Dell Studio XPS 13 Review (UPDATE)
Here is Our First Review: The Dell Studio XPS 13
The Dell Studio XPS 13 has gotten lots of coverage about the styling and looks of this notebook. It is the smaller version of the Dell Studio XPS 16 a “desktop replacement” of this “thin & light” version. The “Obsidian Leather” is a new thing for Dell and the computer world. It is used on the top of the machine, normally where you would hold it.
The new 9400m G (9400m for Macs) is a new GPU (Graphical Processor Unit) capable of playing the latest games on medium or low settings. What is amazing about this card is that it’s an non-dedicated GPU (A GPU that does not take away from your computer’s RAM). In the mean time, this model has an additional GPU called the Nvidia 9500m GE (A GPU that does not take away memory from your RAM) . Which is a cross between the 9200m gs (a slower GPU) and the 9400m. Thus, creating the 9500m GE with 256mb of dedicated graphics memory and better gaming and 2D application performance.
The “P Series” Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 is a processor clocked at 2.4ghz with a 1066mhzz FSB (Front Bus Speed), above the average 2.0ghz processor speed. Lots of computer users are familiar with the “T” series. What’s new here is that the P8600 and other counterparts are smaller than most older processors ( result of the 65nm process therefore making it smaller), making it more energy efficient, and more powerful, which translates how the “P” can stand for performance.
UPDATE: Since there had been searches on the site regarding on how to fix the heat problem on your XPS 13 you can download the new BIOS here:
Dell Studio XPS 13 Review
Note Prices: $899.00 USD at BestBuy.com (without 9500m GE or LED screen) or you can customize it at Dell.com for $1099.00 USD
Specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4 ghz
4 GB DDR3 2DIMM RAM
320 GB 7200rpm Hard drive
Nvidia GeForce 9500mGE 256mb
13.3″ WXGA UltraSharp LCD with TrueLife WLED
Slot Load DVD+/- RW with Dual Layer DVD+R write capacity
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64 bit)
Dell Wireless 1510 802.11n and Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)
6-cell battery (On heavy load expect 2 hours, light use 3.5 to 4 hours)
4.93 lbs with 6-cell battery
Design
The design is a new thing for Dell, just as new as the “Studio XPS” line is. You have a hinge which shows how much battery life is left. A frameless screen, backlit keyboard, and even the AC charger is slimmer. The power of this notebook is astounding compared to other notebooks in the thin and light category. Build quality is slightly above other laptops. The newest thing is the leather used possibly to carry the notebook without it slipping out if your hand as the finish is very glossy and attracts fingerprints. The durability of the leather is not supreme, neither is it weak.
As for the durability of the laptop itself, it is not meant to be thrown or to fall on the ground, but it will not break from a fall.
Upgrading
In order to upgrade RAM or the hard drive, you must remove the whole bottom of the PC which is 10 screws, but it’s worth it because of the performance gain you can get.
Screen
The screen is not any better than most on the market and because of the protective plastic on the screen, it creates glare, although sharing the screen with someone else will be no problem. One thing to keep in mind Dell has ignored: There is not matte screen option.
Keyboard & Touchpad
Personally, it’s the best keyboard I have used. It’s flat and is very well cushioned. A feature that is new is the backlit keyboard, which allows you to see it at night. The touchpad is was a bit small for me and wished it was bigger. One interesting thing is that you can magnify words with moving two fingers in a opening motion.
Speakers
If you plan on buying this notebook for audio purposes, get external speakers as this laptop does not provide deep bass. The quality is average for speakers, but you can be sure that it will satisfy most people who watch videos on Youtube .
Ports
Here is what you will find as ports:
Front: Indicator lights, card reader, dual headphone jacks, microphone jack, and IR port.
Back: No ports, only battery and heat exhaust.
Left: Security lock slot, VGA, Ethernet, USB, DisplayPort, and HDMI.
Right: ExpressCard slot, FireWire, slot-loading optical drive, combo USB/eSATA port, and power jack.
With ports like these you will find everything you need from day to day tasks.
PC Mark 05 and 3dMark 06 scores (These two programs rate you overall computer performance and 3D gaming capability:
PC Mark 05: 5,450 PC Marks
3D Mark 06: 3,542 3D Marks (9500m GE 256mb)
3D Mark 06: 2,090 3d Marks (9400m G)
The PC mark score is very good in the thin and light class, while the 3D mark 06 scores are a bit low for intense gaming.
Temperatures:
The temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees on the inside.
There has been lots of reviews about excessive heat, there is a solution for that: When you buy this notebook, be sure to update the BIOS as soon as possible. This prevents overheating. You can it at the Drivers and Downloads section of Dell.com . Once you do that the heat levels will drop.
Battery:
As for the battery as mentioned in the specs you will get 2 hours on ‘high performance” mode in Windows Vista. Switching graphics cards and on power saver mode, you should find about 4 hours. If these numbers are not acceptable, Dell has a 9-Cell battery Option. Not that it will stick out and the machine will be heavier.
End Result:
Dell has created a laptop worthy of it’s performance and looks, no one can complain about that. But the weight and battery could have been much better. Dell also should have thought of a matte screen option.
Is this notebook suggested from LaptopMemo.com?
Answer: Yes. If you are looking for performance in a small machine, and can sacrifice weight, battery life and a matte screen , this would be a great buy.
