Dell Vostro 1500

A mixed bag then. With the Vostro concept, Dell has squeezed in plenty of business-sounding features, but keeping them all in the specification is expensive. Certain important business tools - such as hardware-based encryption via a TPM - are missing altogether, and that low-resolution screen, weight and average battery life won't win it many admirers. Those looking for a cheap, just-about portable laptop, though, would do well to weigh the Vostro's business shortcomings against its enticing price, especially as Dell won a Highly Commended Award in last year's PC Pro Awards for its notebooks' reliability and support.

Author: Dave Stevenson