New Dell Vostro V131

Hey guys I'm about to purchase this laptop, however, I'm a bit concern because it doesn't have an optical drive. If I purchased any external optical drive the laptop should be compatible with it right? (Sorry bit of a tech noob).. Thanks

edit: Also do you recommend this laptop or the vostro 3350 for those heading into university?

 

"The laptop will play full screen 720p media (lowest brightness and audio via headphones) for (from 100% power to 7%) 6 hours. Not bad but nowhere near 12 hours or even 9. I don' t think that the machine will reach 9 hours even after tweaking, heavy max battery plus wireless off."

LaptopsUK just reported recently that the laptop achieved 9h 23m in light use. It is possible, but will probably be less comfortable for most. (I'm a freak like that--think minimum brightness with maximum power saver on)

edit: Also do you recommend this laptop or the vostro 3350 for those heading into university?

That's the same exact question I have, so I bump it! But yeah, would you guys reccomend that I get the v131 or the 3350? I'm mainly using the computer for office work, web design (using html, Fw drawing, flash), interior design (sketchup), and light gaming (think world of warcraft, urban terror hd). I'm drawn to the 3350 because of the discrete card, but does it matter for my uses?! Because I'm also equally compelled by the design of the v131!

 

I usually add around 2 hours extra to the battery life after the media playback test. (For instance, Acer W500 4hs 20 mins, max life 6 hours. HP 5330m 3hrs something, max battery life etc)

Glad to see that it managed 9 hours but was that with wireless on or off. I'll have a test. 6 or 8 cell battery? (I'm looking to buy the 8 cell now but... can't find it)



My V131 was perfectly fine with an Asus BD external usb drive.


I can't seem to see the keyboard back light option on th 3350 for some reason? After my initial build quality thoughts I'd really like to stress that the keyboard does have flex and the entire front section next to the trackpad can flex like a body builder. It's fine but nowhere near as strong as other machines out there.

 

The only reason now about to buy or not for me is the display, this review (Preview: Dell Vostro V131 Notebook in Review - Notebookcheck.net Reviews) tells:

V131:


And my Dell M1330 4 years old:


It's strange

 

My 5 years old Acer 5672 and I don't have problem with it. Only problem is when you want to work outside with sun behind. My display is glossy so it's like mirror with this low brightness.



I just ordered V131 with i5 and I don't think it will be problem for me.

 

For how much? I will be able to buy i5,500GB HD, 2GM ram + 2GB extra separate for 640€. Is it good price?

 

I don't know how is it in your country. In my I bought it for around 800€ with i5, 750GB, 6GB RAM. It's more expensive than similar notebooks but still good price.

 

yes it's weird, the display is the reason why I'm no longer interested in this one. compared to my old XPS it looks like it's even an older brother of it I will take a look on the Latitude E6220 instead - if it's not better, I will rather go and get a MBA

 

I've read that the low brightness is because the screen is matte. Also I've read there are no problems indoors but you need to up the brightness in a high level outdoors. Is it possible? I don't know what to do because 600€ is really good for this machine.

 

I don't think that's really a problem, because most computers have glossy screens that are reflective in the sunlight, so the matte screen is actually better.