<div align="center"><a title="img_7658" rel="lightbox[pics313]" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/index.php/2008/08/08/dell-vostro-1510-review-a-worthy-upgrade-to-the-vostro-1500/"><img class="attachment wp-att-314 alignleft" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7658.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7658" width="400" height="372" /></a></div>
When Dell released the Vostro line of their desktops and notebooks, the reaction to the new line of budget-oriented systems was somewhat mixed. Some saw the series as somewhat conservative in terms of exterior shape and colors, and some really liked the plain look. Some looked at the line as just another "Dell Inspiron" for Small Businesses, but some looked at all the new features, and realized that it's truly a line of its own. Some compared the laptop section to the then-current unofficial king of business laptop - IBM/Lenovo T series, T60- and T61 in particular, and wrote it off as an inferior, bulky product.

There was, however, one thing that was very hard to beat - the price. From the <a href="http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/9844" target="_blank">very first slick deal</a> on it, it became obvious that Dell is looking to capture the market of mid- to small-size businesses, looking for computational power on the go. They seem to have hit the nail on its head with the Vostro. Starting with the absence of trialware, 30-day money back guarantee, free return shipping, along with already existing services Dell provided, they were able to capture the niche market of businesses and individuals who wanted a solid business laptop at a very modest price.

Of course, the original release is never perfect - both Vostro 1400 and 1500 had their share of lovers and haters, for a variety of reasons. Today we are looking at the upgrade to the now-classic Vostro 1500 laptop, the Vostro 1510. <!--more-->
<h2>Configuration as reviewed</h2>
<ul>
<li> Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 1.8 GHz, 2MB Cache</li>
<li> Memory: 2GB DDR2-667 (2x1GB)</li>
<li> Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic, Service Pack 1</li>
<li> Screen: 15.4 inch Widescreen WXGA+ LCD Anti-Glare Display (1440x900)</li>
<li> Hard Drive: 160G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (Seagate 5400.3)</li>
<li> CD/DVD: 8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+/-R</li>
<li> Video Card: 256MB nVidia GeForce 8400M GS</li>
<li> Network: Gigabit Ethernet</li>
<li> Wireless: Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g</li>
<li> Bluetooth: Dell Wireless 360 Bluetooth</li>
<li> Webcam: Integrated 1.3MP with Digital Microphone</li>
<li> Security: Fingerprint Reader</li>
<li> Battery: 87 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7730.jpg" title="img_7730"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7730.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7730" width="400" height="134" class="attachment wp-att-365 centered" /></a><span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">
<br />
Traditional package: Laptop, software, power cables, manuals and a... microfiber cloth?</span></p>
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<h2>Build, aesthetics, usability and ergonomics</h2>
Some of the most heard complaints about the Vostro 1500 were that it was too plain looking, too bland, too conservative, too bulky, and overall unattractive. The 1510 has an answer for all of the above.
<h2>Weight and size management</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7705.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-317 aligncenter" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7705.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7705" width="400" height="138" /></a><br />
<a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7707.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-330 aligncenter" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7707.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7707" width="176" height="110" /></a> <a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7706.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-329 aligncenter" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7706.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7706" width="203" height="110" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">Top: Vostro 1510, Bottom: Vostro 1500</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With the recent movement to slim down, Dell started by putting the 15" Vostro on a diet: where 1500 with a 9-cell battery weighed in at 7lb 6 oz, the 1510, also with a 9-cell battery, came at only 6lb 0.8 Oz. This put it in line with some of the lightest 15" laptops out there and that's also with a standard (non-LED) screen. If an LED option were available, I would expect the weight to break the 6lb mark.</p>
<p align="center"><a title="img_7701" rel="lightbox[pics313]" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7701.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-319 alignleft" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7701.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7701" width="400" height="101" /></a> <br />
<a title="img_7704" rel="lightbox[pics313]" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7704.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-321 alignleft" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7704.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7704" width="400" height="112" /></a> <span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">
<br />
Left: Vostro 1510, Right: Vostro 1500</span></p>
<p>
In addition to the impressive reduction in weight, the 1510 replaces the curvy lines seen in 1500 with straight angles, making the laptop look more like a Latitude series, or even an Apple's MacBook Pro when closed.</p>
<p align="center"><a title="img_7703" rel="lightbox[pics313]" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7703.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-320 alignleft" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7703.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7703" width="400" height="99" /></a> <span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">
<br />
Left: Vostro 1510, Right: Vostro 1500</span></p>
<p>
Finally, the overall height of the laptop is reduced by as much as 1/3" towards the front of the laptop when closed, putting a nice finishing touch on the already good looking laptop, and also allowing it to be packed in slimmer luggage compartments, if necessary. </p>
<h2>External appearance</h2>
<p align="center"><a title="img_7655" rel="lightbox[pics313]" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7655.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-316 alignleft" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7655.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7655" width="400" height="261" /></a></p>
<p>The matte exterior of the 1500, similar to one currently used on the XPS series, has been replaced by a shiny, reflective shell. Sure, it's a fingerprint and dust magnet - but it definitely looks quite a bit cleaner, and sleeker. In addition to that, I personally didn't really like how Vostro 1500 would keep the traces of fingers after touching it with anything other than perfectly dry hands on the outside - a common problem with "powdered" exterior. To help you fight fingerprints on the shiny surface, Dell also includes a microfiber cloth, which works wonders in removing any evidence of you handling the laptop. </p>
<h2>Build quality</h2>
<p align="center"><a title="img_76591" rel="lightbox[pics313]" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_76591.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-332 alignleft" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_76591.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_76591" width="400" height="179" /></a></p>
<p>The original Vostro was highly regarded for its solid build. Some went as far as calling it a "tank", both to identify its bulkiness and rigid construction. The 1510 left most of those features behind. The construction still feels very solid on the base of a laptop, but the screen feels a little too soft, although still much better than screens on XPS m1330 or m1530, which are outright thin. The magnesium alloy construction remains untouched, leaving it as one of the stronger, yet relatively light laptops on the market. </p>
<p align="center"><a title="img_7660" rel="lightbox[pics313]" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7660.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-331 alignleft" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7660.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7660" width="400" height="64" /></a>
</p>
<p> Vostro 1510 does not use a screen latch/lock and relies on screen weight and spring-loaded hinges to keep it down when closed. This works really well, however, it makes opening the laptop with one hand much harder, if not impossible.</p>

