Vostro 1500 Q&A Thread...

I know myself, and a few others will be getting their Vostro 1500's within the next couple of days, so I figured we can create a topic where we'd congregate questions to answer when we get it, and then make one big index here in this main post. So, I ask you, fair people of NBR, to ask us some questions and those of us with them will try our hardest to answer them!

Questions:​

*Aesthetics*
Q: Is there magnesium alloy all around the laptop or just on the lid?
A: From the Vostro Support Site:

Thanks F355

*Old Answer* User reports from China indicate that the Magnesium Alloy is located all around the laptop and just not the lid. Thanks ragnor Thanks yusky03

Q: Is it really exactly the same as the new inspirons?
A:Some fundamental differences, but too early to supply a definite answer. More Info.

Q: Does the Vostro 15.4" WXGA Screen suffer from the grain problem reported on the Inspirons?
A: There are some reports of it suffering from problems, yes, although myself personally hasn't had any grain problems.

Q: What's the average heat, and any overheating problems?
A:

Q: What's the battery life of the 8 Volt as compared to the 9 Volt?
A: I've clocked about 2 to 2.5 hours on my 8(I thought it was 6?) volt, wheres owners of the 9 have stated about 3 hours of life.


*Hardware*
Q: Does the Vostro suffer from the Inspiron's common headphone port hissing problem?
A: Yes, this is a common occurance.

Q: Is the graphics card soldered onto the motherboard on the Vostros?
A:According to the 1500's User Manual, the graphics card is not soldered on and is connected via screws. If for some reason you managed to get an integrated GPU on your 1500 then chances are that it is soldered on. Thanks BigBoy92.

Q: What parts can be upgraded?
A: As of right now, according to the Owners Manual located on Dell's Support site, the RAM is upgradeable. There are two RAM slots on the Vostro 1500; one under the keyboard and one under the casing on the bottom. Will update answer when someone opens up their Vostro for a more solid answer


*Software*
Q: What software is pre-installed compared to equivalent Inspiron models?
A: Just the Dell Network Assistant, Dell Wireless, Dell QuickSet (which is required to use the media keys and more) and the Dell DataSafe if you choose that option.

Q: Are the GPU/CPU overclockable? And is it safe?
A: If you got an nVidia graphics card in your Vostro, then that is overclockable, with the safest bet (although overclocking isn't always 100% safe) being nVidia's built-in overclocking tools. The CPU though, I'm going to take a preliminary shot in the dark and say no, as usually third party companies have their own BIO's programmed to discourage and not allow people to overclock the CPU.

Q: Can you get Windows Vista Home Premium on the Vostro 1500?
A:Yes you can, for a upgrade price of $29, but it's only available if you call Dell. Thanks BigBoy92


*Accesories*
Q: Are Vostro owners receiving the IR remote control??
A: Nope, No IR Remote Here.

Q: Are other IR remotes compatible with the Vostro?
A:

 

good idea!

 

Does "boxing stage" mean that it'll be shipped on Boxing Day? I hope not, because mine finally got there.

 

1. Is there magnesium alloy all around the laptop or just on the lid?

2. Is it really exactly the same as the new inspirons?

 

Are Vostro owners receiving the IR remote control??

 

There are some differences between the cases ranging on the models, for example the Vostro 1400 has two headphone ports, wheres the 1500 has only one. Cosmetically, it's the equivalent of a black Inspiron, but these are judging from conceptual pictures and second-hand reports. We can supply a better answer once one's in our hands.

 

No more questions?

 

why is my graphics card, which is the same as everyone elses delayed? Lol jus kidding man. I'll have questions once someone gets it though

 

How about:

What software is pre-installed compared to equivalent Inspiron models?

 

What ones are pre-installed on the Inspirons? Has anyone indexed it yet?

 

Is the screen on the 1500 grainy as the Inspirons 1520?

