April 15, 2008 12:01 AM PDT

Dell refreshes Vostro small business laptops

by Michelle Thatcher

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(Credit: CNET Networks)

Dell announced Tuesday that it would introduce three new laptops in its Vostro line for small businesses. The 13.3-inch Vostro 1310, with a starting price of $749, brings a new form factor to the lineup. Meanwhile the 15.4-inch Vostro 1510 (starting at $599) and 17-inch Vostro 1710 (pricing not yet available) are refreshes of existing models.

The low starting prices are part of the plan to appeal to companies with one to 25 employees who need business-level systems, but don't have a full-time information technology staff. Hardwarewise, the laptops aren't very different from Dell's existing lineup; the key differentiator lies in security and support options. The Vostro line offers such niceties as a Trusted Platform Module, Webcam, and fingerprint reader, as well as a generous 30-day return policy that lets you take the laptop for a test drive without paying any restocking fees.

Vostro owners also have access to a dedicated support line (with "small business trained" technicians), plus one year of free access to 10GB of online backup space and to the company's Automated PC Tune-up, which regularly performs basic system maintenance. More details can be found on Dell's site.

Though Tuesday marks the global announcement of the new Vostro laptops, they won't be available in North America until May 1 (and the Vostro 1710 isn't expected until mid-May). We have a Vostro 1310 review unit in our offices, and so far, we're pleased with its upscale looks and sturdy construction. We're still putting it through the paces, though, so keep an eye out for a full review of the Vostro 1310 within the next few days.

Michelle Thatcher has been reviewing technology products for nearly a decade. Her current focus is laptop reviews, with some kitchen gadgetry and Web 2.0 thrown in for good measure.