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<h2>Screen</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7712" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7712.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-333 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7712.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7712" width="400" height="277" /></a></p>
<p>The model we received for this review has an anti-glare, matte screen, with 1440x900 screen resolution, known as WXGA+. This is the highest resolution one can get without getting the reflective TrueLife screen, which go as high as 1920x1200 (WUXGA).
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7713" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7713.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-334 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7713.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7713" width="312" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>There is much debate on the internet about which is really better - anti-glare or TrueLife (or any other name for a vivid, reflective display). In the end, it all comes down to personal preference, and the intended use for the laptop. I generally found true business users and persons working a lot outside favoring anti-glare screens. On the other side, users seeking entertainment, and artists who love eye-pleasing, vivid colors, and are willing to deal with glare in direct light, prefer reflective screens. The only way to really decide is to compare them side by side. Unfortunately, the limited resolution makes anti-glare LCDs less attractive to professionals seeking screen real estate for their daily work.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7715" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7715.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-336 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7715.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7715" width="161" height="200" /></a> <a title="img_7716" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7716.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-337 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7716.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7716" width="85" height="200" /></a> <a title="img_7717" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7717.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-338 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7717.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7717" width="46" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>Notwithstanding, the screen on our sample is very sharp, and bright, with very good viewing angles and response time.
</p>
<h2>Keyboard</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7674" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7674.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-340 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7674.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7674" width="400" height="80" /></a><br />
<a title="img_7728" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7728.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-347 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7728.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7728" width="400" height="107" /></a> <span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;"><br />
Top: Vostro 1510, Bottom: Vostro 1500</span></p>
<p>Vostro 1510 and 1310 introduce a new keyboard layout for the Vostro family. It's a whole inch narrower, down to 11" from 12". Most of the keys remain the same size, 11/16" squares, but the positioning is tighter, and the arrow keys are now about half the size of the other keys. The new design also removes standalone Home and End keys, and combines them with Left Arrow and Right Arrow respectively, making them accessible only via the Fn key. Page Up and Page Down keys are also relocated to the same general area as the arrow keys. All this causes the arrow key section to "break" the traditional rectangular shape, creating a small "bump" in the lower right section of the keyboard. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7677" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7677.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-339 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7677.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7677" width="400" height="254" /></a></p>
<p>Coming to the 1510 from 1500, the reduction in keyboard width, change in positioning, and combining of the keys is unusual, and will definitely take some adjustment, especially since I work with documents and code on the regular basis. If you have never used a full size laptop keyboard, you will probably have no trouble adjusting to it.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7672" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7672.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-362 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7672.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7672" width="200" height="118" /></a> <a title="img_7709" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7709.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-363 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7709.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7709" width="285" height="118" /></a> <span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;"><br />
Left: Vostro 1510, Right: Vostro 1500</span></p>
<p>The keyboard responsiveness is just as great, and tactile feedback is on par with the original, making it one of the most pleasant keyboards to work with, a close second to probably only Lenovo T-series.
</p>
<h2>Touchpad</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7680" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7680.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-345 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7680.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7680" width="183" height="110" /></a> <a title="img_7710" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7710.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-346 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7710.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7710" width="163" height="110" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">Left: Vostro 1510, Right: Vostro 1500</span></p>
<p>One thing that really bothered me in the original Vostro was the absence of any barrier between the touchpad and the buttons. When using it, I often found my mouse pointer in random spots from where I previously left it - truly a runaway mouse without a cat, all because I would hit the touchpad with 2 fingers at the same time, causing it to get confused. Vostro 1510 adds a 1/8" break between the touchpad and the buttons, which effectively eliminates the problem. The touchpad is smooth, and tracks position and taps very well, making it a good alternative for when you don't have to or don't want to use a mouse. </p>
<h2>Fingerprint Reader</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7679" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7679.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-349 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7679.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7679" width="300" height="267" /></a></p>
<p>As an optional security feature, Vostro 1510 offers a fingerprint reader - something that's becoming more and more common in business, and higher end consumer laptops, and wasn't available with its predecessor. This particular implementation allows storing user's biometric data on the hard drive, or in the reader itself. The former allows a virtually unlimited number of prints stored, while the latter is limited to 28. In both cases, biometric data is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. While still somewhat a novelty, a fingerprint reader offers simplified logon to the PC literally with a touch of a finger. It also allows storing passwords for web sites, and Windows-based services, such as network and VPN logins. Basically just about anything that offers a password-based login may be added to an easy-to-use software, which will prompt you for a finger swipe, rather than entering a password. As of this review, both Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox (including latest 3.0) are officially supported. Support for other browsers, such as Opera and Safari, or for Linux is not yet available. Firefox 3.0 users need to download an updated extension from <a href="http://www.upek.com/support/customersupport/techsupport/Topic.asp?ID_Topic=53">reader manufacturer's site</a>.</p>
<p>Fingerprint reader software replaces standard windows login procedure, whether you use a welcome screen or Ctrl + Alt + Delete combination (common with domain logins). Before you can use it, you enroll your finger or fingers so that the reader can recognize you. This is done after logging into your account with a password and swiping the finger on the reader. You are then taken to a special dialog, where you have to provide your password for windows login, and after 5 successful consecutive swipes of a finger, you are ready to log in via biometric credentials. As an option, you may also choose an even tighter security mechanism, which requires you to enter a password and swipe a finger. You can enroll up to a total of 10 finger prints.</p>
<p>I found fingerprint login to be very conveniet, not only for Windows logins, but also for other password-protected locations, such as web-based email logins, network logins, and other restricted resources. At this time, this method does not support advanced login operations, including Linux logins using a terminal application such as PuTTY, and it is not clear whether such support will ever be provided. Just about any application that supports &quot;pre-entered&quot; password will be recognized by the application automatically.</p>
<h2>System Activity Indicators</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7681" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7681.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-350 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7681.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7681" width="400" height="43" /></a></p>
<p>Vostro 1510 combines the keyboard setting LED indicators, as well as system activity indicators, such as hard drive/optical drive activity and wireless/bluetooth indicators above the keyboard, next to the power key. The power and battery charge indicators remain on the front side of the laptop, and unlike the others, are visible when the laptop is closed. While mostly a cosmetic issue, I prefer being able to see the hard drive activity indicator when the laptop is closed, especially since there are 2 other LEDs visible, but that certainly doesn't make it a deal breaker for me.
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</p>
<h2>Ports and Connectivity</h2>
<p style="text-align: center"><img class="attachment wp-att-331 aligncenter" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7660.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7660" width="400" height="64" /><span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;"> <br />
Front: Power and battery charge LEDs, microphone and headphone jacks, card reader</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left">The new Vostro 1510 offers a wide variety of connectivity options for just about any device a business user would require. This includes 4 USB ports, 2 on each side, a memory card reader, headphones + microphone pair, a firewire/IEEE1394 mini port, VGA output and a gigabit ethernet.</p>
<h2>Networking</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7665" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7665.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-369 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7665.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7665" width="400" height="62" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">Back side: VGA output, ethernet port, power adapter port</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With more and more small and medium businesses switching to gigabit network speeds, Vostro 1510 gets the upgrade to match the demand. The network card is based around a popular PCI Express Realtek chipset, and in my tests, I was able to get close to 940 Mbit throughput. One common problem with older gigabit network chipset, specifically PCI versions, was very high CPU usage when one gets close to about half of gigabit bandwidth and above. I did not experience any issues with it on this Vostro unit, and the network speeds are a very welcome upgrade that a lot of users have been asking for.</p>
<p>This unit comes with the base Dell Wireless 1395 adapter. It's a solid performer, and even though it's limited to G speeds (up to 54Mbps theoretical), this is the most widely deployed standard in most businesses and public hot spots around the country. The optional Dell wireless Draft N and Intel Draft N adapters are also available, if you are looking into the future with wireless technology. The bundled wireless software supports standard security protocols, including WPA2 and LEAP authentication, as well as older WEP and WPA for backwards compatibility. One thing worth mentioning - is that Vostro 1510 no longer includes a WiFi detector mode on the wireless switch, found on Vostro 1500. This mode was meant to search for wireless signal, and provide a color-coded indication whether one was available without having to turn the laptop on, thus saving road warriors' battery life. While pretty cool at first, it couldn't really distinguish between an open and protected network, and I didn't find myself using it much.
</p>
<h2>Video Output</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7689" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7689.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-370 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7689.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7689" width="400" height="222" /></a></p>
<p>Unlike its older brother which had an S-Video and VGA ports, the 1510 provides a single external video output - a 15-pin VGA port. While the absence of an HDMI port is somewhat surprising, considering the integrated nVidia 8400 series video card, it makes it clear that Dell is positioning this laptop towards business users more so than entertainment. After all the majority of installed projectors in offices and conference rooms have a VGA input a lot more often than HDMI. In addition to that, more and more modern high definitions TV sets include a PC/VGA input, so this may be more of a minor nuisance than a real omission on Dell's part.
</p>
<h2>USB Ports</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7662" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7662.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-368 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7662.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7662" width="400" height="84" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">Right side: Firewire mini, 2 USB ports, slot-loading DVD+/-RW drive, Kensington security lock port</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7667" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7667.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-390 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7667.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7667" width="400" height="73" /></a><span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;"><br />
Left Side: Cooling vent, 2 USB ports, ExpressCard slot, WiFi switch</span></p>
<p>As its predecessor, the 1510 has 4 USB ports, 2 on the right side of the laptop, and 2 on the left side.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7721" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7721.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-375 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7721.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7721" width="200" height="105" /></a> <a title="img_7722" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7722.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-376 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7722.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7722" width="255" height="105" /></a> <span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;"><strong><br />
Vostro 1500</strong>: USB device blocking network and power ports</span></p>
<p>The location of USB ports on 1500 was bad, especially for using them with bulky devices. One pair of ports was located very close to the network port, and another - very close to the power adapter. I use a (very bulky) Verizon Wireless USB card for getting to SlickDeals.net on the go. When I plugged it into either of the USB pairs, I would have to stay either without ethernet connection, or without AC power.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7685.jpg" title="img_7685"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7685.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7685" width="165" height="125" class="attachment wp-att-373 centered" /></a> <a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7686.jpg" title="img_7686"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7686.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7686" width="210" height="124" class="attachment wp-att-374 centered" /></a></p>
<p>This problem doesn't exist with the 1510, as the USB ports are positioned separately from all other devices. And even though it's still a challenge to use 2 USB devices together, it's a lot easier to get by with 2-3 available USB ports, than without power.
</p>
<h2>Memory card reader</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7694.jpg" title="img_7694"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7694.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7694" width="300" height="172" class="attachment wp-att-352 centered" /></a></p>
<p>Just about every laptop PC these days has some sort of a memory card reader. Both old and new Vostro models have one as well. The reader supports SD (including High Capacity) cards, Memory Stick (including Pro cards) and MultiMedia Cards (MMC). mini SD and micro SD cards are also supported, if you have a full-size SD adaptor for them.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7693.jpg" title="img_7693"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7693.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7693" width="300" height="172" class="attachment wp-att-353 centered" /></a></p>
<p>The device is reasonably fast, I was able to read from a 4GB Sandisk Extreme III SDHC memory card at an average of about 15MB/second. Using a Sandisk-provided USB card reader, that speed went up to about 19MB/s.
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</p>
<h2>Multimedia and Entertainment</h2>
<p>While the whole Vostro series is not targeted at the audience that is looking for an entertainment laptop, it hardly lacks anything in that regard. There is a slot loading DVD burner, bright screen, headphone jack, and a set of touch-sensitive LED-backlit media control buttons right above the keyboard. Even DVD playback software (CyberLink PowerDVD DX 8) is preinstalled on the system- so much for no entertainment value.
</p>
<h2>Speakers</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_76721" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_76721.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-366 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_76721.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_76721" width="400" height="236" /></a></p>
<p>One of the reasons the keyboard has been redesigned and shrunk is the addition of speakers to the left and right of the keyboard. The original Vostro 1500 speakers were on the front of the laptop, and weren't anything special. Unfortunately, the reduction in keyboard size hasn't changed much either - speakers still lack bass and treble, and when volume is raised too high (close to 85-90%), there is additional noise mixed in. They are better than what the original had, no doubt, but let's face it, good speakers and laptop only meet when they are separate. Headphone jack on the other hand provides good sound, so make sure you pick up a good set of headphones. I tried it with Sennheiser CX300B and Creative Aurvana DJ, from the recent deals, and both work much better than speakers.
</p>
<h2>Media Controls</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7682" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7682.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-351 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7682.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7682" width="400" height="44" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">Vostro 1510 Media Controls</span><br />
<a title="img_7711" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7711.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-359 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7711.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7711" width="400" height="36" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">Vostro 1500 Media Controls</span></p>

<p>Originally found only on the XPS line, the media controls are now touch sensitive, LED-backlit buttons. I definitely like the new approach for 2 reasons - the old location in the front of the laptop was a little too easy to push while moving the laptop, and the keys were narrow and sometimes hard to read in the darker room. The screen backlight on the 1510 provides more than enough brightness to distinguish the keys if the lights are off.
</p>
<h2>Slot-loading DVD Burner</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7695" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7695.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-358 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7695.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7695" width="400" height="208" /></a></p>
<p>Another new addition to this line is the slot-loading DVD drive. The base model comes with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo, but the model we received has a DVD/CD burner. Slot-loading drive is another feature found mostly on higher end (XPS) line in the past. While it allows the laptop to slim down quite a bit by employing a caddy-less solution, it also limits aftermarket upgrade possibilities, since it's considerably harder to find a slot-loading optical unit compared to a more traditional design. During a quick DVD playback session, I did not notice any issues with either the DVD player, or the software. Even speakers provided reasonable sound quality.
</p>
<h2>Webcam and Digital Microphone</h2>
<p>Vostro 1510 is configurable with an optional 1.3 MP webcam, paired with a digital microphone. Truth be told, the 2MP Vostro 1500 webcam didn't shine, and the webcam on the 1510 is no better. The 1510 inherits a lot of noise, especially apparent in artificial lighting, and makes facial features very hard to distinguish under such conditions - something the original webcam did with at least moderate success. The microphone on the other hand, is quite good, and if used with communications software, such as Skype, provides a good experience. If you do not have a headset, or at least headphones, there will be some minimal residual echo, however, it's barely noticeable.
</p>
<h2>Gaming</h2>
<p>Our review sample contains an integrated nVidia GeForce 8400M GS with 256MB memory. This is the top video card option for the 1510, which is a step down from the 8600M GT available on the original Vostro 1500. 8400M GS is an average video card, which will allow a user to play 3d video games at medium to low settings at native (1440x900) resolution. I would not recommend playing the newest games on it, as they will likely require a bit more video processing power, but games released a year or so ago should not have any problem. If you opt for a cheaper integrated Intel X3100 solution, you will be limited to casual games, such as solitaire, chess, and others, as that video card is not suitable for the majority of power hungry games.
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</p>
<h2>Upgradability and parts</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7696" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7696.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-354 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7696.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7696" width="400" height="202" /></a></p>
<p>Traditionally, most laptops are hard to upgrade. This is caused by a variety of factors, including custom chassis, custom parts, and market segmentation. Some of the high end laptop manufacturers have tried offering upgradeable laptops, but that idea didn't work so well, since most of them were very expensive, and were troublesome to support. Vostro 1510 makes a few things a lot easier to upgrade, if you have the parts that fit.

