Following the introduction of the classy-looking Vostro V13 late in 2009, Dell has today expanded its line of notebooks for small and medium businesses with the launch of the Vostro 3000 series.
Dell's new range - consisting of the 13.3in Vostro 3300, 14in Vostro 3400, 15.6in Vostro 3500 and 17.3in Vostro 3700 - aim to offer a "lightweight and durable" portable computing experience that features "powerful processors, high-end graphics and built-in security".
All four notebooks offer a choice of Intel's Core i3 and Core i5 dual-core processors, with the range-topping Vostro 3700 also adding an option for a quad-core Intel Core i7 chip.
The systems can be configured with up to 6GB of DDR3 memory, and although Intel HD Graphics feature as standard, discrete options are also available on all four notebooks. The Vostro 3300 (pictured right), Vostro 3400 and Vostro 3500 models can be configured with a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 310M, whilst the 17.3in Vostro 3700 can be equipped with a 1GB GeForce GT 330M.
Storage options include a standard 500GB hard-disk drive, or a hardware-encrypted 250GB drive. All four systems manage to squeeze in a tray-loading DVD writer - including the 20.1mm-think Vostro 3300 - and Dell's choice of operating systems includes Windows 7, Windows Vista and Ubuntu Linux.
Battery sizes range from four-cell to nine-cell, with Dell claiming that the latter would provide around eight hours of usage from a single charge in a 14in Vostro 3400 system.
Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless N and Bluetooth 2.1 provide the usual choice of connectivity options, and as part of the Vostro line, the 3000 series is endowed with additional security features - including a free-fall-sensor hard drive and Strike Zone shock absorber, an optional fingerprint reader, a spill-resistant keyboard and a full range of business-service support options.
Sounds like a potent combination, and whether you're a business user or not, Dell's prices are likely to have a lasting appeal. The Vostro 3300 series starts at £399, whilst the range-topping Vostro 3700 starts at £539. For complete specifications and configuration options, head over to Dell.co.uk.
