Laptop Thoughts: News & Reviews on Laptops, Netbooks, Slates, and More.

"Here's the not-so-secret secret about Dell's new small-business laptop, the Vostro V130: it's not really just for small-business users. Although the Vostro series slots in alongside Dell's Latitude as non-consumer-oriented laptops, the thin, sturdy, compact 13.3-inch Vostro V130 feels more like a more affordable offspring of the original Dell Adamo. The V130 is an upgrade to last year's Vostro V13, outfitted with HDMI-out and new, faster CPUs. Available in a wide variety of configurations ranging from $429 up to a MacBook Air-level $1,073, the Vostro V130 is less of an individual product than it is the latest in a line of high-concept designs kicked off by the original Adamo."

Constructed of aluminum and magnesium, the lightweight and strong Vostro V130 is aimed at small businesses, but would make a decent consumer notebook, with 13-inch matte screen, reasonable fast processor and integrated graphics, quality components and a decent out-the-door price. Almost every review so far has rated it highly, except for the lousy (just a bit over 2 hours) battery life that brings down the final rating. Starting at $429 and climbing to over $1000, configuration options are plentiful. Puzzling design choices, higher-end components, but scrimping on the battery. Is this today's attempt to keep cost down? Would you be happy with a new laptop with only a bit more than two hours of battery capacity? Maybe in a small business, where it's plugged-in most of the time.

"Back when we reviewed the Dell Vostro V13 we had a few complaints, including the fact that it lasted less than three hours on a charge and lacked an HDMI port. Well, Dell's gone and taken care of at least one of those issues with its new Vostro V130."

Dell's upgrade to the original V13 is noteworthy in that it now has HDMI-out, but still has rotten battery life. At about 3.5-pounds, this 13.3-inch laptop is well-made, and affordable. Intel® Advanced Cooling (Hyperbaric) Technology promises to keep the V130 quieter and cooler. Starting at $429 (USD), the V130 is available now from Dell.