Dell XPS 13 Laptop

Dell XPS 13 its first entry into the emerging Ultrabook class of superthin laptops. Compared to what we're used to seeing from Dell, it's a design marvel: thin, light, sleek, and well built with high-quality materials. If not for its disappointing display quality and a few minor trackpad issues, the XPS 13 would qualify as the best Ultrabook yet. The version of the XPS 13 that I tested is the entry-level model. For $999, you get a Core i5-2467M with Intel integrated graphics, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB solid-state drive.

The matte-black magnesium-alloy keyboard deck and the aluminum lid add rigidity where it's needed. Dell's system, despite having a 13.3-inch screen, is actually shorter and narrower than Apple's, thanks to the extremely narrow bezel around the edge. Dell likes to say that it put a 13-inch screen into an 11-inch chassis, which is a bit of a stretch, but the laptop's compactness is impressive.

If you're into games, you had best look elsewhere. Lacking a discrete graphics chip, the XPS 13 delivered unsatisfactory performance in modern 3D games. The trackpad was another story. Lower the sensitivity to remove that problem, and the cursor stops responding to your touch. How Dell could make such a solid, attractive, well-performing laptop and then hamstring it with a crummy display is beyond me. The average resolution is acceptable, but the visual quality is harder to tolerate. From a design perspective, the XPS 13 is a fantastic addition to Dell's lineup, establishing a new bar that Dell should aim to clear with its future products. The laptop is attractive, solid, and fast. Battery life is good if you don't go crazy with the screen brightness. Audio is better than you'd expect, and the keyboard and trackpad (after the driver update) don't disappoint. Let's hope that Dell releases a revised version this summer that carries Intel's Ivy Bridge chips and a better display.

Dell XPS 13 Laptop

Display
Display size 13.3 inches
Maximum resolution 1366 x 768
Display type Glossy LCD with LED Backlight

Processor
Processor class Intel Core i5
Processor model 2467M
Processor speed 1600 MHz
Number of Cores 2
Cache size 3 MB

Graphics
Graphics Type Integrated
Integrated Graphics Chipset Intel
Integrated Graphics Chipset Model Number HD Graphics 3000

Memory
Installed memory 4 GB
Memory technology DDR3
Memory Speed 1333 MHz

Storage
Hard Drive Type Solid-State Drive
Total HD Size 256 GB
Number of hard drives included 1

Battery
Vendor Rated Battery life 8.5 hours

Networking
Wifi Type 802.11 n
Interface Connections
Number of USB 3 Ports 1
Number of USB 2 Ports 1
Video Interfaces Mini DisplayPort
Additional Interfaces Bluetooth

Dimensions
Weight (min) 3 pounds
Weight (with accessories) 3.6 lbs
Width 12.4 inches
Depth 8.1 inches
Height 0.71 inches

Software
Operating system Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

Other Features
Built-In Speakers Stereo
Devices Backlit Keyboard
Built-In Microphone
Built-In Webcam
Energy Star compliant Yes

Input devices
Keyboard (backlit)
Touchpad

Dell Studio XPS 13 (1340) Laptop DELL $1,199.99