Today, Dell announced the new Vostro 3000 series laptops designed for the small and midsize businesses. The four laptops in the series range from 13.3" to 17.3" with a host of different options. All models runs Windows 7 with support for up to 6GB of DDR3 SDRAM memory, include backlit keyboards, multi-gesture touchpads, integrated webcams and microphones, and offer 802.11g/n wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and WWAN mobile broadband options. Full data-encrypted hard drives and finger print readers are also optional. The latest Vostros laptops follow the December launch of the Vostro V13, an ultrathin laptop targeted to business travelers, and the 3000 series sports the same durability-focused brushed-aluminum case as the V13 in three color choices and a 30-day return policy.

All four models in the series employ Intel Core processors and the 17.3" Vostro 3700 has a Core i7 Quad Core processor option. The smallest model, the Vostro 330 is the thinnest commercial 13" laptop with an integrated optical drive. The 14" Vostro 3400 has an option 9-cell battery that offers up to 8 hours of battery life. The 15.6" Vostro 3500 and the 3700 have optional high def WLED screens, up to 1GB NVIDIA GeForce discrete graphics, and built-in HDMI ports.

With options to suit a host of different use cases, Dell also touts the affordability and value of the new Vostro line. "To succeed, small businesses need simple, reliable, and affordable technology solutions," said Dell's Alex Gruzen, SVP, Consumer, Small and Medium Business. "These entrepreneurs want technology that makes them more productive and helps them compete, and the Vostro 3000 delivers in a package they will be proud to show off in the airport or the boardroom."

Dell is also looking beyond the value of the hardware to provide services and support to SMBs that often lack sufficient (or any) IT support. To that end Dell's definition of small business focuses on IT capabilities rather than employee headcount or revenue according to Vostro product manager, Alison Gardner. She said, "We really asked, 'who is the customer that we're designing for?' There's a real division between businesses with IT staffs and those without an IT staff - Vostro is for companies without IT staff."

Dell has a dedicated, 24-hour small-business sales and support team (the Dell ProSupport program) for the Vostro series laptops to aid those SMBS without IT support for $60 annually and also offers the Dell DataSafe online backup service and remote on-call support through DellConnect.

Starting pricing for Dell's Vostro 3000 series models is as follows:

• Vostro 3300: $669
• Vostro 3400: $649
• Vostro 3500: $649
• Vostro 3700: $679

Dell ProSupport and extended warranty adds $60 annually to the price tag and a year of Dell CompleteCare runs $59.

Don't Miss:

• Dell's Sleek New Vostro V13 SMB Laptop Thinks Thin And Light
• New Dell Vostro 430 SMB Desktop Leverages Windows 7, Intel i5 And i7 Chips

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