XPS 14z vs XPS 13.

I'm currently deciding whether to go for an XPS 14z or an XPS 13. Obviously the XPS 13 offers superior portability, with an 18mm thickness (that tapers to 6mm) compared with the uniform 23mm of the 14z.

However, there seems to be quite an advantage with the XPS 14z in terms of cost and power.


$1,899 (NZD) XPS 14z Model:
Equiv. $1,549USD

$2,199 (NZD) XPS 13 Model:
Equiv. $1,794USD

So for $300 more - I get half the RAM, less processing power, no optical drive and no gpu. Storage is the same, screen is the same resolution (although obviously, the 14z is larger by 1").

There's a weight difference of about 500g or so, but that's about the same as a block of butter - not too major. And still nearly a whole kg lighter than my current laptop!

They both have the suckish 1366 x 768 - although I do plan to upgrade to an ultrabook when they become a bit more enticing (IE. XPS 13 with better display would have me SOLD!), so that's not too big of a deal, especially since I can always plug into a high-res monitor.

The XPS 13 is obviously more thin and light, and I am changing from my current laptop due to size/weight, but I am unsure if I am willing to give up the luxuries I'm used to (ie. 8gb RAM, i7) - when the 14z is such a compelling answer to my problem.

By now, I've basically decided what my choice will be. I think I will go with the XPS 14z, and look at ultrabooks again in a few months. I am still keen to hear your thoughts on this, though!
Also very keen to hear what people have to say about the 14z, does anyone have one with the SSD option? How does it perform? I'm looking at it as a slightly chunky ultrabook, really.

 

Dell ivy bridge model is better.

 

Although alinad really didn't answer your question... The Ivy Bridge model should be released really soon... it may be in your best interests to wait.

As for the 2... two completely different machines. The 14z has a dedidicated video card and optical drive. It also has a spinning Hdd, which may be better for you anyway. The 13 lacks features but makes up for it with its attractive design. If I were you, I'd hold off on a purchase for another month.

 

Don't underestimate the weight factor. The XPS can be held in one hand while open - easily. Carrying it in a bag or under your arm is very nice too. Bigger machines usually have larger power bricks too.

After carrying a 4+ lb. laptop for years, I switched to the XPS13 mainly for weight. If weight is of ZERO concern, then don't buy the XPS13.

 

I unfortunately don't have time to wait for the Ivy Bridge model to be released.

As I said, I can not wait for the Ivy Bridge model. Especially as it'll be a lagger to New Zealand markets, most likely.

The 14z in question actually has an SSD. I'm looking at the fully specc'd version of this machine (see my first post with the specs.) The XPS 13 is a very nice machine, I just do want to wait for it to get a better screen resolution, next gen processors, and hey - a RAM or SSD upgrade wouldn't be complained about.

Weight is of some concern, as I do carry it around. Although, I currently manage with my XPS 15, which is a kilogram heavier than the SSD-equipped 14z, so this'll still be a move in the right direction. I can make the jump to the XPS 13 when it's a more mature machine.

It's a shame I can't see any reviews ANYWHERE of the SSD-equipped 14z. I'd really like to see benchmarks for it. Looking like I'll need to do a review of the unit myself.

 

Do you run a hedge fund or something?

Shame you can't just order an XPS 14z from the Dell Outlet. You could save quite a bit of cash. You need to make some friends in the US.

 

Yeah, unfortunately prices are really inflated for the New Zealand market. Only reasons I can think why are perhaps increased shipping costs, and the fixed costs of having the Dell technical services in such a small country.

We don't have a Dell Outlet in NZ, sadly.

And anything imported receives a 15% GST charge from customs, and I don't know how that process works (obviously with Dell, they sort it out for you) when personally importing something of high value.

For example - an XPS 13 costs $999 in the US, that's equivalent to $1,218 New Zealand Dollars. We pay $1,699 for the same model in New Zealand. $482 more.

EDIT: Wow, just checked on a price for the 14z at U.S Dell outlet. $1059 USD = $1,291.77 NZD. I'm getting it for $1,890NZD, and that's 30% off - it normally sells for $2,800NZD. Over DOUBLE the Dell Outlet price. Oh, and I was wrong - NZ does have a Dell Outlet, even though EVERYTHING is out of stock, so we basically still don't have one.

 

Are you able to somehow order from Australia?

Heck, if you can get a return air fare and pick it up yourself, would it still be cheaper??

