using raw power with good looks, the Dell XPS 15 is Windows’ answer to the Macbook Pro and one of the best laptops we’ve seen this year.
If there was a Windows machine to rival the mighty MacBook Pro, the
Dell XPS 15 would be it. Dell’s latest offering has bleeding-edge
specifications, a fantastic HD screen and great usability. Of course,
it’s all wrapped up in a gorgeous silver chassis typical of the XPS
range.
Taking the fight to other top-tier laptops like the HP Envy 17 and the Sony S Series, the Dell XPS 15 boasts an Ivy Bridge processor, dedicated graphics and a full 1080p Gorilla Glass display. Trust us, the result is seriously impressive.
Taking the fight to other top-tier laptops like the HP Envy 17 and the Sony S Series, the Dell XPS 15 boasts an Ivy Bridge processor, dedicated graphics and a full 1080p Gorilla Glass display. Trust us, the result is seriously impressive.
Dell XPS 15: Features
Dell’s customary XPS chassis hasn’t changed drastically despite
several updates. The silver brushed metal chassis still looks fantastic
and is offset with the black interior, complete with an isolation-style
backlit keyboard. There’s not a hint of cheap plastic, and the glorious
screen is almost bezel-less, meaning that the XPS 15 could be mistaken
for a 14-incher.
Elsewhere you’ll find a built-in Blu-ray drive, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. There’s no solid state drive, so start-up can seem a bit sluggish – especially when compared to super speedy Ultrabooks – but once it’s out of the blocks this machine goes strong even under heavy strain from multitasking.
If there’s one criticism that could be levelled at the Dell XPS 15, it’s the weight, and while the Apple MacBook Pro has been on a diet, this 2.5kg model is still a burden to carry.
Elsewhere you’ll find a built-in Blu-ray drive, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. There’s no solid state drive, so start-up can seem a bit sluggish – especially when compared to super speedy Ultrabooks – but once it’s out of the blocks this machine goes strong even under heavy strain from multitasking.
If there’s one criticism that could be levelled at the Dell XPS 15, it’s the weight, and while the Apple MacBook Pro has been on a diet, this 2.5kg model is still a burden to carry.
Dell XPS 15: Screen
Fans of 1080p high definition video need look no further than the XPS
15. Dell has crammed 1,920 x 1,080 pixels on to the 15-inch screen
which has been crafted from Corning’s Gorilla Glass.
There’s very little reflection from the glossy finish and viewing angles are excellent thanks to the 350nit brightness.
There’s very little reflection from the glossy finish and viewing angles are excellent thanks to the 350nit brightness.
Dell XPS 15: Performance
The Intel Ivy Bridge CPU inside the XPS 15 stormed through our
benchmarking tests and totally outperformed even the top-level second
generation Intel-powered laptops. No matter what programs you’re looking
to run – from video editing software through to Minesweeper or Online
Scrabble, this machine can handle it.
Our gaming benchmark scores were some of the highest on test, thanks to the Nvidia GeForce 640M processor with 2GB of dedicated video memory. The XPS 15 tapped out with the likes of Battlefield 3 on full detail settings, but Batman: Arkham City ran without any problems.
Our gaming benchmark scores were some of the highest on test, thanks to the Nvidia GeForce 640M processor with 2GB of dedicated video memory. The XPS 15 tapped out with the likes of Battlefield 3 on full detail settings, but Batman: Arkham City ran without any problems.
Dell XPS 15: Battery
We tested the XPS 15 out with some looped 1080p high definition
video, on top of a high-performance benchmarking program and the battery
gave out after 226 minutes of continuous use.
We expect any machine at this price point to hit well above the 200 minute mark – so in fairness we’d have to say this is an average result. We’d ideally like to see the XPS 15 pushing for 300 minutes. However, with conservative use you can probably squeeze five hours from this machine.
We expect any machine at this price point to hit well above the 200 minute mark – so in fairness we’d have to say this is an average result. We’d ideally like to see the XPS 15 pushing for 300 minutes. However, with conservative use you can probably squeeze five hours from this machine.
Dell XPS 15: Verdict
Criticising the Dell XPS 15 is a bit like taking a crack at Helen of
Troy - we could do it, but history doesn’t remember such transgressions.
If you’re looking for a laptop that combines enough power to multitask
your most demanding programs and look good doing it, then you’ve arrived
at the right review.
The amazing HD display, great usability and Ivy Bridge power are all standout highlights and make the Dell XPS 15 the inevitable Windows alternative to the Macbook Pro. This is easily one of the best laptops we’ve ever seen.
Dell XPS 15 release date: Available now
Dell XPS 15 price: £1,299
The amazing HD display, great usability and Ivy Bridge power are all standout highlights and make the Dell XPS 15 the inevitable Windows alternative to the Macbook Pro. This is easily one of the best laptops we’ve ever seen.
Dell XPS 15 release date: Available now
Dell XPS 15 price: £1,299
source : t3.com
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