The machine is powered by an Intel 380UM Core i3 processor that runs at 1.33 GHz, slightly more than half the speed of the Asus. As a result, unlike the other two laptops, it lacks Intel's TurboBoost technology for increasing the clock speed when tasks demand it. (The Vostro can now be ordered with a Core i5 470UM processor -- the same as in the IdeaPad I tested -- but one wasn't available when I did my testing.)

The system matches the IdeaPad with 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive, smaller than the 500GB drive in the Asus I tested. (A 500GB hard drive is available with some V130 models.) There's no built-in DVD drive, but Dell offers an external device for $80.

The bright screen equals the Asus laptop's in both size (13.3 in.) and resolution (1366 x 768) and is powered by the same graphics engine as the IdeaPad (Intel's GMA HD chip). Its assortment of ports is similar to the IdeaPad's, with a pair of USB 2.0 connectors but no USB 3.0 port. There are ports for VGA and HDMI, separate headphone and microphone jacks, a flash card slot and an eSATA connection for plugging in an external hard drive.

For getting online, the system offers 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and an Ethernet connector. Like the others, the Vostro comes with Bluetooth for connecting a keyboard or headset.