computerwoche.de

Archiv

Dell XPS 15z: Attractively Built, Priced

02.07.2011
The obvious comparison for Dell's new XPS 15z (the first in a line of z-series XPS systems) isn't another Windows-based PC, it's a . In fact, the overall look and feel of the system are close enough to those of Apple's iconic laptop that you might confuse the two at a glance. The new XPS 15z doesn't quite match the MacBook Pro's level of polish and sophistication, but it costs substantially less.

Starting at $999, the XPS 15z incorporates a -2410M dual-core processor, 6GB of RAM, a GeForce 525M graphics processor with 1GB of graphics RAM, a 500GB 7200-rpm hard drive, and an 8X DVD/CD burner. It supports Nvidia's technology, which enables the laptop to switch automatically between integrated and discrete graphics as needed to perform well and promote battery life. The left side of the system houses HDMI and mini-DisplayPort outputs, a USB/eSATA combo port, two USB 3.0 ports, and a multicard reader. The USB/eSATA port incorporates Dell's Powershare feature, which allows it to charge mobile devices even when the system is shut down. The right side houses the slot-loading DVD burner along with headphone and microphone jacks. The gigabit ethernet port and power plug are on the rear edge.

Unlike most other Dell laptops, the XPS 15z isn't highly configurable. You can't upgrade the slot-loading burner to a Blu-ray drive: Dell says that the system is too thin to have room for a slot-loading Blu-ray drive. The base model comes with a screen resolution of 1366 by 768, but for $100 more you can upgrade to a full 1920 by 1080. Aside from the full-HD display, Dell offers set configurations with 8GB of RAM instead of 6GB, a dual-core Core i7-2620M CPU, and double the graphics RAM, but most of those enhancements won't make a noticeable difference. Though our review unit was the full $1500 package with all of the higher-end options, the sweet spot is the base configuration plus full-HD screen for $1100.

Returning to the comparison with a , we note that the least-expensive 15-inch model from Apple costs $1800. It includes a quad-core Core i7 CPU and a slightly superior Radeon HD 6490M GPU, but it has just 4GB of RAM, a 5400-rpm hard drive, a 1440-by-900-resolution display, and no USB 3.0 ports.

While the XPS 15z and 15-inch MacBook Pro have almost exactly the same thickness (just under 1 inch) and weight (about 5.6 pounds), they are not quite the same size. The XPS 15z is just over 15 inches wide and 10 inches deep, while Apple's 15-incher is about 14 inches wide and 9.5 inches deep. It looks as though Dell could have reduced the XPS 15z's dimensions a bit, considering the space in the bezel surrounding the display and the room left for vents and speaker grills on the sides of the keyboard. Cosmetic differences don't end there, either. The MacBook Pro is famously sculpted from a single piece of aluminum, while Dell blends aluminum and magnesium pieces.

That's not to say that it has the typical design of a Dell, which is more about price than craftsmanship. The XPS 15z looks great, with clean lines, graceful curves, and a minimum of seams and excess buttons. In fact, the only thing on the keyboard deck besides the keyboard and the trackpad is the power button. The keyboard's island-Chiclet style keys have extremely rounded edges and an unusually soft action. Though I sometimes missed the backspace key, I had no trouble typing quickly and accurately. The sizable touchpad is recessed just enough to minimize accidental palm activation. Its two physical buttons are large and easy to command, and the touch surface tracks smoothly and accurately, with support for multitouch gestures.