Dell Announces New XPS Laptops Discussion

Dell has announced the newest members of its premium XPS notebook line: the XPS 14, XPS 15, and XPS 17. Key features include Intel Core processors, JBL speakers and HD webcams

Read the full content of this Article: Dell Announces New XPS Laptops

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A summary of the specs : (sorry if this can also be found in the NBR article)

http://images.anandtech.com/doci/3983/specs.png

 

Is it just me, or is Dell's XPS line starting to look like their Inspiron line? What happened to the high end feel of the 2008 XPS lines?

 

Interesting design...

In the past the "XPS" line from Dell represented their performance/gaming segments of their lineup and their designs match that line of thought usually by elements that make it standout(hinge designs, lights or such). These ones look a lot like the Inspiron line design wise though so there's no visual differentiation between the lines. Are the materials the same?

 

either way, i'm happy as all getout!!! backlit keyboard, optimus, jbl speakers with subwoofer in the 15 and 17 inch models, 1080p screen option, all i gotta find out is whether or not it's a synaptics touchpad (i don't like alps), and i'm golden!!! this is my next laptop for sure!!!!!!!!!!

 

I just have to wait and see which SB processors will be used and if they decide to switch to the new ATI cards.

 

Eventhough I hate the looks I got to admit, the specs look pretty nice. Only the sxps 15 is available in Belgium atm, but I think that 884€ for a system with a core i7 740qm and a 2 gb gpu (gt 435m, no idea how it performs though compared to...lets say a hd4670 or hd 5650) is definitly a bargain.

The 200€ extra cost for a full hd screen on the other hand seems like a rip off, but is not something I need in a laptop anyway.

 

It's not just about looks, it's also about design. If the design is the same it might carry the same flaws or the same shortcomings without some modifications. If you pair a design used for budget laptops with lesser parts and just stick in high end parts, it might not agree.

Obviously, I'm certain(or at least hoping) that the interior design and real estate have been molded to accommodate the higher end hardware and that the similar looks to the Inspiron line are just that, similar looks to standardize factory operations.

 

notebookcheck : "The performance of the GeForce GT 435M is intended to be on a level of the Mobility Radeon HD 5730 in the upper middle class (in 2010). " Its rated higher than the 5650 or 4670

 

I just really loathe the "Junk in the trunk" look of them. I hated it on the Dell netbooks, and I really have to say it looks just as bad or worse on the new notebooks. Specs or not, specs aren't the whole picture when picking out a new notebook. If looks factor in even 10% of the notebook buying equation, that would exclude these by 10%.

 

I was just about to say... I know looks are subjective but I think these are ugly.

 

I just don't understand the idea behind the design. The XPS line doesn't stand out visually from the Inspiron line from the preliminary pictures which isn't really good design.

 

I agree, though I don't think they're nearly as ugly as people make them out to be - more like putting a tux on an inspiron. They certainly have some nice options though.

 

thanks for the review... im waiting for this new series for a long time...

I do have a question; Does Dell XPS 15 come w/ USB 3.0 ports or not?

Because Dell's official website refers that a notebook has USB 3.0... However, when i went through to its features accross the website, it says it is hooked up with USB 2.0! I'm really confused.... can somebody help me out in this particular spec??

thanks in advance
cheers

 

Just by looking at the specs posted at anandtech, i think the 15" has 2 USB 3 ports

 

Can't seem to spec out the 17 inch with a 1080p screen...anyone else get this?

 

Not available on the 17", at least per the specs posted on Anandtech.

Dell XPS Laptops: Back to the Future - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

 

The design allows them to put ports on the back easily. Functionality is more important than looks, though they should have at least put a distinct design on the lid.

These seem really cool, but those prices are pushing the limits of what can be considered a good deal.

 

What a shame a 17 inch doesn't come out with 1080 option.

 

I love them, I just ordered a 15" model to replace my 3 year old Gateway FX. The Gateway has been a great laptop, but it is time for a new laptop.

 

how come xps line's design is worse (uglier and thicker) than previous?? I own a xps m1330 and really like it... didn't like SXPS and was waiting for new xps but now... i think i will keep my old xps or choose other one

 

There it is. It all comes down to what YOU value more. For me it's 60% looks and 40% functionality. I value the looks, because I don't game much and can afford to have a less powerful graphics option, so that opens my options up to a very large market. That, and I tend to be carrying a notebook under my arm or on my back 90% of the day, and I prefer it to be lightweight and durable.

I love the specs of the new XPS models, but I just can't get past that massive overhang on the rear. It doesn't work for me.

 

Fair enough. Granted, at these prices I don't much of a reason to look at these laptops if you don't want powerful graphics. xD

 

Damn did somebody hit Dell with the uglystick. The new XPS reminds me of the bulky+cheap Acer laptops pre-2003.

 

Well, it's not necessarily a compromise, you can have both. They could have put some brushed aluminum lid and maybe some nicer palmrests and it would look worlds better without changing a thing with the ports.

The new N82JV from Asus looks very classy with the bronze anodized metal lid, without sacrificing anything in the connectivity department.

 

The one use you've listed(carrying the laptop) is more related to construction than looks really. Looks would serve only an aesthetic function i.e. being pleasing on your eyes. Then there's be other so-called "sense" aesthetics such as touch, feel(sturdiness or appearance of sturdiness) and sound.

Mind you, it comes down to preference. My main gripe isn't about their looks so much as it's the fact that they look nearly exactly the same as their Inspiron line. In the past, Dell has segregated their notebook lineups by different looks(as well as different specs). There's a reason the Studios don't look like Studio XPS' or why Studio XPS' don't look like Inspirons...it's for a visual segregation of the model lineups.

