Vostro 3350 Owner's Cafe

[theZoid]

I thought I would single the 3350 owners out here as I didn't see one already. We can use this thread for all things pertaining to the Vostro 3350.

Here are my specs (I run Scientific Linux on it also, dual boot):

Item Number 	Quantity 	Item Description 	
225-0728
	1 	Vostro 3350 Laptop 		
317-6452
	1 	2nd generation Intel Core i5-2410M processor 2.30 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz Vostro 		
317-6448
	1 	6GB,DDR3,1333MHZ, 2 DIMM Vostro 		
331-1794
	1 	Backlit Keyboard with Gesture Touchpad, English Vostro 		
331-1741
	1 	English Documentation, Technical sheet, Vostro 		
320-2149
	1 	AMD Radeon HD 6470M (64 bit) 512MB Graphic Vostro 		
342-2385
	1 	320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive Vostro 		
421-4740
	1 	Fingerprint Reader with DigitalPersona software Vostro 		
320-2146
	1 	Palmrest with Finger Print reader Vostro 		
320-2152
	1 	13.3 inch High Definition LED Display (1366 x 768) with anti-glare Vostro 		
421-6061
	1 	Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 bit Service Pack 1,English Vostro 		
330-6322
	1 	Genuine Windows 7 Label, Latitude, Vostro and Mobile Precision Notebooks 		
421-4735
	1 	Dell Support Center Software 3.0 		
421-4746
	1 	Windows Live Wave 4 Vostro 		
331-1858
	1 	Dell Resource DVD, Vostro 		
421-4768
	1 	SKYPE VOIP Software Application Vostro 		
421-2262
	1 	Windows 7 XP Mode,Opti/PWS/Lat/Vost 		
421-6195
	1 	Dell Back-up and Recovery Manager for Win7, MUI,Service Pack 1,Vostro 		
331-1800
	1 	Dell,Adapter,AC,DLTA,90W,3P,ARM,WW Vostro 		
331-1801
	1 	Dell,Cord,Power,125V,1M,C5,US,Vostro 		
318-0531
	1 	8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+/-R write capability,Vostro 		
421-4728
	1 	Roxio Creator Starter,Factory Installed, Vostro 		
421-4597
	1 	Roxio Creator Starter Kit,Vostro 		
421-5105
	1 	Cyberlink PDVD 9.5, Vostro 		
421-4739
	1 	Integrated Webcam and Digital Array Mic with Dell Webcam Central Vostro 		
430-4058
	1 	Dell,Card,Network,1030,Vostro 		
318-0526
	1 	Aberdeen Silver WIFI Vostro 		
331-2033
	1 	Bottom Base for DVD+/RW Vostro 		
421-3444
	1 	Trend Worry Free Business Services Multi 15Month Vostro 		
312-1192
	1 	8-CELL Lithium Ion Primary Battery Vostro 		
421-3881
	1 	Microsoft Office Starter 2010 Vostro 		
953-1910
	1 	Basic Support: Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response Initial Year 		
939-0832
	1 	Basic Support: Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response 2 Year Extended 		
935-3728
	1 	Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Plus Onsite Service Extended Year(s) 		
929-8127
	1 	Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Plus Onsite Service Initial Year 		
982-9072
	1 	Warranty Support,2 Year Extended 		
983-3920
	1 	Warranty Support,Initial Year 		
900-9987
	1 	Standard On-Site Installation Declined 		
331-1737 	1 	Aberdeen Silver Vostro 		
430-4055 	1 	No Mobile Broadband, Vostro 		
331-1803 	1 	Energy Star 5.0 3350 Vostro 		
* 		-DISCOUNT/COUPON APPL

I found out quickly the Intel 1030 card is NOT 5GHz capable, so Dell is swapping me free of charge for the Intel 6230 card that I will install myself.

I have no complaints, other than a 16x9 screen, but I've accepted that already

Battery time is enormous for a machine this fast.

PS: My Vostro 1220 has the Intel Graphics and it runs my Strategy Games fine, but limits some options, so that's why I went with the ATI; but not a big deal for me.

The actual ATI Card is the 6490M...NOT what is in the spec's above that I copied.

[theZoid]

I would like to add that I can recommend this laptop for use with SL6.

EDIT: I've installed the intel 6230 card provided by Dell. Very easy install and it uses the same drivers both in Windows and Scientific Linux 6.

[hasta2003]

Hi,
I'm an 3350 owner.. have you experienced hdd temperature problems? My hdd is always at ~41 °C. I think it is under my right hand, right?

Thanks

[theZoid]

Originally Posted by hasta2003

Hi,
I'm an 3350 owner.. have you experienced hdd temperature problems? My hdd is always at ~41 °C. I think it is under my right hand, right?

Thanks

Hey...slightly warm under right hand like you say, but not often...mainly when I spent hours transferring data...but I wouldn't consider it anything 'abnormal'...

I like the laptop, a lot actually. They are replacing the keyboard because my ?/ key broke...I examined it and it was just a fluke from the factory. The newer keyboard (backlit) is designed different so hopefully it will be a little sturdier, but I didn't break the key with usage, it somehow got a little retainer piece snipped off in assembly somewhere.

[theZoid]

Dell Technician came and installed brand spanking new backlit keyboard...took all of 2 minutes....different manufacturer of keyboard, so hopefully studier (but that was a fluke, so no worries). Very pleased with service!

[Tsunade_Hime]

How are the new Vostro keyboards? Similar to the ones found on the new Precisions/Latitudes? That kinda squishy feeling?

[theZoid]

Originally Posted by Tsunade_Hime

How are the new Vostro keyboards? Similar to the ones found on the new Precisions/Latitudes? That kinda squishy feeling?

Well, the 3350 has a 'chiclet' keyboard....I have Precision m6500 also, and I don't particularly prefer one over the other. I like them both....I do like the 3350 keyboard more than I though I would. I touch type "proper" and adapted very quickly to it.

As to your question, it's not squishy feeling at all. Very solid imo.

[Tsunade_Hime]

Originally Posted by theZoid

Well, the 3350 has a 'chiclet' keyboard....I have Precision m6500 also, and I don't particularly prefer one over the other. I like them both....I do like the 3350 keyboard more than I though I would. I touch type "proper" and adapted very quickly to it.

As to your question, it's not squishy feeling at all. Very solid imo.

Well I'm not doubting the solid feel but compared to the older D series keyboards that aren't "squishy". The older D series are like ThinkPads. The new Latitudes have the squishy feel, but it's still solid.

[tsktsk]

How's the touchpads for you guys? I am thinking about getting one of these and am currently weighing the options of a couple of systems.

[daver160]

Originally Posted by Tsunade_Hime

Well I'm not doubting the solid feel but compared to the older D series keyboards that aren't "squishy". The older D series are like ThinkPads. The new Latitudes have the squishy feel, but it's still solid.

how would you compare the 3350 to the D series Latitudes? I was about to jump on a Lenovo x220, but discovered the Vostro 3350 and am now on the fence between the two. I used to have a Latitude D620 and it was a soldier right through to the end when the company took it back. never had any real problems with it (save for the lack of RAM).

i'm particularly drawn by the "completeness" of the 3350 for business travel:

• 13-inch
• DVD drive
• not a netbook
• 8-cell

Also, has anybody been able to order the i3 model with the 8-cell? i don't need the i5 and would prefer to go the frugal path and upgrade the components myself with parts I have lying around...