New Dell Vostro V131

So, how do we know we have the GPS? Did you have to specifically order the "mobile broadband" version?

 

What is the difference(s) between A04 and A03 ?

 

I received an outlet V131 yesterday. I have to say that I'm really impressed with it. The build quality is great and it looks good. Apart from the refurbished sticker the laptop looks new and any qualms I had about buying from the outlet are gone. The bloatware (just the virus checker) was minimal and that was a welcome relief - I was expecting the usual junk you see on consumer laptops.

IMO this is better than an Ultrabook for half the price! With standard USB 3.0 and support for 9MM drives, this beats (IMO) the X220 as well.

I'm still futzing with the trackpad settings, but for the most part my only complaint is the screen. I'm used to an IPS screen so it took a few hours to get accustomed to the V131. However, it's really quite decent for non graphics work once you get used to it. Photos and videos look decent enough for casual use.

I tried to load the ICC profile from the notebookcheck review but it doesn't seem to work. Maybe the Intel graphics software is overriding the Windows settings? Is there anyway to get around this without disabling the Intel software?

Does anybody know if Dell has some software to automatically check for new drivers/firmware? It's a real pain to do that by checking software versions manually.

 

Hi!
Would it be possible to replace v131's screen with a better one? where could i get it (i've never done it before)?
Thanks!

 

Can anyone here remark on the build quality of the V131 in general terms? Are you happy with it, any creaking, flex, etc? Thanks.

 

I think the build quality is very good. There is definitely no creaking. Flex is also a non issue. If you put some force into it there are spots (e.g. the center of the keyboard, trying to twist the screen) where you'll see some minimal flex. The center of the bezel under the screen also pushes in a bit, but IMO that is a non-issue unless you have a habit of poking that spot.

But I don't think applying that much pressure occurs in regular use. I think the build is very solid.

I think the only real fault with this laptop is the screen. It definitely falls into the "mediocre" category and I really dislike looking at certain high contrast stuff (e.g. white text and colored headers on a black background) due to the poor contrast and color reproduction of the screen. If I had to look at a dark background/light text a lot I'd probably get a headache fairly quickly.

 

Thanks, very interesting. Would you mind describing the feel of the keyboard more - does it "click" when you hit a key, or is it more mushy? Have you at all compared the V131 to a Thinkpad?

Regarding the screen, would you say it's a serious obstacle? When you're reading or writing a Word document, do you find it painful at all?

Thanks again.

 

That's because this is a business notebook, not a consumer one.

Decent build quality. A tiny bit of flex if you have the habit of picking it up with one corner. Top center of keyboard "bounces" a bit under heavy typing. Overall very nice.

I could have sworn I answered this exact question in another forum.

I have yet to encounter a modern notebook keyboard that "clicks." When I think "click" I think of how a mechanical keyboard works (mechanical mostly using Cherry keyswitches these days, versus the scissor type or the rubber dome type). The keyboard for me is quite pleasant to work with.

 

I haven't asked this question in another forum - one forum is enough for me. Maybe "click" is the wrong term. I mean, does it provide a satisfactory tactile response, with a good responsive quality?

Can you comment on the screen quality? I realise it's not going to be marvellous, but will it give me a headache when working with Word?

Thanks.

 

It's been a while since I typed on a Thinkpad keyboard so take my comments with this in mind. As already stated, the V131 keys have a slightly spongy feel, which I don't remember from the Thinkpad. The V131 keys are not mushy. The V131 also has a chicklet keyboard. I think the Thinkpad keyboard is better, but I also think the V131 keyboard is quite good and works well.

My regular keyboard is a full blown ergonomic mechanical keyboard (very clicky, solid, and definitely not mushy) so I'm used to that. It seems like the keys on the V131 need a little more force that what I'm used to. I think I just have to get used to it.

The screen is fine for regular office work like word processing. Typing this response is not much different that what I do in MS Word and I have no complaints about the screen.