 

In that sense you'd be right. I prefer my Apple usually, because it feels solid as a brick, and it looks really good. My Latitude is my next choice, as I KNOW without a doubt it's solid, as it went with me through my recent car accident and like me it has battle scars...

But you're absolutely right about differentiation. It's missing from a lot of Dell's lineup nowadays. The Vostro's were un-needed, just like several other lines. It reminds me of GM. Make one platform and build three similar looking cars on it. For example... the Adamo (now defunct), the Latitude 13, and the Vostro 13. Dell needs to really look at where some of it's models fit in.

 

In regards to the design, can't say I'm too smitten either. It borrows heavily from the current Inspiron design and definitely does not stand out or look cutting edge. I liked the old XPS M1530 / M1330 design that had a sports car like look. The only car the new XPS looks like might be a Prius or Smart Car, very rounded and bubble like.

 

This is the XPS I want back.... That whole design philosophy. I liked it.

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The XPS line in the video was fabulous. Someone had one today in the coffee shop, and I admired it.

 

And this is why companies need Industrial Designers instead of letting Engineers or pure artists design products >.>

 

You're not alone. I liked the whole company better then too.

Bronsky

 

Sweet mother of... Wth happened? I didn't realize Dell started taking design notes from Toyota. The specs look great but they need to bring back the previous designs of the XPS line.

 

I think the design is an improvement over the SXPS. No more glossy surfaces or tacky leather, and the vents seemed to be placed properly this time. It has a very functional and subdued form that I like.

 

I agree with most of these statements. What's the point of this line? My XPS M1530 had that Nvidia GPU issue, but other than that it was much nicer than these. These look just like the Inspirons, which lately have been complete junk.

All these companies are trying to make things similar in styling to Macbook Pros, and the vast majority are terrible. Dell, bring back some real XPS models.

I was recently considering buying a SXPS 13, but now I'm not sure because in the event that it dies, I'd likely be given an XPS 14. Originally I was eager to see what would replace the SXPS 13/16. Those models were getting worse, but still shared some aesthetic characteristics with the XPS M1530/M1330, but these new ones have completely left that design.

Other than the Alienware line, there's now nothing worth buying in Dell's home segment.

 

Completely agree. Matter of fact, I've felt that way for quite a while, with the only notable exception being the Inspiron 11z. I'm kinda fond of that one. Otherwise, anyone that knows anything knows that the business notebooks, like the Latitudes and Precisions, are where it's at. Gamer's should look at Alienware, not the XPS's. When Dell purchased Alienware, the XPS line should have been neutered then and there. Dell's gaming segment is Alienware, not XPS, yet people still buy XPS models for gaming. XPS models are more of media consumption devices and maybe media creation, with portable power like the older M1330/M1340.

 

Specifications for the 17" seem slightly stronger overall than the XPS 16 I helped to configure for a relative earlier this year. Although looks are highly subjective, I'm more impressed with the current lineup than the new design.

 

The Studio XPS series was looking good to eyes than this ugly XPS series. Its looks more like a Inspiron laptop. May be HP Envy will get an edge over this.

 

So in other words the battery life will last a long time, but it'll take five minutes to get up to full speed once you press the power button?

 

I actually think their cool looking?

Then again...I own a Latitude so what do I know about high style?

 

Latitudes and Precisions are awesome looking. Simplistic is sexy.

 

not the case with these

 

I hope the keyboard is different on these than the Studio notebooks. I tried a Studio 15 the other day and the keyboard had an abysmal feel.

That said, Dell is trying with these laptops -- better speakers (a 12 watt subwoofer in a notebook!?), a 1080p on the 15", and Nvidia Optimus. I think the HP Pavilions still put up quite a fight against these however and for less money . . .

Personally I am not a fan of the design, looks too much like a toy. But hey, lots of people are liking them so far.

 

+1, they are uh uh ugly.

 

To me, these are plain but not ugly. I hardly think I'd walk by one in a cafe and think to myself "What an ugly computer." Now, the all-black MacBook Pros ... And that's surprising because, as of now, I think the chrome unibody MacBook Pros are the best-looking laptops out. There's nothing WRONG with the Dells to me. They just aren't design-conscious.

 

1600x900 WLED screens in 15,6 " caput?

 

My next machine will be a Lenovo ThinkPad X20x.

My M15x has that resolution. I'd imagine the XPS 15 will have both options (900p/1080p).

 

Design sucks. was Dell thinking ? Its a portable Device, Dell. you carry it around. not like a desktop that gets shoved below the desk

 

Lol, I don't think either of those traits will be true for the XPS though, just the looks.

It also struck me that we're now 12 years removed from the fruity color Apple iBook line and somehow these Dells kind of look like the very rounded design of that line of laptops, just stretched wider. Obviously these aren't the same color and use a metallic finish, but the rounding off is very similar.



And for those that say Dell doesn't care about design or doesn't try, they hired an executive from Nike to be the Chief Designer about three years ago. I can't say it's given them results, his major innovation seems to be the personalization / Design Studio options Dell has but most here would say meh to that in considering the purchase of a laptop.

 

OMG THIS!!!

I have a M1330 and it looks waaaay better. I thought Dell learned from the Adamo that people don't want the hump in the back (unless if it's an optional battery). Even the Studio XPS line looked way better, even with the tacky leather. And why is it so thick? It starts at 1.3" in the front and ends at 1.5" in the back! that makes my Thinkpad look thin!