- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Dell Vostro 3550
- 2.1 GHz Dual core
- 4 GB
- 320 GB HDD
Released April, 2011
by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)Dell offers a good selection of configuration options that include Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 8GB of RAM, AMD Radeon 6630M discrete graphics, and a backlit keyboard.
Conclusion Check out the Dell Vostro 3550
First reviewed December, 2011
Features Key features of the Dell Vostro 3550
2.1 GHz
by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)The Vostro 3550 didn't perform quite as well as the HP ProBook 4530s speed of 38 MBps, but it moved much faster than the category average of 26.3 MBps.
cpu speed
| 0 GHz | 2.5 GHz    | 3 GHz |
Vostro 3550 by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)Overall, we prefer the sleeker brushed-aluminum finish on the HP ProBook 4530s, which, for $50 more, adds more power with a Core i5 processor and a larger 500GB hard drive.
Vostro 3550 by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)The Vostro 3550 includes digital sound enhancements (settings include Bass Boost, Loudness Equalization, and Virtual Surround), but they didn't add much to the listening experience.
processor
Vostro 3550 by james (Jan, 2012)good PC strong processor, performance was strong as well, But: very bad built casing, falls apart after a while or get bent, really annoying to have to deal with it, sold it on Craigslist after i bought it.
Vostro 3550 by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)Like the previous-generation Vostro, the Dell Vostro 3550 ($682 as configured), has an attractive brushed-aluminum lid, but inside this 15.6-inch system is an Intel Core i3 processor and USB 3.0.
memory
| 0 GB | 6 GB   | 6 GB |
Vostro 3550 by Queenie (Oct, 2011)After many confusing phone calls got vendor to agree to reimburse me (in writing) for local installation of additional RAM but after many days and submission of invoice I have still not received any acknowledgement of receipt of invoice or payment for same.
Performance Real world tests of Dell Vostro 3550
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
Sortable isn't aware of anything this item excels at.cons
-
320 GB -
can't read a camera or phone memory card -
3,810 g -
Apr, 2011 -
high-definition movies are most easily obtained on Blu-Ray -
1 MB/s (USB 1.1) -
3 Mbit/s (Bluetooth v3.0)
Reviews Word on the street
 |
|
|---|---|
 |    Rated by 7 users at amazon.com Rated 40% by by Blakjak (Dec, 2011)   Rated 100% by by bill (Mar, 2013) Rated 100% by by middleschoolstudent (Aug, 2012) |
Screen
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)A DVD of Michael Clayton looked sharp at full screen, with accurate colors and shadows.
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)The Dell Vostro's function row features secondary controls for activating Intel Wireless Display (which sends high-definition video content to a nearby HDTV set), toggling the Wi-Fi radio on and off, adjusting the brightness and the volume, and controlling media playback.
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)The surface material didn't cause too much friction, and the recessed touch area was easy to find without looking.
Body
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)When the lid is closed, the hinges point upward, almost like a set of flip headlights.
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | Rated 40% by by Blakjak (Dec, 2011)It feels like the "metal" used on the exterior is about as thick as a coke can.
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)We also like the Vostro's metal hinges, which instead of rotating downward into the deck rise up just a quarter of an inch in front of the back edge of the machine.
Storage
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)It took the Vostro 3550's 320GB, 7,200-rpm hard drive 2 minutes and 21 seconds to transfer a 5GB assortment of media files, a rate of 36.1 MBps.
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | Rated 100% by by bill (Mar, 2013)I'm a PC guy run a couple of desktops with the sides open hard drive sitting on books and etc..
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)From within the program, users can manage passwords, set up antivirus protection, check for system updates, activate a firewall, backup files with Dell Backup and Recovery, and review the status of the machine's battery power, hard drive, and Internet connection.
Keyboard
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)There's no glossy strip above the keyboard with touch media controls and LED status lights, and the slightly recessed keyboard and touchpad are outlined in a thin sliver of chrome trim.
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)Along with changes to the keyboard, Dell has simplified the Vostro's deck.
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | Rated 40% by by Blakjak (Dec, 2011)Also, the keyboard has so much flex that it feels horrible and it makes this aweful hollow "clank" every time you press a key.
Webcam
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)You also get an HD webcam and special SRS sound software to enhance those video chats.
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)Using the Dell Webcam Central software, we took a few snapshots and video.
Dell Vostro 3550 2.1 GHz, 4 GB, 320 GB HDD | by LaptopMag (Jun, 2011)Though it's not certified for Skype HD, the Vostro 3550's webcam can capture high-definition images and video at the HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 2 | HP ProBook 4530s 2-way tie: More USB ports HP ProBook 4530s vs Dell Vostro 3550 |
 | 3 | Dell Latitude D630 Lightest Latitude D630 vs Vostro 3550 |
 | 4 | Acer Aspire S 5250 OK l2 cache Acer Aspire S 5250 vs Dell Vostro 3550 |
 | 5 | Acer Aspire AS5560-8480 2-way tie: Fastest processor Acer Aspire AS5560-8480 vs Dell Vostro 3550 |
 | 6 | Dell Inspiron 15 (N5050) 4-way tie: OK RAM Inspiron 15 (N5050) vs Vostro 3550 |
 | 7 | Dell E6520 (469-1155) Good CPU benchmark score E6520 (469-1155) vs Vostro 3550 |
 | 8 | Acer Aspire AS5750G-6804 5-way tie: OK l3 cache Acer Aspire AS5750G-6804 vs Dell Vostro 3550 |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
Editions Editions of the Dell Vostro 3550
| Price | Edition | Internal storage | RAM capacity | Manufacturer code | Compare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | | 250 GB | 2 GB | 3550 | | ||||
 | | 320 GB | 4 GB | 469-0346 | | ||||
