XPS - standing for Dell's premium series on the notebook market. Amongst the main features of the partially rather pricy computer are high performance, style, and since recently a slim design.
The XPS 15 is probably one of the most popular models of this series, where we examined more closely various models from in the past. Reason enough for the manufacturer to give it a major overhaul and equip it with brand new Ivy-Bridge generation processors.
The entry into the world of the new XPS 15 starts at considerable 1300 €, but it already includes an Intel Core i5-3210M, Nvidia's GeForce GT 630M and a high-resolution FullHD display as standard equipment. Our test model is a good bit more expensive with 1650 €, but additionally packs a Blu-ray drive as well as a 1000 + 32 GB HDD / SSD combination into the flat 15.6-inch chassis. Thanks to a Core i7-3612QM and GeForce GT 640M, this version also offers an even slightly better performance.
While Dell would hardly ever point this out so directly: the clear rival of the XPS 15 is Apple’s also recently refreshed MacBook Pro 15. This is even more costly, but the benchmark for build quality has always promised a thrilling duel in the luxury class.
Case
The manufacturer went for a tremendous effort to further improve the already excellent casing of its predecessor. The back of the display and the lateral enclosures of the base unit will now be, similar to the rival of Cupertino, cut out from a solid block of aluminum. This does not only look cool, but should also benefit the stability - but more on that later.
When the notebook is opened, black soft-touch surfaces form the appropriate contrast to the matt-silver exterior. Dell applies here, as well as at the bottom, a sort of silicone coating. This does not only feel pleasantly soft, but also appears significantly cooler than bare aluminum. Speaking of aluminum: Despite extensive use of this light metal, we measure a total weight of just under 2.7 kilograms. Therefore the new XPS 15 weighs slightly less than the 2011 model (2.96 kilograms), nevertheless it cannot be regarded one of the lightest in its class.
This massive construction pays off: Although the notebook has only a thickness of just 2.3 centimeters, the stability is at reference level. Both punctual pressure as well as attempts to deform the casing fail to harm the instrument - at no point it was possible to cause deformations or unpleasant creaking noises. The display also proves to be extremely durable and also impresses with its precisely working hinges. On the one hand, they work so pleasantly smoothly that it can be opened with only one hand, on the other hand they keep the lid so tightly closed that it barely swings even when exposed to strong vibrations. On the front, scratch-resistant "Corning Gorilla Glass" protects the sensitive panel surface.
Now let's take a look at the processing. What was valid for the smaller XPS 13 already, we can assure for the XPS 15 as well without any exceptions: there is virtually nothing to criticize. All materials, transitions and edges are virtually flawless and for us on a par with the current MacBooks. Thus, it ultimately is a matter of individual taste mainly, deciding which one of those two 15-inch computers will win this match.
Connectivity
What connectivity must provide an at least 1300 € expensive laptop? USB 3.0, which the XPS 15 provides three times (one port with PowerShare to charge USB devices when the laptop is turned off), nowadays only wins a few pluses. Dell additionally has a modern mini-DisplayPort output built in, which also offers connection of high-resolution 27- or 30-inch monitors. Smaller displays or the home TV can be traditionally connected via HDMI, only the analog VGA output fell victim to cutbacks.
Apart from this, the XPS 15 only offers the standard fare: Gigabit LAN, Kensington lock, audio connections in the catch-format or a 3-in-1 card reader can be found in cheaper devices too. Apple has for some time now been equipping its notebooks with the advanced Thunderbolt interface, which seems very future-proof with transmission rates up to 10 GB/s, although the corresponding peripheral is still enormously expensive.
The port layout was consistently designed for right-handed by Dell so that most ports are located on the left-hand side. Thus, the working area of (right-handed) users is effectively kept clear of any disturbing cables. In our eyes, however, the positioning of individual ports at the back would even be better. We can praise the sufficiently large distances between individual USB ports, so that even bulky memory sticks do not block adjacent ports - only very large DVB-T receiver could be a problem and require an additional extension.
Communication
The claim of a high-end notebooks cannot only be seen in distinctive features such as a fast CPU or graphics card, but also through small details such as the WLAN adapter. Dell installed Intel’s premium adapter Centrino Advanced-N 6235 on all models of the series, which for example can be found in the Sony Vaio SV-S13A1Z9E/S. Thanks to multi-stream technology (2x2) and support for the 802.11a/b/g/n wireless standards, gross transfer rates of up to 300 Mbit/s are possible both in the 2.4 as well as 5-GHz band. One of the special features of the Mini-PCI Card is the "Intel Wireless Display", which allows, for example, to connect a TV to the XPS 15 without any wires (additional receiver box is required). The standard equipment of the notebook includes, in addition to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 while integrated WWAN (UMTS / HSPA or LTE) is not installed.
A 1.3-megapixel webcam and an array microphone make video chats in average visual but rather good sound quality possible. Naturally, the small camera sensor becomes very blurry especially in low light conditions, but performs not worse than most competitors. We, however, like the clear and articulate sound far better.
Accessories
The XPS 15 comes in a trendy cardboard box, which unfortunately contains little additional accessories. Besides the notebook, including built-in battery and power supply, we only find a driver CD and some brochures.
The pre-installed software package offers more. Among other things, the manufacturer has pre-installed Cyberlink PowerDVD 9.6, which can play movies on the BD-ROM drive of the notebook. There is also a trial version of McAfee Security Center and an extensive collection of tools and utilities from Dell. Furthermore, each XPS 15 has a 2-year license for DataSafe Online, a backup service with 2 GB of memory.
Maintenance
Technically savvy users can replace almost every component of their notebook without having to fear losing their warranty. Dell offers with the so-called Owner's Manual detailed instructions describing all necessary steps in detail. Amateurs, however, are advised not to open the device: firstly, one would need the right tools (including a T5 screwdriver); secondly, the producer, of course, is not liable for self-inflicted damages. Dell, however, should win praise alone for providing such detailed (de-)installation instructions.
Warranty
Dell traditionally grants only 1 year warranty, which can further be extended for an extra charge. The prices of 140 or 280 €, respectively, for an extension to 2 or 3 years on-site services (including software phone support) are identical for all models of the XPS-15 series.
Input Devices
Keyboard
Our candidate is a fairly compact Chiclet keyboard without numeric keypad, which in terms of their layout (US American test model) reminds us of the XPS 13. The 15 x 15 mm wide letters have a slightly concave surface and a nice high grip, although it is quite smooth plastic. To write in the dark, a backlight adjustable in three levels (maximum, medium, off) is implemented, whose shining white light is activated automatically when you type. This further strengthens the already extremely elegant overall impression of the keypad.
And how is the typing now? Excellent: the pressure point has good hardness and triggers off accurately, we can also detect no rattles or flexing even with vigorous tapping . Notebook typical, the stroke distance is a bit short though, but after a short time we did not bother anymore. Players will, if at all, complain about the somewhat small arrow keys, which are built in the same form in other competitors such as the MacBook Pro 15 as well.
Touchpad
Compared with the XPS 13, Dell decided to go for a slightly larger touchpad for the 15-inch version, which measures a total of 10 x 7.2 inches. The smooth input surface feels velvety soft like the surrounding palm rest and shines with a low frictional resistance - at least with dry hands. The user can disable the entire touchpad as well as individually configurate particular functions and multi-touch gestures via a pre-installed driver panel.
Not everyone will be happy with the keys being directly built into the pad. This design requires at least a certain adjustment period while using it. In terms of manufacturing, hardly anything negative can be said about it, haptic as well as the crisp clicking sound are of highest quality.
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