The bottom of the laptop has undergone a major redesign compared to its older sibling. There are 2 main compartments, each only secured by 2 Philips screws. One of them contains wireless networking hardware and hard disk, and the other contains the memory and CPU, as well as fan. This has made some small changes to configuration for review purposes very easy.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7697" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7697.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-355 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7697.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7697" width="400" height="248" /></a></p>
<p>This is the first laptop besides the XPS series I came across which actually makes CPU upgrade easy at home, if you have a processor that will work in this laptop. Dell offers CPUs from Celeron 540 to Core 2 Duo T9300 as available, and just about everything in between should work. The reason it's so easy is because the system now uses a single heatpipe and a single fan and both are accessible from the bottom of the laptop. If you wanted to replace a CPU in a Vostro 1500, you would have to take most of the laptop apart, undo about 2 dozen screws of widely varying sizes, and take out the system board. Whereas here, you take out the fan and the heatpipe, and the CPU is right there. So if you have access to aftermarket CPUs, the <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">sky</span> err motherboard is the limit.

It is worth noting, that a single cooling fan design does not cause any issues with heat or noise. In my comparison, a Vostro 1500 with a T7500 processor and 8600M GT video card was both warmer and louder because of the more hot video card, and CPU as well as dual-fan design.</p>
<p>As with most laptops, memory (RAM) is easy to upgrade. It uses standard locking sockets, and replacing the modules (up to 2GB each DDR2-667 or DDR2-800 SoDIMM) is very easy. Just remember, on the first try, the memory/cpu module cover is hard to remove, and I was convinced there should be a screw besides the 2 holding it in place, but it's just the 4 plastic hinges that lock pretty tight that cause that illusion. </p>
<p>This is also one of the few laptops that do not use a hard drive mounting caddy, the hard drive simply slides into a serial ATA port, no screws required. It accepts a standard 2.5", 9.5mm serial ATA laptop hard drive, currently available in capacities up to 320GB. Unfortunately, the 500GB 11.5mm 3-platter hard drives (such as the one inside the <a href="http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/13340" target="_blank">recent SimpleTech drive</a>) do not fit. </p>
<p style="text-align: center"><img class="attachment wp-att-356 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7698.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7698" width="400" height="235" /><span style="font-size: 10px; color: #444444;">
<br />
Trying on 500GB Hitachi drive (It doesn't fit...)</span></p>
<p>Physically it may be possible, as there is some plastic padding underneath the drive, but it is unclear if it will ever be accommodated for. All in all, 320GB should be plenty for everyone in a laptop. </p>
<p>As mentioned earlier, slot-loading optical drive mechanism makes it hard to upgrade it due to low availability of aftermarket parts. The same goes for the video card - it's integrated into the system board. You will have to make a decision for both of these at time of purchase, and stick with it for the life of the notebook.
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</p>
<h2>Battery and mobility</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7699" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7699.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-357 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7699.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7699" width="400" height="121" /></a></p>
<p>The laptop we received shipped with an optional upgrade from 6-cell to 9-cell battery. While it adds some weight, and protrudes about 3/4" from the back of the laptop, is a worthy upgrade for a traveler. Dell claims battery life of up to 7:13 hours on a 9-cell battery, which isn't hard to believe, considering that in our test with full screen brightness, and with wifi and bluetooth on, but everything in idle mode, we achieved 5:11 hours from boot up to complete shut off. For all battery tests, we also switched Aero desktop off, and used normal Vista theme. We also performed a torture test with everything at full load, including processor, video card, DVD drive, screen, hard drive, both wired and wireless networking. When under this much stress, the laptop lasted 1 hour and 25 minutes. While this number may seem very low compared to the over 7 hours of claimed battery life, such usage scenario is highly unlikely, and is only provided to illustrate the strength of the 9-cell battery. Even with a 9-cell battery, Vostro 1510 barely breaks 6-pound mark, weighing in at 6lb 0.8oz, making it an excellent choice for a road warrior in need of solid laptop.
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</p>
<h2>Tech talk and benchmarks</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7723" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7723.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-360 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7723.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7723" width="200" height="126" /></a> <a title="img_7724" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7724.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-361 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7724.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7724" width="189" height="126" /></a></p>
<p>After unpacking the laptop, and turning it on, I pressed F2, expecting to see a common as of late Dell BIOS, and was in for a small surprise. Unlike just about every recent Dell laptop I have laid my hands on, this one is actually using a Phoenix BIOS. While it's still very limited in what it can achieve, it's somewhat an interesting choice, considering it does not provide nearly as much options as Dell's own BIOS. So far, it seems that a Vostro 1510 is a good contender to just about anything business oriented. Many users are also interested as to how it performs in various scenarios, and being pushed to the limit of its capabilities. Enter the benchmarks. For comparison purposes, we also tested 2 additional similar systems from Dell - an XPS m1330 and the original Vostro 1500, configured as follows:
</p>
<h3>Vostro 1500</h3>
<ul>
<li>Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2 GHz, 4MB Cache</li>
<li>Memory: 4GB DDR2-667 (2x2GB)</li>
<li>Operating System: Genuine Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3</li>
<li>Screen: 15.4 inch Widescreen WSXGA LCD with TrueLife (1680x1050)</li>
<li>Hard Drive: 200GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive (Seagate 7200.1ASG)</li>
<li>CD/DVD: 8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+/-R</li>
<li>Video Card: 256MB nVidia GeForce 8600M GT</li>
<li>Network: 10/100 Mbit Ethernet</li>
<li>Wireless: Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g</li>
<li>Bluetooth: Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth</li>
<li>Webcam: Integrated 2.0MP with Digital Microphone</li>
<li>Battery: 87 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery</li>
</ul>
<h3>Dell XPS m1330</h3>
<ul>
<li>Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.1 GHz, 3MB Cache</li>
<li>Memory: 4GB DDR2-667 (2x2GB)</li>
<li>Operating System: Genuine Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3</li>
<li>Screen: 13.3 inch Widescreen WXGA LED LCD (1280x800)</li>
<li>Hard Drive: 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (Western Digital)</li>
<li>CD/DVD: 8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+/-R</li>
<li>Video Card: 256MB nVidia GeForce 8400M GS</li>
<li>Network: 10/100 Mbit Ethernet</li>
<li>Wireless: Intel Wireless N 4965</li>
<li>Bluetooth: Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth</li>
<li>Webcam: Integrated VGA with Digital Microphone</li>
<li>Battery: 87 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery</li>
</ul>
<p>For Vostro 1510, the results are based on a freshly installed Windows Vista Business Service Pack 1. All systems have been updated with all latest Windows updates prior to testing.
</p>
<h2>Overall System Performance - PCMark 2005</h2>
<p>PC Mark 05 is an all around benchmark that tests overall system performance from graphics to hard drive to processor. Produced by the same company as 3DMark 06, it's geared towards estimating synthetic peak computer performance while performing daily tasks, such as manipulating photos, encoding music from CDs into compressed formats, office work simulation, etc. Higher score in this benchmark generally means faster performance during everyday use, especially when using multiple applications at once.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="pcmark2005" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/pcmark2005.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-395 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/pcmark2005.thumbnail.png" alt="pcmark2005" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p>This laptop scored 3,768 points in PCMark 05. This is a respectable score, and it indicates that the laptop will perform well in majority of day-to-day office and entertainment tasks, such as web browsing, audio encoding, video playback, and basic graphics performance. Compared to the other 2, better equipped, laptops in the test it scored lower, as was expected.
</p>
<h2>Graphics Performance - 3D Mark 06</h2>
3D Mark 06 is widely regarded as a synthetic de-facto standard when measuring gaming performance of a PC. It heavily relies on a powerful CPU, as well as graphics subsystem and presents the results as a single score, which can be compared to other users’ results either directly or using product’s vast test result database, containing submissions from around the world. Higher scores in this benchmark usually translate into ability to run 3D games at higher resolutions and with higher image quality settings.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="3dmark06" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/3dmark06.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-393 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/3dmark06.thumbnail.png" alt="3dmark06" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p>Our review sample comes with a dedicated nVidia GeForce 8400M GS video card, which results in average 3D graphics performance for a laptop. It will be sufficient for casual gaming with low to medium settings in most reasonably modern games. Some of the newer games may require to be configured to run at lower than native resolution to provide playable speed. If you are looking to really enjoy graphics-intensive games, you should look into more powerful configurations, available in the Dell XPS family of laptops.
</p>
<h2>Processor and Memory Performance - SuperPi and wPrime</h2>
<p>SuperPi and wPrime are popular synthetic benchmarks commonly used on the internet to test a how fast the processor and memory is. The idea behind SuperPi is to determine how fast a PC can calculate up to 1 million decimal numbers of a commonly used number pi, not exactly your everyday task. Likewise, wPrime uses a high speed algorithm to determine square roots of very large numbers. SuperPi does not support more than one CPU core for its computations. wPrime on the other hand is multi-threaded, and is a popular choice when comparing performance of computers with multiple processor cores. High performance in these benchmarks usually means that your computer will be able to easily run an antivirus in the background protecting your computer, and at the same time will allow you to watch HDTV or a movie, read this blog post, and check email at the same time.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="superpi" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/superpi.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-396 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/superpi.thumbnail.png" alt="superpi" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="wprime" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/wprime.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-397 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/wprime.thumbnail.png" alt="wprime" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p>Both these benchmark are highly dependent on raw CPU speed, and since Vostro 1510 has the weakest processor of the three, there is no surprise that it takes the longest to complete the tests. The results, however, are adequate for the processor of this class and speed.
</p>
<h2>Hard Drive Performance - HD Tune</h2>
<p>As technology moves forward, hard drives remain one of the slowest internal components of a computer and usually considered one of the main components that hold back overall performance. Benchmarks tests such as HD Tune can accurately measure how fast a specific drive is, and help compare different brands, models, and sizes of drives between each other. Faster performance in this benchmark usually means that you will enjoy quicker times when copying files, opening and saving complex office documents, working with large lists of Outlook contacts, large email files, and just about anything else that stores and reads data on your disk.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="hdtune" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/hdtune.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-394 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/hdtune.thumbnail.png" alt="hdtune" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p>The Seagate drive inside this laptop is one of the fastest 5400RPM drives on the market. It passes 250GB Western Digital drive in the XPS m1330 and comes very close to a 7200RPM Seagate drive, which is considerably more expensive, and produces more heat. It is obvious that 7200RPM does not provide nearly as much benefit as it used to, and most consumers are better off either saving their money, or getting a larger drive instead.
