Reviews on Vostro 1220

I just ordered a refurb based on a response form the "what computer should I buy thread" (or whatever the exact title is). Supposed to be here on the 9th. I will post a report when it arrives. I will be using it for officating/timing and scoring bicycle races as well as maintaing a data base for racers. That is why I opted for the anti-glare screen. Hope to use it outdoors. $549 with free shipping. Priced new one at $999. Looked around for coupons but could not find any. Someone steered me to the undervolting thread and it claims up to 30 minutes extra time from the battery. That would be nice or maybe Dell will also send me an extra one.
I have a Dell XPS desktop and a Dell Vostro destop in the house. I've had good luck with both and hope that will be the case with the 1220.

Specs
Certified Refurbished
1 Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6670 (2.1GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB) 35w
1 Documentation
1 Integrated 1.3MP Web Camera and Digital Microphone
1 12.1 inch Premium WXGA Anti-Glare LED Display
250 GB Free Fall Sensor Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
1 No Fingerprint Reader
1 No Security Software Requested
1 32BIT Operating System CD
1 Cherry Red
1 65W AC Adapter
1 Software
1 32BIT Operating System CD
1 125V Power Cord
1 6 Cell Primary Battery
1 Keyboard on Notebook
1 8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability

 

Just got the set...ahead of time!

Immediately did some weight measurements, I'm sure there are people who would be interested in this. Used an analog weighing machine but well should be around there.

1) Base + HDD + DVD drive (without batt) = 1.52kg
2) Base + HDD + DVD drive + batt = 1.9kg
3) Base + HDD + batt (without DVD) = 1.68kg
4) Base + SSD + DVD drive + batt = 1.84kg

This baby is light!!!! Love it! Windows 7 here I come!

 

Do you currently have Vista? If so let us know (if you do any battery tests) how W 7 compares to Vista on battery usage. I hope to get as much time as possible with out an external power source and would spring for W 7 if it added more than a few minutes. Mine is supposed to be here Friday or Monday.

 

When I received the set I formatted it to W7 immediately.

The estimated time left for the battery keeps fluctuating but if it's just pure surfing, it seems the 6 cell batt will hold up for around 5-6 hours. Never had a laptop which had such long battery life.

 

That is disappointing news - 5-6 hours?
Here is what the Dell website says,
"Available in Obsidian Black or Deep Cherry Red, the Vostro 1220 starts at a mere 3.36 lbs, is equipped with the latest Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors and features up to 9 hours of battery life¹ on a 6-cell battery, making it an ideal travelling companion for on-the-go, global entrepreneurs."
Now of course they have that little disclaimer in there, but only surfing I would have though a lot closer to the 9 hours!

 

Such marketing has always been like this...so always take those with a pinch of salt. Usually what they claim is just the bare minimum that one can accept.

It's just like the weight issue. They claim 1.52kg with 4 cell, ssd and an air bay. What? An air bay? They don't even sell it.

That said, this is my first run-down on my battery. I'm sure it would become better after a few cycles.

Cheers!

 

5 to 6 hours is about right. what does the footnote say on the Dell Marketing site about the 9 hours btw...no way, unless you work offline with a blank screen....

 

¹Battery life based on Dell labs testing. Varies by configuration, operating conditions and other factors. Maximum battery capacity decreases with time and use. Maximum battery capacity decreases with time and use.

From this Dell site: http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/d/press-releases/2009-06-30-Vostro-1220.aspx

 

To be frank I really appreciate the battery life I can get considered the powerful specs that this laptop packs..

Unless one is game for those CULV or the atom processor, this is a great choice.

 

Also noted as

" * Lightweight for Easy Transport : Starting at just 3.36lbs/1.52kg
* Long-Lasting Computing Capability : Enjoy over 9 hours of battery life with optional high-capacity 6-cell battery
* Secure for Small Business : Data security & business-oriented support options"

On this page

http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/...o-1220&s=bsd&cid=voscat&cs=04&dgc=IR&lid=frag

So if everyone with a 6 cell on this thread seems to be reporting 5-6 hours, what's the deal. I could understand 8 or maybe even 7, but given that all of the available processors are listed as 35w, they all have hard drives etc, why would they be running more than 33% below what is advertised? I also note that all options listed at the retail side of dell have a 6 cell battery (with no possibility to upgrade at time of purchase). I am not going to be happy if with only word processing and excel running the thing only lasts 5-6 hours! Have I missed something here? Guess I'll find out in a couple of days.