Dell is one company that doesn’t need to fight so hard to maintain its spot in the “Battle of the ultrabooks.” The Dell XPS 13 is a typical example of Dell’s resolve not to lose that spot. Beautiful, sleek, and stunning are three words that might not be apt but easily describes the XPS 13. Here’s a review of the XPS 13 ultrabook.
The Dell XPS 13 comes in 2 different models, a touch screen model which costs additional $50 and weighs 2.9 pounds, and a non-touch screen model which is a tad lesser in weight at 2.7 pounds. It also comes in both the new rose gold and conventional silver colors, and packs as many ports as you’d need alongside the all new Kaby Lake processors.
Here’s what the spec sheet of the different XPS 13 models looks like.
- A 2.4GHz 7th Intel Core i3-7100U processor with 4GB/8GB RAM and a 128GBSSD matched with the standard 13.3-inch FHD Screen and Intel HD Graphics 620.
- A 3.1GHz Intel Core i5-7200U processor paired with either the FHD or QHD+” touch/non-touch display alongside the 8GB RAM, a 128GB SSD and Intel HD Graphics 620.
- A 3.5GHz Intel Core i7-7500U processor with the QHD+ touch screen version rocking either an 8GB/16GB RAM, a 256GB SSD and Intel HD Graphics 620.
Users can choose the 256GB or 512GB SSDs from Dell’s website alongside other options, but these options can set the price as high as $1,650.
Is the Dell XPS 13 worth its cost?
Yes, it does. First, its display features Dell’s Infinity Edge display on both the FHD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 for the non-touch screen model and the QHD+ screen with a resolution of 3200 x 1800 for the touchscreen version.
Then comes the ports on the laptop; there are two USB 3.0 ports and a single USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 port, alongside an SD card reader, a lock slot, a headset jack as well as a battery gauge indicator. There’s no HDMI nor Ethernet port on the laptop although adapters can be used. The XPS 13 also supports the use of the USB Type-C port for charging the laptop, but Dell ships the standard charger along with the laptop.
The Chiclet-style backlit keyboard feels great to use with its comfortable, springy keys and has been touted as one of the best keyboards on a Windows 10 laptop. The same can be said for the fluid precision touchpad which responds well to every single touch just like the new MacBook Pro. The speakers sound great on the laptop although when the volume is raised to its maximum, it tends to get a little bit harsh.
Gaming on this laptop is a no, even though its Intel HD graphics chip provides a 128MB video memory. Want a gaming laptop; then you need to take a look at the Alienware 13.
The webcam is awkwardly positioned on the Dell XPS 13, and the picture quality isn’t bad, although it could have been better. Dell, however, covered up for flaws on the webcam with the battery which lasts over 13 hours, better than competitors like the HP Spectre and the previous XPS model.
It may not be the best ultrabook in the market, but the Dell XPS 13 stands out anywhere it goes, especially in the beautiful eye catching rose gold color, and with its longer lasting battery, a better WiFi card, and a fast processor all paired with the QHD+ screen in a compact design.