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</p>
<h2>Vista vs XP vs Vista</h2>
<p>Some may wonder why we are talking about XP, when the laptop ships with Vista. The answer is simple - Dell is currently offering its business customers a choice of OS. If you choose to purchase Windows Vista Business or Vista Ultimate with the system, you have the option to receive your desktop or laptop with Windows XP Professional preinstalled and still have upgrade rights to Windows Vista when you are ready to make the switch. In addition, we felt that the laptop might be somewhat limited by the albeit minimal, but still present 3rd party applications, which may take up system resources and cause test results to be not quite what they can and should be. Therefore, we installed Windows XP Professional, and Windows Vista Business and repeated some of our tests for comparison.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="xp_vista_3dmark" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_3dmark.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-398 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_3dmark.thumbnail.png" alt="xp_vista_3dmark" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;">Windows XP Professional clearly has an edge over both Vista editions. This is largely attributed to issues with Vista video card drivers, which are continuously improved, and should eventually catch up to full performance.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="xp_vista_pcmark" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_pcmark.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-400 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_pcmark.thumbnail.png" alt="xp_vista_pcmark" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p align="left" style="text-align: left;">In our PCMark 2005 test we have encountered a strange inconsistency, where transparent windows test performed exceptionally well under Vista Home Basic, but not under other 2 operating systems. To verify it, we performed the same test on an overclocked quad-core desktop PC, considerably more powerful than either of the laptops compared today, and the result came out much lower. We therefore recommend that you view the PCMark 2005 score on Vista Home Basic as &quot;invalid&quot; and instead make your decision based on comparison of Windows XP and Windows Vista Business.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="xp_vista_hdtune" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_hdtune.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-399 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_hdtune.thumbnail.png" alt="xp_vista_hdtune" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">As expected, the hard drive read speed is consistent across all installations. This indicates that disk performance is mature in all tested operating systems, and you should not be limited, regardless of which OS you choose.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="xp_vista_superpi" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_superpi.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-401 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_superpi.thumbnail.png" alt="xp_vista_superpi" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Super PI has known issues with Windows Vista, or configurations with 4GB of memory installed, and we were unable to complete the test under Vista Home Basic, hence it is missing from comparison. Windows XP Professional exhibits a slightly better speed, mostly due to lower idle CPU usage compared to Vista, attributed to a larger number of background processes.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="xp_vista_wprime" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_wprime.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-402 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/xp_vista_wprime.thumbnail.png" alt="xp_vista_wprime" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p>Multi-threaded performance as indicated by wPrime 32 does not change regardless of the installed OS flavor, suggesting that in multithreaded applications all tested Windows versions should be approximately equal.</p>
<p>As we see, Windows XP still performs better than Windows Vista in some tasks. While this gap used to be wider, continuous improvement in device drivers, and recent release of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is bringing things closer to a status quo.</p>
<h2>2GB vs 4GB</h2>
In addition to comparing Vista to XP, we also upgraded the memory to 4GB of OCZ value memory, to see how much difference it makes in Windows Vista, as shipped from the factory, and re-ran the benchmarks. The table below summarizes our results.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="2gb_4gb_3dmark" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/2gb_4gb_3dmark.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-391 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/2gb_4gb_3dmark.thumbnail.png" alt="2gb_4gb_3dmark" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="2gb_4gb_pcmark" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/2gb_4gb_pcmark.png"><img class="attachment wp-att-392 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/2gb_4gb_pcmark.thumbnail.png" alt="2gb_4gb_pcmark" width="400" height="267" /></a></p>
The benchmark results do not show any improvement from using 4GB of memory vs 2GB of memory in Windows Vista. 2GB memory is the recommended level for 32-bit editions of Windows Vista, and it appears that it works very well with this specific setup. However, if you expect to run multiple applications at once, and often switch between them, which is very common in business tasks, it is recommended to upgrade to 3GB or 4GB of memory. Remember, that in case of 32-bit operating system and 4GB of installed memory, you may not be able to access all of it, unless you upgrade to a 64-bit version of the OS. The available memory amount will vary between 3GB and 4GB, depending on the exact system configuration, and in our case, it is slightly over 3.5GB. <!--nextpage-->
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/dell-vostro-1510.jpg" title="dell-vostro-1510"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/dell-vostro-1510.thumbnail.jpg" alt="dell-vostro-1510" width="400" height="286" class="attachment wp-att-404 centered" /></a></p>
<p>When we got a request to review a Vostro 1510, I wasn't sure what to expect of it. On one hand, I am a proud owner of "the tank" in the face of a Vostro 1500, and was a bit worried that the new Vostro may disappoint. On the other hand, it's always exciting to play with new toys (see laptop gallery). And I am sure glad I got to review this update to the family. </p>
<p>Vostro 1510 just about has it all - there is the processing power from the excellent Intel Core 2 processor family, plenty of storage with up to 320GB hard drive, available dedicated video, and ultra high resolution screen, gigabit ethernet. All enclosed into a barely over 6lb attractive packaging. </p>
<p>There is the entertainment value with the sharp and bright screen, easy to use media controls, slot-loading DVD drive, and included DVD playback software for those short breaks between work. </p>
<p>There also are updated looks - "the tank" heavyweight has turned into a more attractive laptop with sleek straight lines, lost almost 1.5 lb of weight, added a shiny shell and nifty looking LED controls. </p>
<p>And then there is the price - base configuration starts at $499, with a well-rounded set up, closer to one we reviewed for $599. </p>
<p>What's Hot: </p>
<ul>
<li>Sleek looks</li>
<li>Considerably reduced weight</li>
<li>Available WUXGA full Hi-Def screen</li>
<li>Abundance of well-positioned ports</li>
<li>Dedicated graphics</li>
<li>Gigabit ethernet</li>
<li>Improved touchpad design</li>
<li>Windows XP Professional for free with Vista Business/Ultimate purchase</li>
<li>Inexpensive</li>
</ul>
What's Not
<ul>
<li>Highest end graphics card is too low end</li>
<li>Redesigned keyboard may take a while to get used to</li>
<li>No DVI/HDMI and BluRay options (as of yet)</li>
<li>USB ports on the right side are still too close to each other</li>
<li>Built-in speakers could use some work</li>
<li>No LED screen option</li>
<li>Poor webcam image quality in any lighting</li>
</ul>
<!--nextpage-->
<h2>Vostro 1310 vs Vostro 1510 Gallery</h2>
The <a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/index.php/2008/07/18/dell-vostro-1310-notebook-review/">Vostro 1310</a> we reviewed along with the Vostro 1510.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7725.jpg" title="img_7725"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7725.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7725" width="550" height="174" class="attachment wp-att-377 centered" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7726.jpg" title="img_7726"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7726.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7726" width="550" height="134" class="attachment wp-att-378 centered" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7727.jpg" title="img_7727"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7727.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7727" width="550" height="290" class="attachment wp-att-379 centered" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7729.jpg" title="img_7729"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7729.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7729" width="550" height="390" class="attachment wp-att-380 centered" /></a></p>
<!--nextpage-->
<h2>Laptop Gallery</h2>
<p>Just in case you are wondering - 5 out of these are past slick deals :) and 2 were sent in for review. From top to bottom, Dell Latitude D420, XPS M1330, Vostro 1310,
HP DV 6500T, Vostro 1510, Vostro 1500, Dell Inspiron 8600.</p>
<p>10-19-2004 <a href="http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/5333">$750 off $1500 Inspiron 8600 Pentiuim M 1.6, 512MB DDR, 30GB HDD, CDRW/DVD, RADEON 9600 Pro Turbo, Windows XP Home, 15.4 WSXGA UltraSharp LCD</a> ~$780 [yes, it's still alive and well]</p>
<p>08-25-2007 <a href="http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/10132">HP Pavillion dv6500t Special Edition Core 2 Duo T7300, 2GB DDR2, 200GB HDD, DVDRW, nVidia 8400M GS, UltraBright WXGA, Intel WiFi N, Vista Ultimate x64, Office 2007</a> ~$1000</p>
<p>02-22-2008 <a href="http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/11720">Dell Vostro 1500: Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2 GHz, 1GB DDR2, 80GB HDD, DVDRW, Intel WiFi N, nVidia 8600M GT, WSXGA+, Bluetooth, Webcam, 9-Cell Batt, XP Home/Vista Basic</a> $777</p>
<p>03-25-2008 <a href="http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/12026">Dell Latitude D420 Ultraportable: Core Solo ULV 1.2 GHz, 1GB DDR2, 60GB HDD, CDRW/DVD, WiFi, 6-cell battery, 3-year Warranty, 12&quot; WXGA LCD, XP Professional, 3.0lb</a> $599</p>
<p>07-25-2008 <a href="http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=862663">Dell XPS m1330 Core 2 Duo T8100, 4GB DDR2, 250GB HDD, DVDRW, Intel WiFi N, 13.3&quot; LED LCD, 9-Cell, 4-Year Warranty + 4 Year Accidental, Vista Premium + $70 GC</a> $1141</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7648" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7648.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-386 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7648.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7648" width="250" height="269" /></a> <a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7650.jpg" title="img_7650"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7650.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7650" width="250" height="269" class="attachment wp-att-387 centered" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="img_7649" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7649.jpg"><img class="attachment wp-att-388 centered" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7649.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7649" width="250" height="196" /></a> <a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7651.jpg" title="img_7651"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7651.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7651" width="241" height="196" class="attachment wp-att-389 centered" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7733.jpg" title="img_7733"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7733.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7733" width="550" height="140" class="attachment wp-att-385 centered" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7731.jpg" title="img_7731"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7731.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7731" width="550" height="193" class="attachment wp-att-383 centered" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7732.jpg" title="img_7732"><img src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7732.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7732" width="550" height="299" class="attachment wp-att-384 centered" /></a></p>

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YAY!!!!

I like this laptop because it has a way better processor than our old desktop, way more memory, and has a DVD drive. I have been looking for a newer computer to replace our old desktop due to it freezing all the time....boo

I will use it as I am currently stuck with a relatively old desktop PC. I would use it to work with a company that I am an independant contractor with online, as I cannot hold a standard job as I am pretty much disabled.

It looks like a great computer, with a great lost lasting battery. :)

Thanks for the review. Maybe it's time to consider a Dell.

All specs is 10x better than my old computer. Would be great for the applications I need.
Count me in.

