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The specifications of Dell laptops always seem to be getting better. I made the decision to buy.
The snag I found was this Dell Vostro 1000 was a range that is only available to business customers. This wasn't really a major problem, as I could just buy it as a business. Purchasing ... Read review
Advantages: Cheap and well spec'd Disadvantages: No disadvantages when priced at £352
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The specifications of Dell laptops always seem to be getting better. I made the decision to buy.
The snag I found was this Dell Vostro 1000 was a range that is only available to business customers. This wasn't really a major problem, as I could just buy it as a business. Purchasing as a business has a drawback, but it also has a pro point.
The drawback to buying as a business is that the distance selling regulations ... ...within 7 days if you change your mind.
The pro point is that the laptops tend to have less rubbish installed on them, than their equivalent consumer models.
I bought this laptop for myself early on in August 2007 after researching many laptops.
For my perfect laptop it had to have the following features: - Price ( Under £400 ) - Graphics ( 3D ) - Ample Memory ( Ideally 2GB ) - CD/DVD Writer - Wireless (G) - More than 2 USB Ports - Not too Heavy (Not more than 3KGs)
The main reason I wanted to get a laptop was to be able to do my own computing projects from anywhere in the house.
One of my projects involves using a service called Second Life, which is basically an online 3D chat environment. The laptop that I got had to be able to run their application.
Most laptops I looked at contained 512MB or 1GB ram which is not enough to run Windows Vista comfortably.
This is a fairly tall order for a cheap laptop. Especially as I am a Pro Computer user.
The specifications of Dell laptops always seem to be getting better. I made the decision to buy.
The snag I found was this Dell Vostro 1000 was a range that is only available to business customers. This wasn't really a major problem, as I could just buy it as a business. Purchasing as a business has a drawback, but it also has a pro point.
The drawback to buying as a business is that the distance selling regulations only apply to consumers, so you cannot send it back within 7 days if you change your mind.
The pro point is that the laptops tend to have less rubbish installed on them, than their equivalent consumer models.
The specifcation of the Laptop I purchased was:
AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual Core Processor TK-53 (1.7GHz,512KB) 2GB RAM Integrated ATI Radeon® Xpress 1150 HyperMemoryTM 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280x800) display 120GB Hard Drive DVD+/-RW with Dual Layer DVD+R write capacity 4 USB Ports Wireless (G) Windows Vista Business (32 bit) SD Card Reader ExpressCard slot Weights less than 2.84Kgs (Not sure of actual weight; 2.84Kgs is the weight of the same laptop with a larger battery) Full Restore DVD Microsoft Works 8.5
The specification was more than I expected.
And the cost to me?
£352 including VAT and Delivery.
The laptop was shipped to me pretty quickly as well. From the time of ordering, it took 5 days to be delivered to my door.
The acid test was the Second Life application, which is passed. I can use it online with no problems. You can't turn up all of the eye candy, but it is still highly usable. It can also play Command and Conquer 3 very easily. This was a very nice added bonus.
In conclusion this laptop is the best laptop for around £350. I am very glad I chose this laptop.
However Windows Vista is still in question.
Vista completely locks up at least every other day, but I did experience this with XP on previous computers.
Microsoft are suggesting SP1 for Vista will be released Q1 2008. In hindsight I would probably have choose XP as a build to order option (It costs the same whether you choose XP or Vista)
I still think Vista was a better option, but because it is newer and everyone will support it eventually. After using Vista, I can say I do like and prefer it to XP. Though its use of DRM and Aero can limited your computers performance. Aero has now been disabled, and as a result this laptop runs a lot cooler.
I have also decided to turn off User Account Controls, as they were so annoying. Every time I tried to remove something from the start menu I was prompted.
The choice between Vista or XP is yours, and you will have to decide for yourself.
Update:
I have performed a couple of 3D Benchmarks to give you an idea of this laptops 3D potential.
3D Mark 06 170 3D Mark 05 666 3D Mark 03 1335
You can see that the 3D capabilities of this laptop are much better with older 3D titles or titles with newer special effects turned off.
Update: 11 October 2007
I have removed Vista and install XP Service Pack 2
The 3D Mark has been rerun and here are the new results:
3D Mark 06 219 3D Mark 05 696 3D Mark 03 1402
All tests were run with almost a bare operating system, and all quitable programs closed.
I bought the Dell Vostro 1000 for starting a Degree last september. The Vostro 1000 is marketed at businesses and as such is installed with Windows Vista Business. The laptop came with 2GB of RAM which is ample to run vista comfortably.
The fact that the laptop is marketed for businesses has made no difference to me. In fact it has probably helped me with my degreee as it doesn't come with all the extra unnecessary rubbish that others do (e.g. solitaire, ... ...2007 package, etc.
The Dell Vostro 1000 is amazing quality for money and I would thoroughly recommend it, expecially for anyone on a limited budget. The battery once charged does not last for ages but it is not too bad at all; as with most laptops there is a selction of performance modes which can prolong battery. It Vostro is very resilliant; and has survived a few knocks without any trauma.
I am very happy that I have the Vostro 1000, it is a ...
Chuckles1987 15.05.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Dell Vostro 1000
Advantages: Cheap and reliable Disadvantages: Short battery life
...in the form of a Dell 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi card. I think there are both pros and cons with this laptop as with most products. The pros are cheap, wireless internet, fast at start up and loading internet pages which unfortunatly I cant say for my Hp 3gb Laptop. It has a big, clear screen aswell. The cons are Short battery life and the sound quality is not too good. I would definately recommend this to anyone though as it is brilliant for the price. ...
terriann120888 29.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Dell Vostro 1000
Speed
Look & Feel
Comfort & Portability
Robustness & Durability
Value For Money
Quick review of Dell Vostro 1000
I always said i'd never get a laptop, just didn't see the point. But after getting a mail shot from DELL offering me a VOSTRO 1000 for £199 +vat & p&p (total of £ 293) i thought even if it's crap what could i lose. After ordering i expected the usuall rubbish about delivery but was amazed when it arrived 4 days later. I was absolutely astonished at the quality of the machine, it's sturdy & quite stylish compared to others twice the price. Useing it is a pleasure & VISTA so far has caused me no problems. The only slight down side is the battery doesn't last to long, but hey what do you expect for that price. In conclusion I have no hesitation in recommending anyone to purshase one for home or business. ...
prags03 17.11.2007 (16.11.2007)
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Dell Vostro 1000
Advantages: HD. Very compatible with games. WiFi. Disadvantages: No integrated bluetooth. Limited volume for music.
...it.
I use my Dell Vostro regularly to access the internet and play games.
Dell Vostro 1000 is designed for Windows XP.
In my opinion WIndows XP is less complicated than Windows Vista.
The keyboard buttons don't need to be forced down, a soft click does the trick.
Sensitivity of the touchpad can be adjusted with ease.
There are four usb drives, a disk and floppy disc drive for input devices.
Speakers are located next to the keyboard.
Dell ...
guitara 17.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Dell Vostro 1000
Vostro notebooks are built exclusively for small business and are ready to be customized with the features and software you want without any unwanted trialware. With flexible technology and service options, wireless connectivity, and AMD processors packed into a compact system, the Dell Vostro 1000 gives you the essential mobility that will get your business going places.
Many 
