eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
Dell today introduced the XPS 14 and XPS 15, two consumer laptops with the latest Intel technology and enough power and service support to play the part of business machines. Like Dells earlier-introduced XPS 13, the emphasis here is on performance, flexibility and design.
The new XPS laptops feature bright (400-nit) edge-to-edge hardened Corning Gorilla Glass displays, third-generation Intel Core processors and Intel Rapid Start, Smart Response and Smart Connect technologies.
The 14-inch Ultrabook additionally boasts up to 11 hours of battery lifean industry best, according to Delland features a machined aluminum chassis with a silicone base, a magnesium palm rest with soft touch paint, a glass touchpad with multi-gesture support, and a spill-proof, backlit, chiclet-style keyboard. An option with integrated mobile broadband has a soft, black leather back to prevent signal interference with the built-in antennas.
The XPS 14 is available with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 4GB or 8GB of dual-channel double data rate type 3 (DDR3) memory, and hard-drive options that include a 500GB hard drive with a 32GB mSATA solid-state drive (SSD) with Intel Rapid Start Technology and Intel Smart Response Technology and a 512GB SSD option, also with Rapid Start and Smart connect.
There are a variety of connectivity options, including a WLAN/WiMax/WiDi Combo. Its Intel Wireless Display-ready, theres Bluetooth 4.0, and Waves MaxxAudio 4, a 1.3-megapixel Webcam with dual-array digital microphones and two USB 3.0 ports, as well as a mini DisplayPort, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port and a 3-in-1 card reader.
The XPS 14 has a starting weight of 4.6 pounds and measures 0.81 by 13.2 by 9.2 inches, though the WWAN model starts at 4.88 pounds and measures 0.91 inches thick.
And again, while branded as consumer machines, a number of options make both new XPS laptops enterprise-friendly. Dell ProSupport extends on-site and remote tech support is available; a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) offers user and machine security for BitLocker Data Encryption and network-based client computing; and a Configuration Service can help Dell customers set up BIOS settings and otherwise streamline the process of deploying laptops to employees.
Also available are service plans that include in-home service after remote diagnosis, phone support, a year of accidental damage service and Computrack LoJack options for recovering stolen devices.
The XPS 15 puts a focus on entertainment and content creation. There are Intel Core i5 and i7 processor options, 1GB and 2GB Nvidia GeForce graphics options, and hard-drive combinations that include a 1TB 5,400-rpm hard drive with a 128GB mSATA SSD drive with Intel Rapid start and Smart Response technologies.
Theres also the option of a DVD-RW or Blu-ray Disc drive, the XPS 15 is Intel Wireless Display-ready, the battery lasts just over eight hoursbatteries on both models, it should be noted, are not replaceableand Waves MaxxAudio 4 is on board, along with the 1.3MP Webcam with dual-array microphones, three USB 3.0 ports, a mini DisplayPort, an HDMI port, a 3-in-1 card reader and more.
The XPS 15 measures 0.91 by 14.6 by 9.8 inches and weighs 5.79 pounds.
Both laptops are available as of June 26; the XPS 14 starts at $1,099 and the XPS 15 at $1,299.