Excellent review, redsolar, thank you :) I've been wanting a laptop for a while (just don't have the cash yet *sigh*) and this looks like a pretty sweet machine. Not too heavy to carry around and a decent battery life. I also like that it seems fairly easy to upgrade the ram and even the hard drive if wanted.

I'd really be able to use something like this for those times that I need to get work done but am not near my home pc or am away from my work. I can't count how many times that I've thought of something I needed to get done for work but wasn't near any pc to get it done. And by the time I was, *poof* the thought of what I had wanted to get done had flown out of my mind already!

All around it looks like a very nice machine :)

Thanks for the great, thorough review! I like that they've trimmed it down some from the original 1500- always thought that the 1500 was a bit clunky. Love that XP is a factory option. Also, the matte finish will keep it looking relatively clean, even with all handling it moving from place to place. Webcam feature is nice; we're finally getting into Skype to talk to relatives and the built in cam will get a lot of use.

This laptop would be great as a general purpose computer for the family; good performance, but portable, so the kids can move easily from the kitchen to the family room. We are always tripping over ourselves with our enormous desktop in the kitchen, so the kids would be able to move where ever there is room to do homework! Also, it will be great to take to the library, especially because all of the public terminals are always occupied.

Very nice laptop, very thin :D I like the slim look of it and if I win I will use for school (homeworks)
I need to upgrade mine for school ^__^

I like the Dell Vostro 1510's "plain" look. To me, it looks really sophisticated.

Thanks to a Slickdeals deal last year, I was able to get a Vostro 1500 at a great price. However, I have since graduated from college, and a Vostro 1510 (there's actually a significant amount of upgrades from the 1500) will work very well for my career (small business/office). I can use one computer for traveling, but for personal use, while I can use the other just for my job. Thanks, SD!

Nice looking laptop...I would use it to organize our life with 3 kids...it is nice and small so I can place it out of site and the kids won't play with it. It would also be handy so I can use it in the kitchen, the bedroom, outside while camping...the possibilities are endless!

Hmm, the Vostro 1510 is pretty interesting. Currently, I have the Vostro 1500 and it's a well...a huge brick. I'm wary of carrying it anywhere due to its weight and size. This would be a nice replacement for me to travel such as the cruise I'm about to go on after this post :P I wish they would have left the 8600M GT as a video card option though, it's no longer a powerhouse :(

I think what I like best about this version of the laptop is the fact that is comes free of bloatware/freeware from the factory. That is the biggest pain in the rear when I get a new PC is that I have to spend a few hours getting rid of all the extra stuff they put on new computers.

If I won this, it would be used for one of two things:
1) Used as a mobile working computer for me, so I wasn't tied down to my desk when I have to dial into work on weekends and weird hours(like I am now)
2) Give it to thw wife because she want's one for her writing, and with 2 kids running around, it's a little hard to find time to sit at the computer when inspiration hits her.

Thanks slickdeals for all the deals over the years!

Certainly better than my desktop. Good features and faster CPU, more memory. Sounds like a good one.

wow. 160GB hard drive and Bluetooth. Excellent :cool: pc.

need this core 2 duo ! :woot: :woot:
still running single core:(

will use it for road doggin' :cool:

Thanks for the review but 15" is still going to be bulkier. Dell has obviously improved from the Vostro 1500 series though

Would be a nice upgrade to the laptop I currently use. Seems to be a nice blend of size/weight and functionality

I'm in the market for a new lappy, my HP from college just won't work anymore with the requirements I have for my job. I'm also a fan of bluetooth as I've not had it on a computer before

Nice looking laptop now enter me!:D

I like the combination of mobility & power. I would use it when I need to travel.

I like this laptop because it has everything you need: great specs and all the utilities (Bluetooth, camera, microphone, fingerprint reader, huge battery). Seems like it's everything you'd need in a laptop.

If I won this, I would give it to my dad who really needs a new laptop for work. He bought this old crappy one from someone, but he really needs a good one like this. Thanks!

I like over all look, would be nice upgrade from T42.
Good luck to all

Looks sleek and is powerful.
I can carry it in my client meetings.

I like the t7100, bluetooth, and the memory card slots. Though, one big problem (for me), no HDMI slot! And a small problem would be Windows Vista Basic.

Hey, that is a really cool laptop, i used to think that they were not worth my time to even look at them, but this has SERIOUSLY changed my mind, heck i am going to check into this for a laptop for my son since he is a big gamer online with GUNZ and Blockland!!! He also hangs out on the Gaia forums, and lots of those 'social networking' sites!!! sweet!!!!

Thanks!!

Looks like a great computer with awesome specs. I would love to use this for web browing and game playing at home and for research at work.

I've never had a laptop! :woot2: The compact size and no bloatware FTW! :whee:

Imagine... I could compute on my couch while eating bon bons. :girly: Life would be good.

Thanks for the review and the contest. I use a laptop for personal and professional purposes
This laptop is very homogeneous, it has everything an advance user could require.
I like the upgradability, the hardrive and BOTH memory are easy to access.
I may would have put a 7200RPM HD but it is really optional.
I specially appreciate the Dell Wireless 360 Bluetooth and the 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery.
The Fingerprint Reader is definitely a plus for a professional usage.

Thank you again and good luck to you all.
Regards,

I really love it because it is way better then my laptop!! And I am a student so I def. need a laptop!! :)

If I had this laptop I would take advantage of the ultra portable size packed with a crazy processor and graphic card. With a 9 cell battery it can help doing homework wireless for hours at a time. It can even burn my favorite music. Can't ask for more in a laptop that is so portable packed with so much power. This would be helpful for any college student like me.

No bloatware and a great price for a decent lappy is hard to beat. I already have one Vostro, and will keep getting them if they continue along the lines they have been going.

What an awesome giveaway! first off, Dell products are known for their high quality of products. My husband's computer is a Dell and he's never had a problem.
The Dell would be used primarily by my husband when he deploys. Keeping in contact with your family is a definite must when you are able, and this would certainly make it a lot easier for the kids and I to stay in touch with him.
Thank you for offering this giveaway!

I like the price and the feature set combo of this laptop. It has more than enough features for the price. It is quite a deal. I would really be able to use this, as we are looking for a reasonably-priced laptop for my dad so that he can continue learning and exploring.

Not a bad laptop. It would go nice with my desktop, and give me some way to use it on the go.

I like everything about it, especially if I get it for free. :lol:

I'll use it for SD, work and play.

Thanks for the review man. There are many things I like about this laptop, the amount of space, the great battery life, so many extra features. I actually searched around the web for some reviews on it and it seems like a solid well-built notebook.

If I were to win this then I would primarily use it for school as that's my main focus at the moment. Having this laptop would make constructing power points and writing my papers so much easier and with the upcoming school year I'm going to have a lot of those coming at me. I also got an ipod for my birthday in June and with this notebook I could organize all of my songs and videos on itunes :)

But yeah, anyways, thanks for the opportunity :p

I will use it check slickdeals from anywhere.....

What's nice about the Vostro is that it's build quality is rock solid. It has a great screen, powerful specs, and a great variety of ports. The entertainment features in this laptop are great, and you don't see them in business line of laptops. The multimedia buttons and the slot loading DVD burner are a nice touch. Best of all, for all the features it offers, it is very inexpensive compared to other business laptops.

If I had one of these laptops, I'd use it for my school work. At about 6 pounds, it's light enough to carry to class, and have all the power that I need to get my work done.

At ~6 pounds, it's fairly lightweight. A definite :thumbup:

The hotspot connectivity features make it a great option for working at home or on the go. Light business work is what I see for it's best use.

Thanks for the cool contest. :compunch:

It has good processor and would make a nice general purpose desktop replacement.

This would replace my dog of a desktop PC--hello kiddies mommy just got a new computer--you can break the old one now!!!! I actually like the simple look and the specs look great.

Wow, love the weight and the look. This would be a big help in my job search, since I currently do not have a laptop.

great looking laptop, will be used to surf SD of course!

very nice laptop. love your review breakdown! Starting specs look decent!

I like how the laptop looks and its portability and battery life. I would use it in class during college to take my notes and as a computer to bring around campus. I don't own a laptop so hopefully I will win :bounce: . Thank you slickdeals. It would really help me out in college.

The laptop looks nice and it looks like they addressed most of the issues of the older model. However, I don't like the fact that it has a lame videocard, no HDMI out, and no Centrino 2 proc (is that an option).

My last laptop (Inspiron 8100), I had for 6 years. Just got rid of it and I'm looking for a new one. I'd use this for, well, everything computing, since it would be all I have now!

Bluetooth all the way

I like Vostro 1510, since I'm a software developer. As a developer, we need a business laptop with great quality.

it's only about 6lb with 9-cell battery. it great for me.
15.4 inch WXGA+ LCD(1440×900) can display more codes in screen.

i like how the hatch on the bottom gives you access to the ram, hdd, and cpu.

looks like a good balance between screen size and weight, and i'd use it to find deals while on the couch.

I like the build quality and features. They packed a good amount of power into that thing. I'd probably use it for web development and casual gaming. It looks nice too.

Every computer I have ever bought has been a Dell. I like all the features on this. Since I have no laptop now i would use it for keeping up with slickdeals away from home.

Thanks, very nice review! I really like that it's easily upgradeable, especially the CPU. I really like the looks of it too. Very sleek. I just started my own small business at home, and could definitely use this laptop, especially as my PC is slowly but surely dying on me.

Look, I'm not that puter savvy but I want a laptop so I can find slickdeals on the go, KWIM :bounce:

Excellent config....160gb hdd, 2 gb mem, fast processor...what's not to like.....especially if I get it for free.

For around 600$, this is an OK machine, I think.
What is good:
+ 256MB nVidia GeForce 8400M GS: should be ok for some game, but not for serious gamers, of course
What is OK:
+ the process C2D T7100, not too bad for 600$, but not too good, I prefer a T8300++
What is not OK:
+ hmm, I was thinking that the price is a bit high, but I was comparing to the SDeals price, that is not fair, right?

And I am in for a draw, thanks Dells and SDeals :)

That is a pretty good price for its configuration. I would probably use this for schoolwork only though.

I will use it to play high definition video on the go

This laptop sounds like it is a lot better off than the one I have now. Bigger screen resolution, faster processor. I especially like the fingerprint reader!!! If I got this laptop I'd use it for school. I think it would be lite enough to carry around campus and the reader would help keep my stuff secure!

i like the finger print reader and will use it to keep my brother from snooping!

I like the sleek styling and the value this line of notebooks offer. This would be a great replacement for my current '05 Black Friday HP Pavilion ze2308wm. It barely cuts it anymore and my wife needs a more powerful solution for her classroom.