XPS 14z Laptop Details | Dell Australia

Aust works out to about $1700 NZD ($1300 AUD), so probably not worth it

 

Haha, for a couple hundred bucks, not really worth flying to Australia. The whole laptop market seems quite inflated here. Take THIS for example. If I'm not mistaken, $1,650USD is MUCH MORE than what you'd pay in the U.S for the i5/128gb model. What're they like over there in Aussie?
EDIT: Wow, THIS - which seems to be the same model, is basically 300AUD more expensive in New Zealand. Same company, different country, massive price difference. Unfair.

 

It's a massive cash grab if you ask me. They come up with excuses of import taxes, etc. and with that, it still shouldn't amount to such large irrational variations across countries.

 

I known Jun 06 release ivy bridge ultrabook, Intel HD4000, better then HD3000, GT525, GT520 Gpu. just a one month. price very close compare with old version.

other light ivy bridge notebook, such Asus N56(copycat macbook pro model) also realese May first-2nd week.

for me, I can't choice the old model.

 

XPS13 Smartbook
Smaller form factor, everything is reduced inside this why it s more expensive
SSD : Faster than any HD config with 14z
Battery: smaller 6 cells only....
Building materials : The best of the best, i think it s one of the most robust solution with carbon fiber. Ideal if you are traveling a lot...
Graphics : HD3000 can handle a lot of games, but you d better take 14Z if you are a true gamer enthusiast because nothing can compete a good Nvidia...
Usage : On the go if you travel, and looking for a fast computer (everything is fast and will blow your mind on this).
NO DVD ( but you can buy external one or use external USB storage devices)
NO ETHERNET ( but you can buy external one)

XPS14Z Laptop
Faster CPU available, more Ram too @ CHEAPER PRICE
Little Bigger and weightier (500g + bigger charger), that's not a big deal IMHO.
Better battery : 8 cells !
HD : 750GO of space, is very nice! But much slower than XPS13 if you don't take ssd....
Graphics : Well one of the best solution out there for gamers...Optimus, is great, even if you enjoy seeing movies.
Connectors : More options especially got ETHERNET, and
DVD Drive/burner inside.
ETHERNET CONNECTORS INSIDE

Regardless of the price considerations, IMO i would prefer to go for the XPS13 for a Professional use, the Design, and the overall quality of materials used in the manufacturing of the unit.

If you are a student, a graphic/ 3D designer and you want to save your pennies, enjoy to play games, better go for the XPS14z. but i advice you to wait for the new IVY GENERATION.
IvyBridge will improve 20% with more speed for the same price and possibly even cheaper and a longer battery life, so yes, it definitively worth to wait for the availability of the new generation, especially if you are a gamer guy!
Intel will make the HD4000 available too, which should improve performances if new models are coming from DELL.
(look around 1st week of June).

 

I have the 14z and the 15z. I would get the 13z if it has faster processor and 8 GB of ram and a graphic processor. I dont game but I do VMware.

14z can be carry around everyday.

15z is good but too heavy to carry around everyday.

I prefer the faster speed of hard drive (big capacity SSD are expensive) VS the latest bridge.

I got my 14z for $712 refurbished w a i7. I got the 15z refubished for $720 w 1080p and i5.

USA is a bigger market. More people. Sell in volume, hence cheaper. This is basic economics.

Then there is added tax to protect local market which USA does not have. Free enterprise system. Great for consumers.

 

I can not wait for the Ivy Bridge models. I have ordered the 14z.
It is the one with the 256gb SSD, and i7 - so it should outperform the XPS 13 by far, even in terms of raw file transfer speed.

Dell has one global market - the USA is a big segment of their market, but not a market in itself. To sell a laptop to NZ costs no more than selling a laptop to USA, they both incur the same direct and indirect costs, EXCEPT for maybe after-sales support fixed costs. But yes, NZ has a 15% tax on products coming in the country.

 

15% tax? That is like protection for your local economy. NZ makes laptop?

You should protest your country on doing this. (Do your Boston tea party). They do it on cars too?

Malaysia I think has 20% tax on imported cars because they want locals to buy Proton, a Malaysia car. This is just an example.

USA is the best. Free economy.

 

Any idea of the battery life on both? is that mean x14z has longer battery life then x13z??

 

No, New Zealand does not make laptops. There is "GST" - Goods and Services Tax. It's the same as America's "Sales tax."
If what you're importing has more than $50 of GST associated with it, you must pay the GST. If the GST on the item would only be $30, for example, it is free to import it.

 

There are problems with 14z:

1. The SSD will not do SATA6. Only at SATA3 even if you have a SSD that can do SATA6. 15z does not have this problem.
2. The drive makes a zip zip noise even when you have no DVD inside. And other programs will trigger it too.

 

Moving from a HDD, I'm sure SATA 3 will be more than ample. It's hardly anything to be considered "slow."