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Dell Vostro 3350

Discontinued
Reviewed
July 2012
by ConsumerSearch
Dell Vostro 3350

Pros
  • Good value
  • Second-generation Intel Core processor
  • Great battery life (with optional 8-cell battery)
  • Matte display
Cons
  • Weak speakers
  • No backlit keyboard on base model

Reviewers say the Dell Vostro 3350 is the best business laptop for small businesses on a budget. This 13.3-inch laptop is reasonably portable at just under 5 pounds, and it includes a number of business-friendly features without breaking the bank. Although numerous upgrade options at Dell.com can make the Vostro 3350 more powerful, even the base model comes with a second-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 4 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive and a CD/DVD burner. Most reviewers test upgraded units with a more powerful Core i5 CPU and larger battery, but the total price still rings up at less than $800.

Performance is great for mainstream business tasks, and battery life lasts more than nine hours if you opt for the 8-cell battery upgrade. Reviewers also praise the matte anti-glare display and full-size keyboard. However, a backlit keyboard is not available on the base model, and reviewers say the speakers distort at high volumes. If you don't need the business features, the Sony VaioSony Vaio E15 SVE1511AFXS (Discontinued) delivers a much bigger bang, dollar for dollar, and includes a more advanced third-generation Core i5 processor.

There's no shortage of reviews on the Dell Vostro 3350 laptop. The best analysis comes from the major technology reviewers like PCMag.com, ComputerShopper.com and PC World. These sources conduct thorough tests that are complemented by balanced analysis. Britain's TrustedReviews.com and Germany's NotebookCheck.net also have detailed reviews of the Dell Vostro 3350.

Our Sources

1. PCMag.com

PCMag.com gives an Editors' Choice award to the Dell Vostro 3350. Cisco Cheng reports excellent battery life and speedy overall performance. He's says he's also impressed with the value.

Review: Dell Vostro 3350, Cisco Cheng, June 7, 2011

2. Computer Shopper

The Dell Vostro 3350 also scores an Editors' Choice award from ComputerShopper.com. "For small-business buyers looking for a thin-and-light travel companion, this machine, in the appropriate configuration according to needs and budget, should top their very short list," says John R. Delaney.

Review: Dell Vostro 3350 Review and Ratings, John R. Delaney, June 20, 2011

3. TrustedReviews.com

The Dell Vostro 3350 earns TrustedReviews.com's Recommended award. The aluminum design is well received at this British site, and editors praise the keyboard. The display doesn't have the best contrast, but Ardjuna Seghers finds that easy to overlook.

Review: Dell Vostro 3350 Review, Ardjuna Seghers, July 22, 2011

4. PC World

PC World gives the Dell Vostro 3350 a 3.5-star rating (out of 5). Editors here say they are disappointed by the laptop's performance, especially for heavy number crunching or graphics work, but they acknowledge that the laptop is reasonably portable and a good value.

Review: Dell Vostro 3350, Yardena Arar, July 8, 2011

5. Notebook Check.net

The Dell Vostro 3350 earns a good rating from Germany's NotebookCheck.net. High points include a sleek design, comfortable keyboard and long-lasting 8-cell battery. However, editors wish for a higher resolution display.

Review: Review Dell Vostro 3350 Subnotebook, Felix Sold, May 27, 2011

6. The Economic Times

"There's nothing cheap about the way the Vostro 3350 looks or performs," says India's The Economic Times. Editors give the Dell Vostro 3350 a positive review, although they say the display looks "washed out."

Review: ET Review: Dell Vostro 3350, Karan Bajaj, Aug. 1, 2011

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