 

for the people in the UK who bought the 1500 i was curious as to what price you paid,i got the following spec for £515 delivered.

t5470 1.6
1gb ram
truelife screen
120bg hd
9cell
8600gt 256mb
vista basic
1yr business

 

I paid £822 inc 17.5%VAT and £60 delivery for:

Dell vostro 1700
T7300 2.0ghz 4mb cache
1gb ram
17.0" Widescreen WXGA+ (1440x900) TFT Display
160GB 5400rpm
9 cell battery
8600gt 256mb
vista home basic
2.0mp camera
1 yr warranty

 

Does it has bloatware???

 

That topic will be covered in a earlier question, Maki Kivi.

 

Does it blend?

 

OKs, no problem. I can wait. haha

 

What do you mean?

 

Does it have the high pitch problem like the Inspiron?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5xwSJJPoVY

Is the graphics card soldered to the main bored... if not graphics is upgradable!!!... who wants to void there warranty?!?!?!?

Does it over heat / any throttling problems?

Battery life 9cell vs 6cell?

Can I buy the express card remote from somewere else like the hp one? (not paying $60 for a $7-$15 remote) Edit: or can i use the hp one on this computer (change the ir codes on the laptop to become compatible?)
http://search.ebay.com/express-card-remote

Edit:
graphics/memory/cpu overclockable if so what is it safe to overclock it too?

What upgrades are avalible cpu/graphics/battery... links?

As soon as reviews become available you should post them here.

 

Updated main post. Keep them coming!

 

How did you get it for that price? Is it including VAT? If I make roughly the same spec lappy, it comes to around £600

 

I ordered mine with Dell's remote control.

The chinese dude ( http://benyouhui.it168.com/viewthread.php?tid=557807&extra=&page=1) says that magnesium alloy is in all around laptop, not only the lid.

- Grainy for WSXGA+ (not only WSXGA)?



P.D.: Please, number de questions; it's more easy to answer it.

 

yes m8 vat included,this was done over the phone not through the website,the first time i rang them i said i wasnt looking to spending a fortune but wanted a core2duo with dedicated graphics & they offered me the 1400 with the 8400gs 128mb,80gb hd,6cell for £500 & just said i want to find out a bit more about the vostro before i buy,then rang up 2 days later asking about about the vostro & they offered me the deal i mentioned,the reason i asked about the price people are paying is i read on another forum that a bloke got the same spec as me for £500,my only niggle is & i still have time to change is to upgrade to vista premium

 

I mean, Does it Blend?

http://www.willitblend.com/

 

Ah Anyways, first post updated.

 

:laugh:

I have a feeling it will.

 

You should change the chinese dudes link to this

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&u=http://benyouhui.it168.com/redirect.php%3Ftid%3D557807%26goto%3Dnewpost&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%25E5%259B%259E22%25E6%25A5%25BC,%25E8%25BF%2599%25E7%2582%25B9%25E5%25BF%2598%25E8%25AF%25B4%25E4%25BA%2586.%25E5%259B%25A0%25E4%25B8%25BA%25E6%2588%2591%25E8%25AE%25A2%25E8%25B4%25AD%25E7%259A%2584%25E6%2597%25B6%25E5%2580%2599%25E9%2594%2580%25E5%2594%25AE%25E4%25BB%25A3%25E8%25A1%25A8%25E5%25B0%25B1%25E6%2598%258E%25E7%25A1%25AE%25E7%259A%2584%25E5%2591%258A%25E8%25AF%2589%25E8%25BF%2587%25E6%2588%2591,%25E8%2585%2595%25E6%2589%2598%25E4%25B8%258D%25E6%2598%25AF%25E9%2593%259D%25E9%2595%2581%25E5%2590%2588%25E9%2587%2591%25E7%259A%2584.%25E7%259B%25AE%25E5%2589%258D%25E6%2588%2591%25E4%25B9%259F%25E4%25B8%258D%25E6%25B8%2585%25E6%25A5%259A%25E6%258A%2597%25E7%25A3%25A8%25E4%25B8%258D...%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*

