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View Full Version : A Review of the Dell Vostro V130: Not Quite There


Michael Knutson
12-07-2010, 06:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/dell-vostro-v130/4505-3121_7-34424266.html?part=cnet&subj=Dell+Vostro+V130#reviewPage1' target='_blank'>http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/del...130#reviewPage1</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Here's the not-so-secret secret about Dell's new small-business laptop, the Vostro V130: it's not really just for small-business users. Although the Vostro series slots in alongside Dell's Latitude as non-consumer-oriented laptops, the thin, sturdy, compact 13.3-inch Vostro V130 feels more like a more affordable offspring of the original Dell Adamo. The V130 is an upgrade to last year's Vostro V13, outfitted with HDMI-out and new, faster CPUs. Available in a wide variety of configurations ranging from $429 up to a MacBook Air-level $1,073, the Vostro V130 is less of an individual product than it is the latest in a line of high-concept designs kicked off by the original Adamo."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/lpt/auto/1291696798.usr17748.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>Constructed of aluminum and magnesium, the lightweight and strong Vostro V130 is aimed at small businesses, but would make a decent consumer notebook, with 13-inch matte screen, reasonable fast processor and integrated graphics, quality components and a decent out-the-door price. Almost every review so far has rated it highly, except for the lousy (just a bit over 2 hours) battery life that brings down the final rating. Starting at $429 and climbing to over $1000, configuration options are plentiful. Puzzling design choices, higher-end components, but scrimping on the battery. Is this today's attempt to keep cost down? Would you be happy with a new laptop with only a bit more than two hours of battery capacity? Maybe in a small business, where it's plugged-in most of the time.</p>

Jason Dunn
12-09-2010, 01:44 AM
That's definitely my #1 complaint about my V13...the battery life of 3-4 hours just isn't long enough. :mad: