Dell Vostro V13 Laptop, OptiPlex Desktops Offer Low-Cost Computing

Dell Vostro V13 Laptop, OptiPlex Desktops Offer Low-Cost ComputingBy Michelle Maisto

The Vostro V13, like all products in Dell’s Vostro line, is geared toward cost-conscious enterprise users with little to no IT staff. It’s thin, light and comes with range of processing options, as well as security, service and support offerings.

The Vostro V13 starts at 3.5 pounds and is 0.65 inches thin. While its starting price of $449 nears that of a netbook, it runs ultra-low-voltage processors from Intel, giving it greater processing power than a netbook and helping to extend the battery life.

The V13 is encased in brushed aluminum and outfitted with reinforced zinc hinges. The materials make for a good look and offer greater durability. The trackpad features multitouch scrolling, and the WLED display is 13.3 inches on the diagonal.

Connectivity options include 802.11g/n, Bluetooth and WWAN mobile broadband, and a Webcam and microphone for video chatting come standard. The V13 offers support for up to 4GB of DDR3 (double data rate 3) SDRAM memory, and automatic backup solutions and a full-data-encrypted hard drive are available.

Dell’s OptiPlex 780 USFF is now the world’s smallest fully functional commercial desktop PC. Seen here with optional peripherals, it’s 20 percent smaller than the previous-generation model and has an integrated power supply.

The 780 ultra-small form factor can be mounted under a desk, mounted to a wall or used with an all-in-one-stand—shown here—that a flat-panel monitor can also be mounted on. It can support two displays at once, and wireless connectivity is an option.

The 780 offers scalable processing power, graphics and hard drives, has a 90 percent efficient power supply, and includes Intel vPro technology for the remote management of multiple devices. Pricing starts at $629.

The Dell OptiPlex 380 is available as a minitower, a desktop and a small form factor. Prices begin at $339, $329 and $349, respectively.

Seen here is the desktop version of the OptiPlex 380. Geared toward developing and cost-conscious businesses, the 380 line also offers a variety of processing, graphics and hard drive options, as well as a choice of operating systems from Ubuntu Linux to Windows 7.

The OptiPlex 380 PCs offer 80 percent efficient power supplies. Using Dell’s Client Energy Savings Calculator, users can estimate the energy use—and energy savings—of various configurations. At left is the small-form-factor version of the 380.