Great review, Redsolar!

I like this product alot. I admit, I do not currently have a laptop. I do all of my work from a traditional desktop machine, and I am in the market for a good, reliable laptop! I am curious about the Vostro, and I would definitley put it to good use if I were to own one. Slickdealing, websurfing, emailing, all of that good stuff ;)

The fact that it is budget friendly is certainly appealing, as is the fact that it is "no frills". I am not one for a machine that comes with a ton of bells and whistles. I like a bare bones machine, something without a lot of frills. I am pretty low-tech when it comes to my cell phone, DVD player, ..........and my computer! This machine seems like it would be excatly what I am in the market for.

i think the widescreen looks hot :) and the vostro 1500 is already enough to make me want one so this is just O_O wish i could snag one

Have used two Dell laptops before both for work. So far, the first laptop was not bad, the second one is the D630 and it sucks big time.

I am in the market for another laptop for my niece.
With a tight budget, shopping for a laptop will be hard. One good thing for dell is that it has more frequent ad than others and the site is easy to go through. And i had some experience with dell laptops. Other than that, I am not really sure about Dell in general. Overall, I feel dell can be somewhat more expensive than other laptop in the same class.

Buying things through dell website gives me the feeling of walking into a car sales. If you don't know the "link", then the price will come up more. Everytime trying to buy makes me wonder if I will be paying 50-100 dollar more than other people paying. Are there another link that will save me more and not be a sucker. anyway, enough said about dell in general.

Checking all the ads available, I found that many laptops out there provide media reader which I found very useful for me. ( even though I shop for someone else ).

It is good to read about a review on this laptop but somehow it did not really hit the spot for me. I somehow want an comparision with other brand in the same class with the price comparision. To me, if I am shopping, I want to see the other competitor doing. And see if it really stands out.

Good review RedSolar,
I personally will stick with my Mac;) But this is something I would love to give to my mom. She is still using windows, and this would be a great system for her. I am sick of fixing her PC all the time.:lol:



Keep up the good reviews.:thumbup:

It looks like a good business machine...

Looks like a design from the thinkpad, I will use it for College!

Looks like a nice laptop, I would love to get over 5 hours of battery life on a laptop.

I would use it for when I get deployed to Iraq, you never know when the power might go out :lol: So the battery is the most important thing for me, but I am also digging the specs :D

Like the size, and lower price for 13" laptops. I think even more basic systems should sell very well since I know many women like to have lighter laptops

I would use this for its portability, mainly surfing the net.

Love its new slimness. Could really use it for college.

Three words: dedicated video card.

My sister is still using the old Dell laptop I sent her a couple of years ago. This Vostro 1510 looks like a perfect upgrade for an average user like my sister. :bounce:

I wonder if the shell feels like cheap plastic.

Sleek and clean design, looks great

I'd use it as a second laptop in my dorm at CSULB :P...

Processor and battery get a wow from me.

I am hunting for laptop indeed.

thanks for bring up this nice option.

not a bad laptop. Would be great for school

DVD drive and the bigger Hard drive compared to one i got now.
Def.cud use it.
Hope i get in this.
Thx SD

i like this laptop beacause of the 2GB DDR2 - 15.4 inch Widescreen LCD -
160gb Hard Drive - Wireless - Bluetooth - Webcam & Fingerprint Reader......... and my grand baby would love it!

Like others have mentioned, I like the battery life and bigger hard drive.

I would use it in my room when I can't or wouldn't have access to my desktop.

WOW I Don't know what to say. I entered this contest as Im on the phone with dell tech support. I have had issues with a Previous slickdeal I just bought and I'm having some tough customer issues with dell, but this is the first serious Problem I have had with a dell in quite a number of years. If they can fix this problem I will remain a dell customer. Which the Tech assured me he would.

If I won a Dell from this contest I would give it to my wife as a gift for out 3rd wedding anniversay on Sept 19th. She always uses my PC's and with my Current Dell Laptop having issues, I can really see I need to find a Good SLickdeal and get her a laptop of her own or perhaps win one here.

With a New Baby and alot of work to do (+ not having the extra cash I usually have), she don't habe the time to use a desktop, she likes my laptop as she can put it on one side of her anywhere she goes with the baby in the house.

How nice it would be as a long time slickdeals user and Dell customer to give my wife a laptop of her own.

I have always liked dells laptops as they come with so many different options that let the user really make it his/her own. I also like that their technology is cost effetive and usually very quality (asside from my current issue with my M1730) I havee always used a Dell Laptop as far back as I can remember.

Thanks for the opportunity guys.

I have to first of all say that I have sampled the Vaio, HP, Compaq and Dell computers and I always come back to Dell. I really like their products and for me you get the best quality for the prices they offer.
I like the dual processor on the Vostro, the clean look and the fact that it doesn't come with all the junk and bloatware.
My laptop has been having problems lately and I am in the market for a new one. This would fully meet my expectations. I know there may be others that are more slick looking but I trust Dell completely. This would solve my laptop problem as I use my laptop for work, personal use, blogging, etc. and of course, Slick Deals.
Thanks for offering this. This site is the best.

i'd use it for everything! i'm still using a 5 year old laptop for college and it takes so long to boot up that i miss the beginning of notes in class sometimes... and i'd show it off to ignorant mac users. MSFT FTW!

With school starting next week, i'm going to be swamped with papers and other crap (lol) And to be able to keep myself organized and being able to take notes with a keyboard rather than a stone age pencil will help keep me pointed toward a bright future. And, well, out of detention :)

I like it!

Sweet. Id use it to go on slickdeals:wink5:

this would definitely be an upgrade what I have now. Good amount of ram and pretty fast processor speed.

<div align="center"><a title="img_7658" rel="lightbox[pics313]" href="http://blog.slickdeals.net/index.php/2008/08/08/dell-vostro-1510-review-a-worthy-upgrade-to-the-vostro-1500/"><img class="attachment wp-att-314 alignleft" src="http://blog.slickdeals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/img_7658.thumbnail.jpg" alt="img_7658" width="400" height="372" /></a></div>
When Dell released the Vostro line of their desktops and notebooks, the reaction to the new line of budget-oriented systems was somewhat mixed. Some saw the series as somewhat conservative in terms of exterior shape and colors, and some really liked the plain look. Some looked at the line as just another "Dell Inspiron" for Small Businesses, but some looked at all the new features, and realized that it's truly a line of its own. Some compared the laptop section to the then-current unofficial king of business laptop - IBM/Lenovo T series, T60- and T61 in particular, and wrote it off as an inferior, bulky product.

There was, however, one thing that was very hard to beat - the price. From the <a href="http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/9844" target="_blank">very first slick deal</a> on it, it became obvious that Dell is looking to capture the market of mid- to small-size businesses, looking for computational power on the go. They seem to have hit the nail on its head with the Vostro. Starting with the absence of trialware, 30-day money back guarantee, free return shipping, along with already existing services Dell provided, they were able to capture the niche market of businesses and individuals who wanted a solid business laptop at a very modest price.

Of course, the original release is never perfect - both Vostro 1400 and 1500 had their share of lovers and haters, for a variety of reasons. Today we are looking at the upgrade to the now-classic Vostro 1500 laptop, the Vostro 1510.

Reade More (http://blog.slickdeals.net/index.php/2008/08/08/dell-vostro-1510-review-a-worthy-upgrade-to-the-vostro-1500/)

I like the specs... I'd be using this for school.

My wife works from home and ties up our desktop- this would get her back on the couch and give me an excuse to go wireless (through slickdeals of course...).

I like the laptop's security features. Perhaps I am just giddy over fingerprint readers, but I think that is a great aspect of the machine.

I like the specs on this system, it would make a nice supplement to my aging desktop!

I like the portability and the overall look of it. I want my laptop to be an average looking version, stands out less to the thieves.

I would use it to get on the internet around the house on a wireless network so I can watch tv and search slickdeals at the same time. Also, would be great to take to my parents house to use there. There computer is really old.

Nice "all black" design. It has a nice big screen for viewing slickdeals and porn.

I like this computer because it has 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery. So I can spend a long time with my computer at Starbucks without using the charger!

It seems to be a good balance between features and value. The fact that I could win it for free seems to add a bit of sexiness and appeal to the machine as well.

I like this laptop because it is a perfect balance of speed and conveniences.
I do not have a laptop currently so I would use it for all my on-the-go needs.

I will use this laptop to play games. I like the Video Card: 256MB nVidia GeForce 8400M GS.

I just like the strong powerful processer. I would use it for my school's engineering project. It could handle those heavily packed software like a feather.

Really like the simple, yet classy design. Would go great for school work and some entertainment during trips :nod:

i like that its thin. i'd use it for schoolwork

Love the look of this laptop. Would use it to view slickdeals (of course) and do some light gaming

wow, I love the easily upgradeable CPU, would be great for school since I am a computer engineer major :)

I like that it is duo core and so light weight. I can carry it around with me when I'm doing my business with my clients! Also, the nice screen will allows me to show my photo to my clients in an impressive way! Thanks for the nice review.

Meets all the basic requirements for me. Good for all the business applications I need. Looks like it will survive travel, also.

All the specs are a lot better than my Insipiron 600m that I've been plugging away on. This would be a great help in building my business.

Dell is the best.

I will use it for posting more slickdeals!

great laptop, lightweight

i'll use to test linux on the desktop

i would bring this vostro up to ucsb with me and use it for school.

The color. It's the Darth Vader of laptops.

I'd use it for business while traveling.

It's about time someone released a product with NO trialware! Now you can get it up and running out of the box immediately, instead of having to spend hours of your life trying to delete it all, hoping you won't accidentally kill off some driver or plug-in that you actually needed (are you listening SONY?!)

Considering I work full time and am planning on returning to school for my Masters, this is the kind of notebook I'd use to:

1. Get a leg up on classes by perusing thru ratemyprofessor.com, so I can avoid incompetent, berating, or hygiene-challenged professors.

2. Use slickdeals.net to save $$ on everyday purchases, so I don't have to eat mac n cheese for the next few years.

3. Distract TSA baggage examiners at the airport with my laptop so they won't notice my lacy skivies.

4. Write papers about how Americans need to simplify and downsize our lifestyles while racking up my credit cards with Slick Deals...

5. Join the millions of others who email Microsoft to tell them how much they hate Vista.

Pretty sweet laptop. I like the new dvd drive which is not the kind that slides out but ejects your disc like a mac. The new slimmer design is also very nice. If I managed to get this puppy it would be going straight to my school use as a nice new laptop would be much appreciated when doing work at the library.

I really like this laptop because of its mobility and efficiency. Although the battery might not last long enough for all my college lectures, itd be a lot nicer than my windows 98 ibm. I would love to have this!!!!

