Dell Releases Sandy Bridge-Based Vostro, Inspiron R Notebooks

Dell on Thursday launched updated versions of its Vostro 3000 series SMB-oriented PCs, as well as its new Inspiron R notebook PC featuring switchable lids, with Intel’s Sandy Bridge integrated graphics processors.

Dell’s four new Vostro 3000 models include a 13-inch 3350 version with a 4-cell battery, as well as 14-inch 3450, 15-inch 3550, and 17-inch 3750 each with 6-cell batteries. The Vostro 3000 PCs target smaller enterprises and include Intel’s Core i3, i5, and i7 Sandy Bridge processors, with corrected Cougar Point support chipsets following the discovery of a design error that led to last month’s short-lived recall of Intel Sandy Bridge products.

Dell says its Vostro 3000 PCs feature a new back-lit chiclet-style keyboard, exterior aluminum finish, as well as pre-installed Skype and a customizable dashboard button for VOIP. It comes with DDR3, USB 3.0, and BT 3.0 technologies and 24-hour IT support from Dell ProSupport services. The new Vostro systems come in a choice of three different colors, switchable graphics, and an optional 8-cell or 9-cell offering about 12 hours of power.

’Whether you are pitching, analyzing, partnering or managing, the new Vostro 3000 series is designed to keep you collaborating with colleagues, partners and clients,’ said Sam Burd, vice president Dell’s Consumer & SMB Product Group. ’With the latest Vostro collaboration enhancements, entrepreneurs have a sleek, capable technology tool that helps them impress no matter the size of their business or technology budget.’

Dell also refreshed its Inspiron R notebook with a redesigned raised keyboard, and a series of interchangeable lids, each of which costs $19-$29. Inspiron R also receives Core i3, i5 and i7 Sandy Bridge processors, a 6-cell battery with 9-cell battery options, along with up to 8 GB of memory.

In addition, Inspiron R offers a range of entertainment features for customers -- bringing Sandy Bridge-based Dell PC technology to the home space while Vostro pursues business users. Inspiron R comes with SRS Premium Audio and HD video, Intel Wi-Di technology offering wireless projections of 1080p video alongside Dell Stage software, optional Blu-ray drives that 3D movie playback, and an HD-capable webcam.

’Our Inspiron R models equipped with 2nd gen Intel Core processors deliver the ultimate in entertainment and mobility and because customers value both performance and style, the eye-catching lids are designed to suit your mood or style at any given moment,’ Burd said. ’With the Inspiron-R series, we’re living up to our heritage of delivering the performance you need to do more, and with SWITCH by Design Studio, you can look good while doing it,’ Burd added.

Next: Upcoming Dell PCs

Dell in February unveiled its 2011 enterprise PC product roadmap, featuring updated notebook models, a 10-inch Windows 7 tablet device due later this year, and several business-oriented IT services. Dell said it will launch a range of Dell Latitude E-series models: the E5420, E5520, E6220, E6420, E6520, and E6420 ATG notebooks and the XT3 convertible tablet. In addition, Dell is preparing the Optiplex 990, 790, and 390desktop models, an Optiplex all-in-one device, as well as its Precision T1600 desktop and Precision M6600 and M4600 notebooks.

In addition, in January Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors debuted inside Dell systems with the release of Dell’s Vostro 460 desktop aimed at the SMB market. Intel last month identified the Cougar Point design flaw that causes the chipset’s SATA III ports to degrade over time, affecting Dell’s XPS 8300, the Vostro 460, the Alienware M17x R3 and the Alienware Aurora R3. Dell removed the product from its online listings and offered to refund Dell customers who were affected by the Sandy Bridge recall, while working with Intel on a revised launch schedule.

Dell’s Vostro 3000 series notebook PCs are available at a starting price of $499-$599. Dell’s Inspiron R notebook is available in the U.S. through the company’s Web site and, according to Dell, will come to market through retailers in the coming months. Inspiron R starts in the $529.99- $579.99 price range.