Introducing Dell's new Vostro line
Dell's new Vostro line
(Credit: Dell)It seems like a long time since Dell introduced a brand new line to its menu of laptops and desktops, instead of adding onto the current lineup of Inspiron, Latitude, and XPS systems (the long-lived Dimension line was finally retired in June).
Dell on Tuesday revealed an entirely new family of systems, called Vostro (Latin for "yours"), aimed at small businesses with 1-25 employees who need business-level systems that don't require full-time IT people to manage.
"For too long, entrepreneurs have been forced to fit either consumer or large corporate solutions into their unique environments," Dell Chairman and CEO Michael Dell said in a statement. In real-world terms, that means Vostro desktops and laptops won't include any of what Dell calls "trialware" (we call it "bloatware"), but will include simplified proprietary networking software and versions of the Dell PC Tune-Up and DataSafe Online programs found in the newest Inspiron systems. Vostro systems will also have a dedicated sales and support team, trained to work with small businesses.
Vostro systems available today include:
Hardware-wise, these new systems don't differ much from the current Dell lineup (but Dell expects to introduce a high-end Vostro desktop in August), and the online support and backup services are apparently only free for the first year, but in principle, we like the idea of a line that falls somewhere between consumer systems and systems aimed at larger businesses, which are expected to have at least some basic IT infrastructure.
New York native Dan Ackerman, a former radio DJ turned journalist, has written about technology and music for publications including Spin, Blender, The Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. He hosts the weekly Digital City podcast and the New York edition of Editors' Office Hours. Dan's new album, Tales Out of Night School, is available now. E-mail Dan. 
..........the ""marketing"" decision to not offer WindowsXP Pro as an option on the 1700 and 1400 (as opposed to the 1000 and 1500 which do have this option) is just plain DUMB STUPID.
If I wanted to put my business at risk, I'd have already signed up as a Vista beta site.
Sales lost are.
..........the ""marketing"" decision to not offer WindowsXP Pro as an option on the 1700 and 1400 (as opposed to the 1000 and 1500 which do have this option) is just plain DUMB STUPID.
If I wanted to put my business at risk, I'd have already signed up as a Vista beta site. (Speaking of bloatware...)
Sales lost are.
- I love the new Dell Vostro line!
- by giuliocesare March 2, 2008 2:09 AM PST
- I love the new Dell Vostro line! It quickly became one of my favorite PC lines! The Vostro 1700 starts at $729! That is the cheapest starting price that I have ever seen for new 17" notebooks! The Vostro 400 mini tower desktop PC starts at $499! I have never seen a cheaper price for a perofrmance desktop for small bsuiness! Both PCs feature the following.
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- An addition to my previous comment here.
- by giuliocesare March 2, 2008 2:22 AM PST
- I forgot to include that as far as I know Dell also offers XP on the Vostros (I do not know which though). Also there are several Vostro models, which I shall list here.
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(8 Comments)You can choose a cheaper low end Intel processor to a higher-end performance Intel processor.
You can choose any Windows Vista edition - Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.
You have 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, and 4 GB memory options so it is easier to choose a memory option that best suits your needs.
You can have a cheaper 80 GB hard drive option on the notebook to a 320 GB option (160 GB and 1 TB are the respective values on the desktop).
You can choose to have cheaper integrated graphics, or a dedicated NVidia video card (128 MB or 256 MB).
You can choose whether or not to have an integrated webcam on the 1700.
You can choose whether you want a glossy or an anti-glare screen.
The only problem is that I want a wired mouse with my Vostro notebook, then I have to get it separately. Otherwise this is definitely an ideal PC line for small businesses and many other home users and businesses! It almost is perfect, wow!
The desktops.
The 200 mini tower, a basic mini tower desktop (this is the most basic Vostro desktop).
The 200 slim tower, a slim tower desktop (this is the lightest and thinnest Vostro desktop).
The 400 mini tower, a desktop that offers more power than any of the other Vostro desktops and offers more powerful processors and graphics cards, plus faster memory options (this is the most powerful Vostro desktop).
The notebooks.
The 1000, a notebook that is available with a 14.1" or a 15.4" screen (this is the most basic Vostro notebook).
The 1400, a higher end notebook that features a 14.1" screen (this is the most mobile Vostro notebook).
The 1500, a notebook that has a balance between mobility and power and features a 14.1" screen.
The 1700, a notebook that offers more power than any of the other Vostro notebooks and features a 17" screen (this is the most powerful Vostro notebook).