I like how you can have different battery options and the 9 cell battery included with this one.

Thanks for the review! The Dell Vostro offers business users power at an affordable price. Way to go Dell!

I like everything about it, i will use it to go to my favorite website (AKA Slickdeals.net) to talk to my favorite person (AKA Redsolar) :woot:

needs a prolonged battery life, no extended battery that adds so much excess wieght though. Nice specs though. love 1440 x 900. hate having to use this 1280 x 800.

guess will use it to check out more slickdeals

The look is reminiscent of the IBM laptops, which looks rugged, sturdy, and professional. I guess it's good that Dell is trying to imitate that. It looks like a good and affordable laptop relative to the IBM ones.

I like the memory and the CPU. This will be way easier to surf the net and do my school work on and to play games, and I can use my current laptop just for music.

Looks good for Debian

this is a great home system, although I suggest upgrading o/s if you want to us on any type of network

I'll use it at college so I can no longer be the guy lugging around the oversized POS in his backpack

I like the battery life. Gotta love a laptop that keeps on running...

Comparable to the HP dv5-1002nr offered by bestbuy last week for $599. Bottom line, vostro is a economical solid laptop. Love the vostro battery life.

2GB of memory....maybe now I'll be able to experience Vista for what it really is.

This laptop will replace my incompetent desktop

I like this laptop and the fact that Dell has incorporated many of the features that my XPS system has. Definitely a step in the right direction for a budget laptop.

Really good business laptop specially for presentations, web and low to mid graphics design. I always like the idea of having its own video card since you know all he RAM is used up by the system instead of the graphics.

I would love to have this to upgrade my current desktop & gain mobility

I was contemplating getting another desktop, but after reading this review, a laptop is the way to go. Portable, powerful and hopefully free!

I think this laptop is ugly. I'd like to win it anyway though, because it looks heavy and I would therefore like to chuck it at my neighbors annoying dog

It would go great in my wife's hands, then I could use the laptop we own already. I can never pry it out of her hands.

it's a good computer, for a great price. I've always wanted a laptop instead of a big desktop since it's portable :)

Looks better than the old Vostro.

I'm absolutely loving the slimmed down size, updated design (the old 1500 looked plain and cheap), integrated 8400M GS graphics, slot-loading DVD drive, and memory card reader.

I would use this laptop as a mobile "office" computer that I could take around with me when I travel. I'd also use it as a mobile "HTPC" connected to my 42" Magnavox LCD that I got earlier this year.

hmm.. the 2GB memory and bluetooth. i'll probably use it for work and everyday things.

wow, i wish i had a laptop, then i could check slickdeals anywhere that has wifi! :bounce:

nice processor and anti-glare screen (why are most of them glossy now?!), but what i like most is that fact that it has a dedicated video card. it might even allow me to play something more advanced than diablo 2! :lol:

Love the 9cell battery life. I shall use it to fight crimes and banish evil doer!
free stuff are always welcome!

I like the simplistic looks, more power and memory! I would use it for the little bit of school work I do, then as a carputer the rest of the time. NICE!

I like the slick modern look. I have looking at this for school. Best features at a good price point.

Count me in. I'm in need of a new laptop.

good laptop with 9cell battery would use this during those long breaks between classes

This computer looks to be a great buy. I have not had the opportunity to upgrade to Vista, and that looks like a great place to start and familiarize myself with the operating system. Also, I recently have been doing a lot of my work on-the-go, so the portability of it is very manageable. I also have a lot of media on my computer, so the 160gb hard drive would be an excellent upgrade from a 60gb hard drive, and come in handy for having to store so much less on an external drive, making it only accessible if I am plugged into it.

Good review. It is a great budget laptop, not too big/not too small. It will do the job of internet surfing/word processing as many people only use it for these 2 purposes.

If I had this laptop, I would use it as my work travel computer. Bluetooth would definitely help with the blackberry.

Thanks!

Overall, I like the revisions to the 1500 that are present in the 1510, except I am not too keen on glossy exteriors. I have been stuck with a desktop and have been wanting to become more mobile with my general computing and connectivity and this would be a perfect computer to help me break free from the wires.

It's definitely has some nice specs, and at that price, I might just recommend it to a friend. I've been looking for a new laptop to get my work done on. My current laptop is beginning to show it's age.

I love it because it has the two things I need.

1) Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 1.8 GHz, 2MB Cache
2) 256MB nVidia GeForce 8400M GS

I am gonna use it for editing pictures and designing. Photoshop will be way faster than it is on my computer.

I feel it. It is mine. My PRECIOUSSSSS.:heart:

I would use it to write code for my projects and watch movies.

The redesign is nice and it has a nice set of specs for its price. I would probably use it for school so I don't have to be chained to my aging desktop which sadly has inferior specs than the Vostro :(

Ive been looking for a small thin laptop that is portable, this would be perfect. Plus im a college student so this will come in handy a lot.

great laptop. Definitely will help keep me away from my non-portable desktop. Very nice specs too. Good for my school/work and on the road.

I like the 9 cell battery. I would use it for my college classes... to take notes!

This laptop would be a godsend to me because I run a small trucking company, but I also make a hobby ;) of being in and out of the hospital for some technical glitches in my humanoid system. It is hard to manage the business when I can't get to my desktop computers, either at home or the office. I'd love to be able to take a laptop with me for my hospital "vacations" and tend to the work that needs done.

What I like best about the computer: the security feature of fingerprint identification. That way no one else could access sensitive company and financial information. The second thing I like is the lightweight, streamlined aspect of it....easier for me to get around with. Thanks for considering me.

Good luck everybody!

I like the clean black design, and of course, best value on the market by Dell

Probably use it as a desktop replacement in the dorms.

I actually just got into physical therapy school and would absolutely use a laptop such as this. My current one is huge and would be cumbersome to lug around.

The price is right and with the DELL name I believe it would be a quality product. I don't care about how the computer looks in terms of prettiness, but I do care about how it works!

I love the 160 gig hard drive. I would use it store all my digital photo albums and my kids' favorite movies. Thanks for a great promotion!

Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 1.8 GHz, 2MB Cache

Would love to have one for school!! Just in time too.

i have vostro 1500, it is pretty good. but based on the review 1510 is a step up the notch. it would be a great upgrade for me as i need it for school projects.

I need this notebook so I can more efficiently search for Slickdeals on other notebooks, and so on, and so on . . .

LIKE: 15.4", SATA drive (Seagate woohoo!), 9cell, and overall decent specs.

DISLIKE: no 802.11n

I will use it to game and surf SD.net. :D

I love many things about this laptop: the 1.8ghz dual core, 2gb ram, 15.4" screen, 1440x900 resolution, the dedicated graphics, the bluetooth, finger print reader, and the 9-cell battery! I'll be using this everyday because it's better than the computer I have! I'll finally be able to play games with no lag, transfer photos from my phone with bluetooth without usb cable, and read/edit documents easier with the high resolution!!

This is not an extreme model as the latest one with the Intel Centrino 2 processor. However, if you are not a pro gamer but you still want to play some nice games such as COD4, Assassin Creed, Bioshock...at medium setting, this is your choice.
Although I do not have this laptop but I have seen it instore. I really like the glossy screen.

GOOD: Light weight, glossy screen, segate harddrive (very stable), nice video card, Great customer service and support as usually
BAD: could have 3GB ram instead of 2GB, no Wireless N, no HDMI output

RECOMMEND: University students, small business owner with light travel, don't want to spend too much on a laptop but still want one capable to play video game

I've got a Vostro 1500 and I have to say I love the build quality on it, well worth the money.

These are very compact and convenient laptops.

i would use it for colllege as i am stuck with an old slow laptop.

Great Deal!

I like it because it looks sexy :)

like the lower cost of a business class laptop.
will use for personal and work on-the-go.

would be great for increasing the computational power to my hp laptop, and it offers me opportunity to gaming with the discrete graphics card.. use it for both work and gaming.. perfect.

it'd be nice to be able to actually carry around a computer instead of being stuck to my desktop.

Currently studying economics at San Jose State University and really need a laptop for studying and mild gaming. Thanks slickdeals!

I'd use it for keeping up in college...UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN '12 =D

Still looking for a decent laptop deal...
I like its small and simplistic design a lot.

I like the clean build design, gigabit ethernet, and the widescreen display. I will primarily use it for web browsing and on-the-go computing. I will prob also use it for some mild gaming.

Looks good. Great price as well as great specs. Intel all the way!

The review was fantastic. I'm looking for a laptop for my brother, a medical resident. This ought to server him well. I just don't have the cash right now. :(

The screen, processor and video card are perfect for his needs.

Damn this looks nice. I thought it was a Thinkpad at first. Makes me think high build quality. Looks like it would stand up to my rigorous work and school schedule.

I am loving the battery life and hard drive size on this laptop. Ours just died, which is making life as a freelance writer a little bit difficult. :) I'd love a spiffy little machine like this to tote around!

Wow, detailed review, great!

I like the Vostro 1510 because it's a 15.4" laptop that's only a hair over 6lb! Very light for a standard screen size.

I'd use the laptop to do some light gaming with the 8400gs, listen to music, watch videos with the DVD burner drive, and teleconference with the built-in webcam and mike :)

What I like: It's a Dell. Good support, industry standard acceptance, good reputation for warranty and repair, and parts are readily available. Love that XP is an option. Love the anti-glare good sized screen. Biometric authentication with a "fingerprint reader" is outstanding and typically only available on much more expensive units. The fact that it is slimmer offers better portability and ease of use, this is great. Webcam option is excellent as carrying a separate one can eat up precious space. Overall, the specs are very respectable. More than enough for the typical small business owner. One of my favorite features is that it is not loaded with "free trial ware". It is nice to not have to basically reimage it, or spend an hour or more deleting unwanted software, prior to using it. After all, when we get new technology, we want to be able to use it and enjoy it immediately without starting off frustrated with a reconfigure or reimage.

What I will use it for: I am on my third Dell. Typically they have been company machines supplied by my employers. Either Dell's or ThinkPads. As a new small business owner myself, I fear that my 5 year old Dell Inspiron (that I bought from my last company when it was 3 years old) is nearing end of life. It has had some challenges with a bad fan and hard drive. I would love to be chosen as a recipient of a Vostro because it would help my company keep very important capital dollars in our small bank account and would allow me to visit customers confidently; without worrying that I may lose data or not be able to share documents and presentations on site due to a failed machine (this is very embarrassing). Thank you for reading my review and for your consideration.