Translated into English

If you like here is another you could add (more pics)

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&u=http://benyouhui.it168.com/forumdisplay.php%3Ffid%3D276%26sid%3DMsOnQI&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%25E6%25A0%2587%25E9%25A2%2598:%2B%255B%25E5%2585%25B6%25E4%25BB%2596%25E5%259E%258B%25E5%258F%25B7%255D%2B%25E5%258F%25AF%25E8%2583%25BD%25E6%2598%25AF%25E6%259C%25AC%25E8%25AE%25BA%25E5%259D%259B%25E7%25AC%25AC%25E4%25B8%2580%25E5%258F%25B0%25E7%259A%25841400%25E7%25BB%2588%25E4%25BA%258E%25E5%2588%25B0%25E4%25BA%2586~~~%25E8%2580%25B6~%25EF%25BC%2581%25E5%25B7%25B2%25E4%25B8%258A%25E5%259B%25BE%25EF%25BC%258C%25E5%25BE%2585%25E6%259B%25B4%25E6%2596%25B0%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*

 

I know for sure that the video card is not soldered/welded down. Upgrading graphics should not be a problem

Heres a link to the manual for the 1500 on how to remove the video card, looks to be screws:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/vos1500/en/sm/graphics.htm#wp1179839

 

Wooo Hooo... Thanks for the find. I am happy to know this.

Anyone find anything out about the cpu... you should be able too *upgrade it*

 

Np, nah cant find much on the cpu.....anyone else?

 

It is likely that the integrated card will be soldered though. So if you plan on upgrading, it might be best to get the next step up from the integrated.

 

Updated main post.

 

It has integrated and the 8600M GT/8400M GS please explain? I don't know that much about laptops.

 

The Dell sales rep told me Vostro frame is magnesium alloy while the Latitude is magnesium alloy all around if that makes sense. I would like to know for sure. She said Latitude>Vostro>Inspirion.

 

If you bought a 1500, then you have a dedicated card that isn't soldered on. The 8600MGT + the 8400M GS are dedicated. The Intel GMA *** is integrated, and is more then likely soldered on.

 

Ok. I didn't know there was an option to get an integrated card on the Vostro well at least the 1500.

 

Mine shipped today. Supposed to be 2nd day, but they gave me an estimated delivery date of 7/31-8/2, and DHL's site indicates it was sent ground (no est. date there yet). This sucks.

 

Your 1500 shipped? :O

 

Yep, but what's it matter if it sits with DHL for a week? Might as well ship next Wednesday in that case, since most go overnight, I'd think. Will report on issues if/when it arrives.

 

Heh, then you'll be the first with a 1500 then! Still waiting for mine to enter "Shipping" from "Boxing" :/.

 

Can you order Vista Home Premium with Vostro 1500?

 

Yeh, u have to order it over the phone though

 

Updated with Windows Vista Premium question + answer.

 

This backs up the question re the magnesium body:

Source: http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/notebooks?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd#q8

 

Nice find mate, good looking out

Looks like the vostro's are getting better by the day

 

Updated front page.

 

Thanks for that. I wonder what sales rep was thinking when she passed what apparently is wrong information about it's build. I guess we'll know for sure when Vostro's arrive - which should be soon. I wonder if the Australian gal can shed some light.

 

In another thread, ragma posted "Why does Dell only let you purchase a 5400 rpm hard drive with Vostro (1500)". Anybody know why?

 

This is the remote I hope will work with some persuading. I think all you have to do is change/add the ir codes to the Vostro. I don't know how to do this but I am sure someone does.

http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-Presario-Exp...ryZ51086QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

It looks MUCH better then the dell one and has more buttons

Here is a pic of the dell remote

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/SodaJunkie/IMG_0738.jpg

 

how easy is it to put a second dual hard drive in it after its bought? does it have an inbuilt hardware raid controller?
wulfie