Dell Vostro V131 Hands-on: Slim Small Biz Notebook Starts at Just $499

It’s not just Dell’s Inspiron notebooks that are going on a diet. The company refreshed its small-business Vostro V131 with Intel second-gen Core processors, USB 3.0, a backlit keyboard and optional WiMax, all the while keeping the chassis  less than an inch thick, and the price below $500.

Measuring 13 x 9.4 x 0.63-0.83 inches, and with a starting weight of 3.6 pounds, the 13-inch V131 is pretty much the same size and weight as the V130 we reviewed last fall. The V131 now has two USB 3.0 ports, an HD webcam, digital array mics, and a chiclet keyboard that’s backlit. 

The V131 starts at $499. At that price, you get a 1.1-GHz Intel Celeron ULV 847 processor, Intel HD 2000 graphics, 2GB of RAM, and a 320GB, 7200-rpm hard drive. Stepping up to the $599 preconfigured model gets you a 2.1-GHz Intel Core i3-2310M processor. For $799, customers will get a second-generation 2.3-GHz Intel Core i5-2410M processor, Intel HD 3000 graphics, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB, 7200-rpm hard drive.

Even at the starting price, Dell includes a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader. The 6-cell 65-WHr battery is rated to provide up to 9.5 hours of battery life, but we’re assuming it will be less than that.

Starting September 1, all Vostro V131s will come with My Business Toolkit, a number of services and software specifically for SMB customers.  This includes free website hosting from Web.com; 30 days or 100 minutes of virtual reception by Ruby Receptionists, and 15 months of antivirus protection from Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services. 

While the notebook comes standard with an Aberdeen Silver lid, Lucerne Red is available as a $30 option. Connectivity options include WiMax and 3G/Gobi 3Mobile Broadband. 

Check out our photos of the Vostro V131 and let us know if you’d make this machine your business partner.