Tech News
Dell rolls out the new Vostro range
By Stevie Smith Jul 12, 2007, 13:20 GMT
High-flying computer hardware company Dell Inc. has this week taken aim at the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) market with the introduction of its new Santa-Rosa built Vostro notebook and desktop range.
In Vostro, the Texas-based computer specialist is releasing not only a new line-up of SME hardware but also a complete range of Dell services intended to make business life easier to handle for smaller enterprises embracing the Vostro approach.
Specifically, interested consumers will receive the option to snap up Dell’s PC Tune Up optimisation software, its DataSafe online backup service, and also remote technical assistance. Further to that Dell has said it will remove the vast majority of its standard trial-based system software so that enterprises are able to hit the ground running – Antivirus software will still be included.
In terms of hardware additions and technical statistics, Dell has unveiled four separate notebook models for inclusion to its Vostro line:
The lower-tier Vostro 1000 comes with a 15.4-inch display, dual core AMD processors (the only notebook without Intel’s Santa Rosa platform), up to 2GB of memory, up to 120GB of hard drive space, 3-1 media card reader, and a choice between Windows Vista or Windows XP operating systems.
The compact Vostro 1400 has a 14.1-inch anti-glare display screen and an integrated (or dedicated) 128MB Nvidia GeForce Go 8400 GS graphics unit.
The mid-range Vostro 1500 and 1700 offer a 15.4-inch and 17-inch anti-glare display respectively, along with integrated or dedicated 128MB Nvidia GeForce Go 8400 GS or 256MB Nvidia GeForce Go 8600 GT graphics unit. The 1700 comes ready with either Windows Vista or Windows XP.
The Vostro 1400, 1500, and 1700 all come equipped with optional Intel Core2 Duo Processors, up to 4GB of memory, wireless a/g/n Wi-Fi, and optional Built-in Mobile Broadband from "top 3 U.S. carriers". The trio of notebooks will also offer optional Bluetooth connectivity and optional integrated Web cam, along with MediaDirect with Instant Office, an 8-1 card reader, up to 8 hours of battery operation, and durable magnesium-alloy chassis, sealed keyboards and StrikeZone hard drives.
From a desktop point of view, Dell is also rolling out the Vostro 200, which delivers optional Intel Core 2 Duo processors, up to 4GB of 667MHz memory, up to 1TB (terabyte) of internal storage, dual monitor capability, and as much as 256MB PCle x16 dedicated graphics card and front panel USB port access. The Vostro 200 also offers either Vista or XP operating systems.
With Vostro (which is Latin for ‘Yours’) Dell claims that the customer has spoken and it has duly listened. Small and Mid-size business owners will now duly respond by either embracing or ignoring the new SME range.
The Vostro 1400 and 1500 are both priced around $549 USD. The Vostro 1700 costs $799 USD. The most pocket-friendly option, the AMD-powered Vostro 1000 coming in at $449 USD. All prices are after instant savings made at Dell’s official website.
