Review of Dell XPS XPS13-9001sLV 13-Inch Laptop (2nd Generation Intel Core

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I purchased this Dell XPS XPS13-9001sLV with i7 1.7 GHz processor, 4GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD about two weeks ago after a thorough search of the available reviews and spending several hours in the local Best Buy and MCX electronics section. I also looked at the Samsung, Sony, Asus, and Toshiba ultrabooks and with both i5 and i7 processors as well as briefly at the MacBook Air. I found generally that the ultrabooks were all competent players, each with one small thing the others lacked; usually in the form or function of video outputs or number of USB 3.0 ports.

For my work, I needed a Windows 7 platform. I have been running Ubuntu for the past two years because I couldnt stand how slow my old laptop with Windows XP had become. Recently the online tools I use switched to exclusively MS Internet Explorer which necessitated the purchase of a new machine.

In choosing the XPS it was a tradeoff in some capabilities (processor series and speed) and some quantity and type of outputs (1 USB3, 1 USB2, 1 mini Video, NO SDHC card reader) in order to have a smaller, lighter, more rigid, and potentially longer lasting device.

I have been extremely pleased with the operating speed of the XPS 13. In practical terms, the XPS boots from a cold start into Windows 7 in 12-13 seconds and boots into Ubuntu 12.04 LTS in 11-17 seconds. Additionally, it performs as advertised in its ability to wake from hibernation in 2-3 seconds and from a rest in about a second. Download and internet operating speeds are also excellent, and the fastest I've seen in any computer. My newest U.S. Govt. HP loads most sites like Hotmail or Facebook in 5-7 seconds, but the little XPS will do it in 1-2. I have downloaded several large files and installs and have been happy with the performance of the machine during sustained downloads as well.

When it comes to battery life I knew I was giving something up to get an ultrabook, but in practical usage it has been a pleasant surprise that I can get 3.5 hours out of a charge running Windows 7, surfing the net, downloading and running an external drive. In Ubuntu 12.04 LTS it is even more efficient pulling 4-5 hours, even while charging my phone.

The screen is bright and clear and quite large for such a small machine. Although perhaps not as hi-def as a full retina display, it is much more than DVD quality and plenty big enough. It provides a crisp image throughout and didn't display any tendencies towards motion tracking or blurring when I played a DVD.

The case is perhaps the most attractive part of the machine, but it also functions superbly as a stiff, light and durable frame. The little XPS is significantly stronger than any other laptop I have used, including my wife's MacBook Pro17. The XPS doesn't display any flex in the keyboard or hinge wobble. The build quality and strength were very important to me after my last laptop, a Sony Vaio, popped and flexed when I picked it up by the corner (allowing it to disconnect its own Wi-Fi card; and thereby making itself useless as a portable device).

Pros:

-Beautiful form factor

-Excellent feel of quality and durability

-Excellent speed and efficiency in a light weight package

Cons:

-Only a few ports and no SD/HC reader means you will be buying external accessories if you don't already have them

Some of the deciding factors for me were:

-Light, small, and easily portable

-Strong physical makeup to last a long time on the road and traveling

-Good build quality

-Good battery life

-Gorilla glass screen is durable, easy to clean and beautiful

-Most capable processor available in an XPS 13

Runner up was: Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A02US 15-Inch Ultrabook (Ash Black); $1499.99

Deciding factor: The XPS-13 exuded the most quality for the money/inspired the most confidence

Additional accessories or programs purchased or installed:

-LG external DVD-R

-USB 3.0 SD/SDHC/MiniSD/MemoryStick card reader

-Mini video to HDMI plug/pigtail

-Mini video to VGA plug/pigtail

-USB Common Access Card Reader

-ActivClient 6.2 software

-MS Office 2010

-Skype

-Ubuntu 12.04 LTS

-Libre Office Suite

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This ultrabook has similar size, weight and appearance to a MacBook Air 13, running Windows 7 (upgradable to Windows 8). It is possible to create a special partition in the 256M SSD drive and install Ubuntu.

The computer runs smoothly and fast.

The cons: Screen resolution is 1366 x 768. It could be better. Like the MacBook Air, the machine has only 2 USB ports, no ethernet port and a mini-DVI port to connect an external display. Unlike the MacBook air it does not have an SD card reader.

The pos: Very fast SSD and quad i7 processor. Very robust construction and light weight. Keyboard is large, illuminated and agreeable to use.

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Really must say I've never had a better notebook. I got pushed into it when Windows * was released and didn't want to be trapped into another ME or ME2, and I knew Windows 7 was a solid as XP. Normally I have it connected to a large display and separate keyboard and mouse but when it has to go it is very convenient, particularly with the long battery life. I suspect a major benefit is provided by the solid state drive and the unit starts up and shuts down in seconds. I've had it hooked to a TV using a USB to HDMI cable, to a DVD drive and an external backup drive and to Ethernet using a USB to Ethernet cable. At first I used a mini display port to VGA adapter but I'd recommend against it. The bulky little box and stiff cable mounted so close to the mini display port put a lot of stress on the connection and in fact the adapter became intermittent after a short while so I sought out a dedicated cable so the stress on the port is minimized. Fortunately the problem was in the adapter because replacing the connector in the notebook would be an expensive chore so abuse should be avoided.

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So fast you can't believe it. Be sure to update all the drivers. Have yet to run the battery all the way out after 6 1/2 hr battery use. Love the keyboard-lit and great tactile response..The 2d generation Core I7 is lightening fast. Saved nearly $400.00 at Amazon. It's the first generation of this model, but great quality touches and responsiveness. If Amazon has any of these Dell XPS 13's left at that price-snap them up!

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I've mainly always been the kind of person that likes bigger laptops, basically a portable desktop. Once I looked into the ultrabooks because I wanted something sleeker smaller and easier to get around for work I had an HP ultrabook but returned it and got the Dell ultrabook and couldn't be happier. I never preferred Dell computers because I thought they where to much of a commercial brand but after comparing the HP and the Dell ultrabook, Dell KICKS ASS!!! Highly recommend!!!!