IT: Review on Dell Vostro 1220 Notebook

This is a review on a Dell Vostro 1220 Notebook. As per my previous posting on the Vostro class notebooks, they are Dell's answer to SME who are tight on budget and still need cost effective notebooks.

The Vostro 1220 is a improvement upgrade from 1200 and 1210 models. The chassis remains similar in design. Below are the specs of the reviewed notebook
Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4Ghz 3MB L2 Cache
2x1GB DDR2-800 Ram (can go up to 8GB)
250GB Hard Disk
Tray loaded 8X DVD writer
Vista Business downgrade to XP Pro
Intel 5100 802.11N wireless
Integrated Intel X4500MHD Graphics card
12.1" LCD with 1.3M Webcam
Gigibit Ethernet LAN and Bluetooth
3-in-1 Media Reader (can read SD & MMC cards; the third format I have no idea which one)
3 USB Ports
1 VGA Port
1 Express-card slot
1 RJ-11 Port
1 Wireless on/off toggle switch
6-cell battery (about 4hrs of normal usage)
1 year on-site warranty

Most users do not need large L2 cache processor; a 3MB L2 will do very well for heavy office usage and basic engineering design usage.6MB L2 cache is more appropriate for those doing high-end designing.

The Keyboard feel is similar to the 1310 (see previous posting), has a fuller feel and is about 95% full-size so makes typing easier despite the notebook small size. There is no trial software installed like Mcafee free 60 days etc so makes installation of user's own anti-virus easier and cleaner. Since the notebook is installed with XP Pro, it is faster in operation vs using Vista business; Windows 7 will be a better OS vs Vista business and XP Pro. There is a free upgrade from Dell for those who purchase their notebooks from July to Oct 2009. Windows 7 will be out in last week of Oct 2009

The weight of the notebook is advertised at 1.52kg but we feel the weight should be at 1.7kg to 1.8kg given the above configuration and most users carry the adapter together with the notebook.

Dell could do better by designing the notebook to be slimmer like its inspiron 13 but on the whole, I do recommend this notebook for those who needs cost-effective light weight notebooks. Those who are into notebook design can choose other models.