Best Reviewed
Laptops
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- Speedy performance
- Excellent speakers
- Optional high-resolution display; Blu-ray
- Bulky design
- Stiff keyboard
The Dell XPS 15 is a powerful mainstream laptop that earns some good reviews. The base version ships with a second-generation Intel Core i5-2430M processor, 4 GB of RAM, 500 GB hard drive and discrete Nvidia GeForce GT525M graphics. Experts say that even this configuration is a solid performer, with all of the power most users will ever need for mainstream tasks, such as surfing the web, word processing or watching videos.
For those with the budget and the need, the XPS 15 can be extensively upgraded, with available options including Core i7 CPUs, a high-resolution display, Blu-ray drive, 8 GB of memory and Nvidia GeForce GT540M graphics with Optimus switching technology. When maxed out this way, the XPS 15 can cost nearly $1,500, but will provide enough power for any task short of the most intense gaming. And while the maxed-out 15.6-inch Dell XPS 15 falls short of the best dedicated gaming laptops, testers get playable frame rates for modern 3D games at medium-quality settings.
There are other pluses, and a few minuses. Experts rave about the JBL speakers, saying they provide loud, clear audio that is far superior to most laptop speakers. The optional high-resolution display also gets high marks for clarity and excellent viewing angles. However, reviewers are disappointed in the bulky design, which makes the XPS 15 more suitable as a desktop replacement than as a comfortable traveling companion. A few add that the design makes the XPS 15 look cheap. Complaints that the keyboard is too stiff are also seen. Dell has released a svelter version of this laptop, the Dell XPS 15z (*Est. $1,000 and up). This version is significantly thinner and sleeker, and it earns excellent reviews for its powerful performance.
The Dell XPS 15 in its various configurations has no shortage of feedback from top technology reviewers, including Laptop Magazine, PCMag.com and CNET. However, the most detailed review comes from AnandTech.com, where the multi-page analysis is a must-read for computer experts. There are also a variety of shorter reviews at British review sites PC Pro, Expert Reviews and T3.com.
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AnandTech.com doesn't rate the Dell XPS 15, but it has one of the most detailed reviews available. "For the mainstream users, the L502x remains an excellent choice," says Jarred Walton. However, he has some complaints about the keyboard.
Review: Dell XPS 15 L502x: Now with Sandy Bridge, Jarred Walton, April 20, 2011
2. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Laptop Magazine gives an upgraded Dell XPS 15 a 4-star rating (out of 5). Although he thinks the design is "bulky," Avram Piltch praises the speedy performance, excellent speakers and colorful display.
Review: Dell XPS 15 L502X (Sandy Bridge) Review, Avram Piltch, March 7, 2011
The Dell XPS 15 earns a very good rating from PCMag.com. Cisco Cheng calls it "a phenomenal desktop replacement" that benefits from a host of advanced features, an excellent display and good battery life. However, the design is "thick and clunky." Like many, PCMag.com looks at an upgraded configuration.
Review: Dell XPS 15 (Sandy Bridge), Cisco Cheng, March 22, 2011
4. CNET
CNET also gives the Dell XPS 15 equipped with an Intel Core i7 and other upgrades an excellent review. The optional high-resolution display and excellent speakers are high points, but the design leaves something to be desired.
Review: Dell XPS 15-L502X (Intel Core i7-2630, 2011), Scott Stein, March 17, 2011
NotebookCheck.net, a German site, gives the Dell XPS 15 a good overall rating. Although the laptop runs a little hot and loud, Florian Glaser says it "does an impressively good job." The display is fantastic, and excellent sound quality is another plus.
Review: Review Dell XPS 15 Notebook (i5-2410M & GT 540M), Florian Glaser, April 10, 2011
6. PC Pro
The Dell XPS 15 earns a Recommended award from Britain's PC Pro. Sasha Muller gives the laptop a rave review, saying its display and speakers are among the best available. Battery life is also a high point. However, Muller says the lid is too flexible.
Review: Dell XPS 15 (2011) Review, Sasha Muller, March 29, 2011
Expert Reviews, also based in the U.K., bestows its Ultimate award on the Dell XPS 15, calling it "the best laptop you can buy." Barry de la Rosa has only minor complaints -- the extended-life battery adds to the laptop's bulk, and the 15.6-inch display isn't large enough to truly appreciate the high resolution.
Review: Dell XPS L502X Review, Barry de la Rosa, March 19, 2011
8. T3.com
Britain's T3.com tests a less expensive configuration of the Dell XPS 15. Even though this model lacks some of the advanced features, Chris Barraclough says the laptop "truly excels [in] its performance."
Review: Dell XPS 15 Review, Chris Barraclough, Sept. 8, 2011
9. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Dell XPS 15 is one of many laptops that ConsumerReports.org tests in its current review. Each laptop receives an overall score in addition to sub-ratings for performance, portability, versatility, ergonomics and display. Battery life is also disclosed.
Review: Laptop Ratings & Reliability, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
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