Vostro 2510

Dell Canada is offering the 2510 with a Core 2 Duo T5870, 3GB RAM, 250GB HD (7200rpm) and Windows XP SP3 for around $940. this looks rather promising but the GPU is the nVidia 8400M GS. i suspect the overheating issues has been resolved. does anyone know whether faulty 8400M GSs are no longer in the production pipeline? thanks.

 

The 8400M GS was far less affected than the 8600 and 8800-series cards. I haven't heard of any issues with them, nor did I have any problems with my nVIDIA Quadros NVS 140M (based on the 8400M GS). I'd say it's a safe buy.

With the 2.0GHz CPU, discrete graphics, 7200rpm HD, and the sharp WXGA_ (1440x900) TrueLife display, the Vostro 2510 should be a solid performer. I've never seen in person, but the Cherry Red exterior is very appealing to me!

Then again, I'm a UGA grad, so anything Red & Black looks great to me! :wink: I skipped the leather interior option on my car because the standard fabric is a black and red check-mark pattern (Mazda3)....I really should have ordered my current Latitude E6400 in the Regal Red probably....

 

it would seem so. i'll just do a bit more research before deciding whether to make the purchase. what most attracts me to the 2510 is the option of Windows XP SP3 and the notebook doesn't have trial ware. the 2510 is at a price point that's quite appealing and i can wait until Windows 7 SP2 is released for my next hardware purchase. the 2510 will not be my primary computing platform so i can settle with using the T series of Core 2 Duos.

 

If you configure a Vostro 1510 identically to the $939 (CAD) configuration of the 2510, it totals up to $1,168 (CAD) (and has a 5400rpm Hard Drive). That translates to about $760 (USD), definitely a LOT of laptop for the price.

If you haven't already, you might want to check out the review here on NBR of the Vostro 1510 (with 1.8GHz Intel T5670)- http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4444
Also, here is a review from an external site called "Student Buying Guide.com" of the Vostro 1510 with 2.0GHz Intel T5870- http://www.studentbuyingguide.com/2008/06/dell-vostro-1510-review/

A final thought, if you have any lingering concerns about the nVIDIA 8400M GS graphics card, warranty extensions are typically very reasonably priced thru Dell Small Business. Upgrading to the 3-year Warranty from the standard 1-year costs $160.

Hope this helps....good luck!

 

Hey emacs,

I just bought the 2510 2 weeks ago and am just waiting for them to finish building the thing. During that time, Dell Canada had a deal of the same specs except for the 250GB Hard drive for $799. So, if you include the hard drive it will be $889...I think Dell just jacked up the price yesterday because of the currency discrepancy.

 

Lol, you'll be waiting a while for Windows 7 SP2.

Looks like a safe buy as far as I am concerned. The 8400's weren't that affected.

Greg

 

Here in the U.S., the closest configuration ends up being $754 (about $925 CAD). Unfortunately, the 320GB 5400rpm Hard Drive is the only option left for us....the 250GB 7200rpm option is gone. On balance, the price does include standard NBD (Next Business Day) On-Site service for the 1-year warranty and 15-months of McAfee Security...I'd rather have 7200rpm hard drive, though!

Any way you look at it, this has to be the best deal going at the moment!

 

The 2510 comes with XP Pro AND Vista Business license...so an upgrade to Vista Biz is an option in the ensuing 5+ years!

BTW, Greg, you have exceptional taste in laptops.....I have a Latitude E6400 myself! LOVE IT!

 

Yes, but he never mentioned Vista, he said Win7 SP2.

Oh, and thanks. It's an excellent machine. I just wish that we could buy from the Dell outlet in Canada.

Greg

 

Yeah, I wish you guys, too. I got my configuration for $623.20 from the Outlet after all discounts were applied. New, it prices out to well over $1300.

Dell UK finally has an Outlet...maybe there's still hope for Canada, too.