I could price out a 1420...

 

acgarib, the same configuration of yours on 1520 except with Vista Premium and 2GB RAM and 160GB HD costs only $913 before tax/shipping.

 

My configuration was cheaper as an inspiron, too. And I couldnt even get the 7200 rpm drive in the vostro.

 

At the time, my Vostro was cheaper than the 1520 by almost $100 (when doing the whole "buy the RAM yourself and install it later" bit). I am hoping that the Vostro is a little bit tougher. I also bought the Vostro because I like the black color better than silver

It seems like the prices of the dells are always going up and down on what seems to be an hourly basis. (at least thats what it seemed like) I guess if anyone wanted a dell, they should keep on pricing out one on different parts of the site (home, small business, employee discount, etc) until you get a good price.

I feel sorry for people that have to pay taxes on the things they buy. That would really bump up the price of laptops. I guess I am lucky to live in Delaware, home of tax free shopping!

Now I just have to wait...

 

actually if you ordered the same computer using the "performance package" in Vostro 1500 it'll be slightly cheaper and you get 160gb of HD instead of 120GB.

 

just because the plastic is bleck doesnt mean its painted. they could, like, dye the plastic if u know what i mean. like the outside or the plastic isnt black, just the plastic is black. so u get what i mean? its ard to explain

 

ummm i have a 1500...the material is (drum roll please)...I dont know! Id say the outside is metal and the inside is plastic (very rigid plastic). The whole thing is very sturdy, no flex at all.

 

According to the dell.ca website:

Durability
Vostro notebooks can withstand the rigors of your business day with RoadReadyTM durability and around-the-clock reliability.

Extra-durable magnesium-alloy exterior adds strength without extra weight