Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook Review & Owner's Thread

[shelleyevans]

Very good news: I know I said I was returning the box, and I did in fact have it all packed up with my RMA, waiting for Dell to pick it up on Monday. But when I heard about the new bios, I couldn't resist flashing, just to see... I have been running it for half an hour, and the fan has only kicked in once. Even then, it sounded less high pitched and intense to me-- not unnoticeable, but not intrusive, at all. And the rest of the time it's library quiet. I'm going to keep playing over the weekend, but my hopes are high.

[Scott_RC-TEK]

The system arrived this afternoon... You guys ready for some eye candy???

[willmorg]

I have also received the updated Bios. I'm still not 100% pleased with the fan noise, but I'm getting there. I'm sure Dell will get this fixed. I'm extremely impressed with how responsive various members of the Dell team has been.

I'm sending my MacBook Air back tomorrow. I'm going to hang on to the XPS 13 for awhile.

[clintre]

Hi, Just ordered my XPS 13 and i'm looking for a Compatible Sleeve Case for my new Ultrabook. Can u recommend a good and protective one?

I purchased this one. It is a little expensive, but I am loving it as it has some good versatility while still being compact. Its elegance matches the elegance of the XPS imo.

Ultrabook City Case - Case Simple

[slopokdave]

Will battery life be better on the i5 vs the i7?

And should I even consider the i7? My main task are web browser and general productivity.... photoshop and lightroom every so often (bi weekly maybe).

[Scott_RC-TEK]

Will battery life be better on the i5 vs the i7?

And should I even consider the i7? My main task are web browser and general productivity.... photoshop and lightroom every so often (bi weekly maybe).

The i7 is not that big of an improvement to justify the higher cost. Yes, the i5 will allow slightly longer battery life.

Scott-

[Matthew9559]

Thank you everyone for all of your comments. Very helpful to a potential buyer like me. Glad to hear Dell is on the fix too.

Once that gets sorted out I think I will be selling my MBA 13" for this laptop. I need to get back to the wonderful world of Windows and this laptop looks like the perfect fit.

[slopokdave]

The i7 is not that big of an improvement to justify the higher cost. Yes, the i5 will allow slightly longer battery life.

Scott-

Thanks.... That then brings up the choice between the i5 256ssd and the i7 256ssd. I don't want the 128, so its out. I fear of running out of space. This will be my only laptop.

[clintre]

If this is going to be your only laptop then yes you may want to error on the side of caution. The one thing I will say is that the SSD is the one thing that you will be able to change after market, IF it was something you wanted to do. However from what I have seen the SSDs in these bad boys are pretty awesome.

So a long way of not saying much

[slopokdave]

If this is going to be your only laptop then yes you may want to error on the side of caution. The one thing I will say is that the SSD is the one thing that you will be able to change after market, IF it was something you wanted to do. However from what I have seen the SSDs in these bad boys are pretty awesome.

So a long way of not saying much

You're good, you bring up a good point that the SSD can be upgraded. And yes, it seems that is true on the SSD if they are quality Samsung units. I said, jokingly, in the new Samsung Series 9 thread that Samsung failed to use their own speedy SSD. :\

Too bad because I wanted one.