The new XPS 15 is a completely redesigned multimedia laptop from Dell. It is an impressive 15.6in notebook, offering good build quality, decent video and audio, class-leading connectivity, and plenty of power for the average user.
Dell XPS 15 X15L-1024ELS Laptop (Elemental Silver)
Dell XPS 15 Specs:
Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Intel Core i5 460M Processor
6GB DDR3 memory
500GB 7200rpm HDD
15.6-inch 1366 x 768 glossy display with LED backlighting
NVIDIA GeForce GT420M with 1GB DDR3
6-cell Li-ion battery (56Wh)
Bluetooth 3.0
Weight: 6.21lbs
Dell XPS 15 Review
The new Dell XPS 15 has a silver on grey color scheme, using metal panels and plastic for the body. At 15 x 10.4 x 1.5-inches and 6.1 pounds, the Dell XPS 15 is somewhat hefty for a notebook with this size display.
The 1366 by 768 display, which is fine for video, could be a bit sharper and crisper when showing a screenful of text; Dell offers a couple of 1920 by 1080 display alternatives. Colors looked vibrant thanks to the glossy surface, although with poor viewing angles, most colors washed out quickly with the screen tilted forward or back. Even at 45 degrees to the left and right colors were bright and colorful. The 1,920-by-1,080 (1080p) resolution display is the highest available on a desktop replacement laptop and a boon for high-definition enthusiasts.
The XPS 15's backlit keyboard offered reasonable tactile feedback and no flex at all, though we wish the keys weren't flat. The keyboard doesn't feature an internal bezel like most island-style keyboards, but it also has completely flat key surfaces. Typing noise is minimal, with each key only emitting a very soft click when pressed. The large 3.9 x 2.2-inch touchpad on the laptop has a surface that offers just the right amount of friction and smoothly executes multitouch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom.
With its 2.4-GHz Core i5 460M CPU, 7,200 rpm hard drive, and Nvidia GT420 graphics, the laptop offers performance that's good enough for demanding users such as gamers, media enthusiasts, and content creators. It comes with 3 USB ports (two of which are USB 3.0, the other an eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port), DisplayPort, HDMI, and an HD Webcam. The 2-megapixel integrated webcam, however, is quite nice as is, with Dell's Webcam Center software offering easy and intuitive controls. The notebook's JBL speakers and Waves MaxxAudio 3 sound enhancement provided the best audio fidelity we've heard on any notebook this size. The XPS 15 is offered with either a 6-cell or 9-cell battery.
Overall, the Dell XPS 15 does a very good job with multimedia, and a fair to middling one with everything else. If you're looking for a reasonably priced all-purpose laptop that's great for multimedia and good enough for real gaming, the Dell XPS 15 is one of your best options.
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