Summary. For most people desiring a Windows notebook, for about $700 (after $328 instant rebate) the 15″ Dell Vostro 1500 should work just fine. The $700 configuration is what Dell refers to as “Enhanced Graphics & Services.”
High Performance Configuration – $1,970. For greater performance and a longer warranty, consider the following upgrades to the above configuration. The cost of the system after $328 instant rebate will be about $1,970. Steps are indicated below: (1) Build My Dell, (2) Accessories, (3) Software, (4) Services and Warranties, (5) Review and Add to Cart.
(1) Build My Dell. Select the following options under Build My Dell.
- Processor. Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T8100 (2.1GHz/800Mhz FSB/3MB cache) [add $180]
- Operating System. Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate [add $149]
- Productivity Software. Microsoft Office 2007 Basic [add $149]
- LCD Panel. 15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Anti-Glare Display [Included in Price]
- Memory. 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM [add $125]
- Optical Drive. 8X CD/DVD+RW Read and Burn CD and DVD [Included in Price]
- Video Card. 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT [add $100]
- Hard Drive. 320GB 5400RPM Hard Drive [add $100]
- Hard Drive Partition. Custom Hard Drive Partition, 60GB Primary, Remainder Secondary [add $10]
- Media Direct. Dell Exclusive MediaDirect™ Instant Play Software Application [Included in Price]
- Wi-Fi Wireless Card. Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Internal-card [add $39]
- Mobile Broadband. Select as necessary. If you already have cellular phone service through a provider, and would like almost continual access to the Internet, choose this option. The cost in addition to the card will be about $40 to $60 per month depending on your service provider. The benefit is that you won’t be dependent upon finding a “hot spot” with Wireless Internet access.
- Bluetooth Wireless. Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate), Vista [$20]
- Networking Options. None.
- Webcam. Integrated 2.0 mega pixel Web Camera [add $30] This is an important feature to have included from the factory because it is built-in. An aftermarket webcam would be an extra device to carry around with you and the cost might be $70.
(2) Accessories. Select the following choices from the Accessories available.
- Batteries. 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery [add $100] This is important because it provides 7 hours of battery life instead of 5 hours of battery life.
(3) Software. Select the following software options.
- Security. No Pre-installed Anti-Virus/Security Software [Included in Price]
(4) Services & Warranties. Choose the following service and warranty options.
- Warranty & Service. 3 Year Basic Limited Warranty and 3 Year NBD On-Site Service [add $90]
- Accidental Damage & Service. 3 Year CompleteCare Accidental Damage Protection [add $169]
(5) Review and Add to Cart. This is the final step.