Round Rock, Texas-based Dell, has just announced a refresh to its lineup of business-oriented Vostro laptops, with the introduction of three new models, the 13.3-inch Vostro 1320, the 15.4-inch Vostro 1520 and the 17-inch Vostro 1720. The new systems have been specifically built to meet the requirements of business users worldwide and pack a number of features, including pre-installed videoconferencing and webcam software. Additional options include SSD-based storage, fingerprint reader for security and even an encrypted HDD with Wave Systems software. The new models start at just US$569 and are already available in North America and different parts of South America also.

“Through our direct relationships, we understand what small businesses care about most – staying productive everywhere, staying secure, and staying up and running without fail,” said Sam Burd, global vice president, Dell Small and Medium Business. “Customer-driven innovation is the core of our DNA. Today, SMBs need effortless videoconferencing solutions and world-class data security in an affordable package and that is what the latest Vostro laptops provide.”

The 13.3-inch Vostro 1320 can be equipped with a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 processor, up to 8GB of dual-channel DDR2 memory, a choice of Intel's integrated X4500MHD graphics or NVIDIA's GeForce 9300M GPU, large 9-cell battery pack and optional 128GB SSD. When equipped with a 4-cell battery, the laptop can weigh 1.86kg. The larger, 15.4-inch Vostro 1520 laptop offers the same configuration options, as it's built on the Intel 45 Express chipset. This system, however, can weigh 2.4kg with a 4-cell battery.

The last of Dell's new Vostro laptops, the 17-inch 1720 model, offers a choice for a better NVIDIA 512MB 9600M GS graphics card, 6-cell and 9-cell battery options and all of the hardware configuration options that are also available for the other systems. Equipped with a 6-cell battery pack, the system weighs 3.09kg, which is understandable, given the large 1920 x 1200 17-inch display.