Vostro Inquiry Thread

I've been looking at Dell's Vostro 1500 with interest, but I can't seem to get some definite answers to all the major questions I have concerning it, so I thought I'd try to lump together some knowledge to help me decide if I want to purchase it.

Q: I've heard that there are real issues with the screen and onboard audio. I've heard of the screen graining up, and of the audio going completely static. These factors have pushed me to look at the HP dv6500t, even after an infuriating call with tech support. Are they constant flaws, ala the X-Box 360 redring issues? Are they fixable?

Q: I've heard there is some issue with the screen tilt of the Vostro model notebooks. What's up with that?

Q: I've heard that Dell doesn't necessarily put in the best quality screens, and that certain ones are rather crummy. If so, why should I even bother buying a computer from them? I don't like gambling on quality parts.

 

You'll get some good answers on this board, I can provide you with my experience.

I was in no hurry to get a laptop and Dell offered everything I wanted at the best price in town. I was prepared to be disappointed and I was - ordered an Inspiron and received a terrible screen. Big deal.. I sent it back, picked up a Vostro, got a nice coupon for my troubles and my second laptop was flawless.

Some people get a great laptop on the first try, some people are on their 3rd attempt. I say if you have patience and want to save, get a Dell.

The screen tilt I have not heard of but there is a slight static on the headphone jack when you use cheap headphones. These were the 1st run of production units so there were bound to be flaws, you can call and ask if they have been sorted out but I can't verify from anyone yet that they have been.

 

I believe the static through the headphones is fully an issue with all of their products that run integrated audio. It sounds out the signals going through the motherboard. All Dell and Gateway products suffer from it, and it's something that drives me effing crazy.

 

The screen is awesome. I have a great viewing angle vertically and horizontally. No grain and good colour repoduction. Audio so far has been great aswell. I have been really impressed with the Vostro so far. It has a lovely keyboard aswell

 

I am just really concerned over the audio hiss being reported.

 

Get Creative's ExpressCard or a USB sound card.

 

I have not had any problems, but maybe I was lucky.

 

hey i can confirm that my vostro 1500 has no sound jack crackling issues and i only got mine a few weeks ago so maybe this problem has been solved. the sound off the vostro using descent headphones is great

also i managed to get a descent screen on my first attempt. i think dell have reduced teh ammount of grainyness on the screens as anyone taht does get a grainy screen now is still alot better than the first ones. plus the granyness is only really an issue with higher resolution screens, i have the 1440x900 screen and its the AUO one too so its prone to grain but the picture is great no grain that i can see so im happy.

as for the screen tilting issue im not sure what your talking about but i can tell you that the build quality of the whole laptop is fantastic, it feels solid throughout, other than the cheap feeling screen catch for the lid.