I have a Dell Inspriron 1100 and consider it a tank. Unfortunately, even tanks die and I think mine is headed for retirement. The Vostro 1500 looks like a great replacement based upon its low cost even for a nicely built model, separate ports (althought they still look like they are a bit too close), sleek black color and design, ability to have XP instead of VISTA (I hate VISTA) and fingerprint reader. I'm a social worker and would take the vostro on visits so I can make sure I take detailed notes.

Thanks slickdeals !!!!

I am graduating with an undergrad in Business Administration in December of this year and will be needing a new laptop since mine is going on five years and I'm tired of replacing parts. I will most likely be traveling a lot as my concentration is in Computer Information Systems so I will be doing consulting for various IT firms. I like the fact that the hard-drive on the Vostro is produced by Seagate. I have a 500 GB external by them and have had no problems with it. The Intel Core 2 Duo processor would be a nice upgrade from my Pentium M and who could possibly complain about the integrated webcam and fingerprint reader- very nice touch.

I like the fact that this laptop will be faster than my current desktop :/


I will be using it for school.



Thanks Slickdeals!

i like the sleek old IBM notebook design, screen, webcam, and the DVD with DL burner.

I will use this at home and take to class if needed.

I like this laptop for its 5-7 hour battery range -- yay! :woot: It is certainly an upgrade to the one hour battery time I get on my Toshiba. I also like the position of the media buttons. The price is pretty nice, too. My desktop is a Dell, and I've been happy with it, so I'd be thrilled with a Dell laptop. (A functional one with more than one hour of battery time -- Imagine that! :lol:)

I would use the laptop for checking SlickDeals around the house where I can't get to my desktop. (Yeah, I'm addicted... :lol:) I'd also use this on travels and as a companion to my digital camera that I got as . . . wait for it. . . a Slick Deal here. It would be a great graduate school companion. :)

Thanks, Mr. SD and everyone!

I love the long battery life, great for bringing it to work/school. This would be a machine that I would carry around quite a bit and do a substantial amount of work on.

I like that the laptop is lightweight and has a long battery life. It would be perfect to use in my college classes.

I like that it has a dual core processor, windows vista, and a long lasting 9 cell battery. I think that this would be great for doing homework instead of having to use the library computers.

Go Gophers!:bounce:

I like the size, appearance, specs, portability, and battery size. No real dislikes, it is a nice system.

I would use it for education and general housework.

I appreciate the really long battery life. I honestly think that's what's most important when it comes to a laptop. Of course, I happen to own a Dell XPS m1530, but even then, I'm starting to understand that playing games on the go aren't everything, but the ability to have access to my computer after the electricity goes out (especially here in the Midwest) may be the only source of entertainment for hours, even days. I have been considering picking up the Vostro 1510 soon, and this may be a good time to do that.

Wow the battery life is very appealing, especially because my current laptop's battery is pretty much completely dead. I've been wanting bluetooth and a webcam on my laptop for forever now too! It looks pretty wonderful all around though :D Be great for me since I'll be starting grad school this upcoming Fall. Maybe it's about time to replace my 4 year old laptop..

This computer looks way awesome. I need a new laptop for school and this would do just the trick. Come on slickdeals, you know you want to give it to a poor college student who needs a laptop to do his work (programmer)!!! It has a great screen size, and the battery would last plenty long with the work I would be doing!

Love the security feature of a fingerprint reader !

I never have a notebook computer before, I wish I could win this one so that I can use it on the go and do whatever I like to do.

gong

seems like a pretty nice internet/ word processing machine. i like the asthetics of a basic dell laptop. not two tone and craptastic like usual. i don't like so much that they made it less "tank" like. that was one of the things that was turning me towards the vostro line.

This would be great for watching dvd movies, doing homework and browsing the internet in general - without wires!

I like this laptop because it has a simple clean look to it and a good balance of useful features without any useless nonsense added on

Looks like a great laptop that steps away from the standard Dell line. I like how it is more of a business look rather than an everyday use laptop.

It would be great to use this as a laptop for school, as portability would be great on this laptop.

Liking the new blog as well slickdeals, nice job.

i think SD said it best - the most important feature is the bargain price :)

I think it should it have a backlit keyboard just like the studio series.

It seems well built, and has nice specs.

Seems to be better than the Vostro 1500, and MUCH better than my current laptop.

Nice improvement Dell.

Real nicely equipped laptop there. Great for students and for me work.

The machine has excellent specs. It is a Dell (Dude, you got a Dell!) so it will need fewer repairs and I would use it for work and donate my old laptop to Toys for Tots.
Peace

I had a crappy laptop (Everex) for school but it has horrible battery life and just plain outdated and slow. This would be awesome for me to take around to my classes! Awesome review!

Hi,

Love the laptop! Would be a great replacement for my desktop. I do a lot of web editing, and programming. This would be perfect for doing rendering, as it contains a 256mb graphics card and a hefty amount of ram. A perfect system, at the the correct size, and power for my needs. Thanks for the great contest! A definite thumbs up from me on this laptop! :)

Love the Core 2 Duo, the design, and size of this lappy! Oh yea and the fact thats its free is a big plus :)

I really like this labtop because mine is about ready to kick the bucket. I'm a photographer, so I'd be using this labtop for editing my work - www.kenhphoto.com

One hot computer from looks to functionality and best of all the speed! just love it! It is the computer to go wether you are thinking to upgrade your old one or in the market for one or need one for school or work=). One word to describe! Perfect!

need this core 2 duo ! :woot: :woot:
still running single core:(

will use it for road doggin' :cool:
well i could definitely use this for my new real estate business

it looks to be very portable, and all the power i need to replace my POS HP that is having mother board problems

I like that it has a Intel Core 2 Duo processor unlike my current laptop.

I want it because I would like to upgrade from my current 3 year old P4 desktop to a nice and mobile laptop with at least a decent video card- and of course, with the upgrades over the older generation.

Just A Quick Note. Enjoyed The Laptop Offer, Looks Like a Great deal. I would Use It For Personal Web surfing and Email Along with Home Office Jobs.

Vostro is an excellent choice for low price range laptop.

As I am a college student, I would use this laptop for my academic needs. The wireless capabilities would be especially useful as I will be moving around a lot, and the high-end processor and RAM will come in handy as I am often required to multi-task and have many different programs and processes running simultaneously.

great review, This thing is better than my 2.4 Ghz p4 pc. I want one.

Great size battery, good processing speed, and long battery life.

core 2 duo is pretty sick.
id use it to do school work and surf for porn duhh.

I really like the fact that it's priced fairly competitively. I can only dream about winning this, but at least I have a little hope. I could really use a laptop for work, as computer consulting sometimes requires a portable computer!

Thanks for the contest. It's a good screen size and I like all the available components. Also, I've been happy with the last two Dell laptops I've owned. I would use it for writing, prepping for teaching classes, and a little gaming as well.

Love the "no trialware". I am in the start up process of a new online business and would use this for an easy way to be able to work and keep in touch with customers from anywhere I may roam!

:thanks:

Like: its a dell
Use: mobile blogging

I think what I like best about this version of the laptop is the fact that is comes free of bloatware/freeware from the factory. That is the biggest pain in the rear when I get a new PC is that I have to spend a few hours getting rid of all the extra stuff they put on new computers.

Personally I like the "plain" look, especially in black. Decent specs at a great price usually. Nice slimmed down look. Not sure I like the Page keys crowding the arrow keys. Horrible choice of location for the USB ports. For that price though, I could live with the issues.

And not only all of the excellent hardware and software features, but the color matches the new T-shirts!

I'll finally have a laptop that will last more than 20 minutes on battery! Goodie!

... that is if I win... which I will!

Like the price for the features

I like how the vostro line is rugged, well built and doesn't seem to break easily

I like that this laptop has similar specs to my desktop and could therefore be used for all my current tasks with no need to worry about a slowdown from switching to a mobile computer. Very nice!

Looks like a pretty decent lower end laptop. I like that it has a real graphics card, even if it isn't all that powerful. I could really use something like this when I'm traveling, I hate using other people's crappy computers whenever I'm away from home :)

I think the laptop is perfect for what I need it for. I need it for school, as I am majoring in engineering. it seems like a strong enough laptop to handle Fortran, Solidworks and MATLAB.

I have only ever heard good things about Dell computers and their customer service so I was hoping to buy a Dell next time I'm shopping around for a laptop. This version seems nice and streamlined and without all of the "trialware" that takes up so much time removing from the system. Very efficient! I'd love to be able to use this for editing, which I am just learning now.

9 cell and 6lb 0.8 Oz...hmmm..wonder how much a difference a 12 cell gives it in weight as they dont say about that since normally what I have had to deal with in most cases is battery life!
But it will be a good back to school laptop at a reasonable price..
Slot-loading drive think should be standard since I have broken a standard loading drive when it opened in my bag and snapped...

I would use this Vostro to end world hunger, civil strife, and nuclear weapons.

I like the price for all that you get with this dell. My engineering consultant company i work for was recently displaced due to the flooding in the Mid-West. Our offices had to be temporarily relocated and we worked with dell and received a slew of new laptops to keep our tech depended business running. Not only did we get great priced dell laptops we got them FAST. I would recommend looking at dell for any small business out there.

I think this would be a great laptop to give to my brothers girlfriend since she needs one for school. She has a crappy old desktop and she would probably love something like this.

The Vostro 1510 is lighter than the Inspiron 6000 I have and is a great resource especially since it has the same configurations as an inspiron with its slick and more professional looking feature. The Vostro 1510 will be mainly used for college use to bring it back and forth from classes and to the library to do papers and study from powerpoints for exams and such.

need one for school!

Wow! A fingerprint reader is a great idea! I especially like that it is integrated so well! I would definitely use this for my research!

I definitely prefer this design to their old Inspirons

i like the vostro line for the simplicity. this is the one I want, couldn't afford a laptop so far, maybe this giveaway will change my luck.

I like the that it comes with no stupid trialware to mess with. Will use it to surf the net and send emails.

This looks like a great laptop for anyone in school, like myself. One thing I like about this Vostro is the battery time. You can't pick a laptop these days without first making sure it will last you during the time you need it each day. I would definitely use this laptop for school to help make taking notes and keeping up with other things easier.

The fingerprint reader will come in real handy because of it's security, especially in a workplace that is open to others, I would be able to secure use to my computer which is priceless.

I like the large hard drive (160gb).

I would use it for class.

love its small size

would use it for internet and to replace my big 17" heater

Never Had A Laptop Of My Own. I Just Get The Broken Hammy Downs From My Husband To Try To Fix Up.
I Would Use This For My Embroidery Designs And To Keep Up With Slickdeals When On The Road.

I sure would use a Vostro to help me start my business a bit easier!

I like it because it would be free if I win it !

size is great, specs too. I can run a vmware instance for work, and my own stuff all on it!