New Electronics Reviews

The Vostro 1400, part of a new Dell notebook line, is designed right from the base level to appeal to the specific needs of small-business customers. The Vostro 1400 weighing 2.45 kilograms has its power from a 2-GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of RAM, enabling the system to provide impressive performance. From tune-up and network-assistant tools to an easy online-backup solution using Dell DataSafe, using the Vostro 1400 is like having a 24X7 IT guy inside your system. Plus, you also get all of the multimedia amenities like a 2.0 megapixel webcam (optional), multimedia controls, 8-in-1 card reader that bogs down other brands. The notebook is very business looking and has some tough features which include a magnesium alloy chassis, spill proof keyboard, and shock resistant hard drive.

Pros:

• Super quite Toshiba 120GB SATA-300 HD.

• Very sturdy magnesium alloy case.

• Dedicated nVidia 8400M GS

• Excellent value at $599

• Cheap additional battery at $59 for a 9 cell

• The Dell Network Assistant utility allows to set up or repair your network, as well as share folders and printers from one screen

• Using the Self Help Menu in Dell Support Center, you can run performance and virus scans

• Free one year Automated PC TuneUp feature which automates all the small tasks you either forget or don't know how to do. This tool will remove unwanted and temporary files, enable automatic Windows updates, update your security settings, turn on your firewall, and perform regular maintenance chores.

Cons:

• The Dell Vostro 1400 cannot be configured with WinXP.

• Not all XP drivers are listed at support site,

• The Vostro 1400 does not support Quickset in XP.

• Media buttons above keyboard but not on the edge.

• Blue LED indicators are too bright

• No accessories bundled with the notebook

Specifications:

• Core 2 Duo T5470 (1.6Ghz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)

• 14.1” Wide Screen XGA LCD Display with TrueLife

• 1GB DDR2 667Mhz

• 128MB Nvidia Geforce 8400GS

• 120GB 5400RPM SATA

• 8x CD/DVD Burner w/ double layer DVD+ write capability

• Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic

• Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem

• Integrated 2.0 mega pixel web camera

• Integrated High Definition Audtio

• Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card

• 85 WorkingHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

• Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)

• 1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty with Mail-in Service

• 4 USB ports

• ExpressCard/54

• Memory Card reader

Summary

The Dell Vostro 1400 is an excellent choice for the price targeting the small business group. It offers a wide variety of special features and also provides impressive battery life for its size and price. The Vostro 1400 is tailor-made for its audience and worthy of its own sub-brand. It's a powerful laptop that's as easy to use as it is to maintain.

Labels: Computers