Dell Vostro V13-Review

Post by Sharat | January 29, 2010 | Dell Computers, Dell Reviews, Laptops, Reviews | Comment

13.3 inch backlit LED display 1366 x768 Resolution

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 32-bit edition

Intel Celeron M743 1.3-GHz ULV processor,

2GB of DDR3 RAM, 250GB hard drive

2 USB ports

Bluetooth support

1.3MP webcam and microphone

Gigabit Ethernet

The nicest thing about the Dell Vostro 13-inch laptop is not the fact that it’s really slim, but the fact that unlike other similar laptops we have reviewed it is built to withstand a stampede, yet has the same aura of other high-end ultra portable laptops, but at much more affordable price.

The Vostro V13 is best described as a business laptop with the same look and feel of the more stylish Dell Adamo range.

> > Click here to order online with Dell Australia

The laptop is built using an aluminium chassis and has curved angular edges with a polished exterior, which gives it an elegant and premium feel.

The V13 is a well balanced laptop unlike many of its peers and netbooks, which tend to feel a little top heavy. The screen can be lifted simply using a single finger, and doesn’t require the user to tug away at the rest of the chassis as well.

In our opinion it is one of the best designed laptop measuring just 0.65 inches at its thinnest and weighing just 1.58 Kg, the laptop is definitely far more appealing than a netbook both measured by performance and in design.

The 13.3 inch backlit LED display supports wide-screen resolution of 1366×768 display and has a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen is matte, which is increasingly rare for a laptop display and ensures that it is better for reading and doesn’t give of the same kind of nuisance reflection that glossy screens are known for.

The keyboard is similar to that of the Dell Studio XPS 13 and in spite of the fact that it is limited to the 13 inch format the V13’s keys are large but tightly packed, we would however have preferred the keys to also be backlit.

The track-pad which is slightly shallow is as responsive as one could want, and the mouse buttons are sturdy and provides more than enough palm rest.

The V13 isn’t built to be a powerhouse supercomputer as far as its hardware goes, but it is more than adequate, though it does not come with DVD writer, and we felt it was a little stingy with only 2 USB ports.

Overall we really liked this machine, and if you are looking for an ultra slim and portable, we think this is one of the top choices out there, and starting at $949 from Dell Australia is great value for money.