Verdict and Conclusion
If you ask me … would I choose an Apple Macbook AIR or a Dell XPS 13 … I would definitely choose the latter. There are few things to think about though. The model we reviewed is the L321X version, which is Dell’s flagship XP13, and will cost you around USD $1,499.99. For that price, you get a 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2637M processor running at 1.7GHz (Turbo Boost up to 2.80 GHz), 4GB of ram and a fast 256GB SSD for storage.
As far as performance is concerned, the Dell XPS 13 is more than capable in satisfying the needs of the prosumer and business user. During our PCMark 07 test, you can see that the Dell XPS 13 came out on top when compared against other “business-class” notebooks on the market. I guess the faster Core i7 processor as well as the SSD did have a helping hand in that matter.
The large 13.3″ HD (720p) Truelife WLED Display offers a sharp, crystal clear display with resolution of upto 1366x 768. Furthermore, the onboard Intel HD 3000 graphics provides decent performance during HD video playback, and can handle some photo touchup and basic video editing.
One thing that can put some people off … and that’s the lack of upgrade options after the initial purchase. During the ordering process, you can have it configured to your specifications, but after that … it’s just like the Macbook AIR. There is no way of upgrading the ram or the SSD yourself. And like the Macbook AIR, there are no user serviceable parts, it all has to be returned to factory for repair or servicing. I guess that’s the price you pay for being an “ultrabook”.
The lack of connectivity is another concern which users might want to think about. There’s no RJ45/Cat5 (LAN) port, no VGA or HDMI output, no Firewire, no Thunderbolt or SD card slot. So what do you get instead? … Well, you do get 1 x USB 3.0 and 1 x USB 2.0 with PowerShare, there’s a mini DisplayPort and 1 x Headset Jack … and that’s it. If you want to plug in more USB devices, you’re gonna have to get yourself a extra USB hub. Having said that, the package does come with 2 other adaptors, these include 1 x USB-to-Ethernet and 1 x DisplayPort-to-VGA. So there we have it.
Being an “ultrabook” all you need is wireless 🙂 It comes with an high-spec Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 onboard, which is capable of supporting Intel’s Wireless Display. We tested this feature, and let me tell you … it’s really FUNKY, I love it. You can output your Windows desktop onto any large LED TV … wirelessly!
Battery life is little above average. Dell claims the XPS 13 can offer upto 8 hrs, but it’s more like 5hrs of solid non-stop use. Still, it’s better than I expected … considering its size. If you travel alot, I recommend you take your charger with you.
According to Dell, the boot up time from cold start is no more than 8 seconds, and it can resume from sleep mode in just 1 second (4 seconds from deep sleep). Sounds pretty impressive but is it true or false? We’ve tested this claim, and I have to confirm … it’s TRUE!
Pricewise, the Dell XPS range from USD $999 for the basic Core i5/4GB/128GB SSD to the flagship model at USD $1,499 for a Core i7/4GB/256GB SSD. It may cost a little more than the Macbook AIR, but I think its definitely worth looking into, especially if you’re a seasoned Windows user … plus it does look good with decent performance to match. To be honest the cheaper Core i5 model is plenty enough for most users.
Final words. The Dell XPS 13 is one hell of an ultrabook that’s made a lasting impression on me. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s ultra slim, ultra light-weight and packs huge punch when it comes to performance. The construction is solid and build quality is good. What it lacks in connectivity, the XPS 13 definitely makes it up through its looks, performance and appeal.
