Hands-on with the Dell XPS One

The lovely crew at Dell invited us to come down to Armani Casa in NYC and enjoy a glass of champagne while we fondled the company's new iMac competitor, the XPS One. Unfortunately, Armani Casa specializes in the kind of low, moody lighting that entices you to buy a $10,000 sofa, not snap photos of a new computer -- but far be it from us to tell them how to light their store. Despite the challenges of exposures and ISOs, you can still sit back and attempt to enjoy these grainy, lowly-lit photos -- just don't blame us if your eyes start to hurt.

Gallery: Hands-on with the Dell XPS One

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[John @ Dec 6th 2007 9:21PM]

FIRST COMMENT

DELL COPIED AL+PPLE :P

[Peter @ Dec 6th 2007 9:28PM]

You fail.

[Constable Odo @ Dec 6th 2007 9:59PM]

All the shyte and none of the shizzle of an iMac 24". It's a Delly, not a telly, so crap it out your belly along with the jelly.

[Cole @ Dec 6th 2007 10:39PM]

Can people please get this FACT straight? Apple did NOT invent the all-in-one PC.

[Reader @ Dec 7th 2007 1:55AM]

But...but... everything Apple makes is original and the first of its kind!

[Good_Bytes @ Dec 6th 2007 9:28PM]

If only it had a Geforce 9800...

[robothouse @ Dec 6th 2007 9:47PM]

Yes, if only Dell had created a rift in the space-time continuum, gone forward to 2nd quarter next year, purchased 9800s in bulk, and then traveled back to the present in order to install said graphics cards on the XPS One.

[Good_Bytes @ Dec 6th 2007 9:58PM]

Well yes! What seams to be the probl... ooohhh right right right. It was next week for you guys to see news about it. Sorry I got back in time a bit too far. :P

[robothouse @ Dec 6th 2007 10:06PM]

Fool! You've doomed us all!

[holycow @ Dec 6th 2007 10:49PM]

@robothouse

or they couldve just hired HIRO NAKAMURA!!

:P

[Meredith Baxter Berney @ Dec 6th 2007 9:33PM]

It seems decent enough.

What a resounding endorsement.

[Good_Bytes @ Dec 6th 2007 10:14PM]

I am actually impressed by the design. I frankly like it MUCH more then the one from Apple. Also Frankly I find that Apple designs are getting..well... a bit outdated. But that's an other story...

The only thing that REALLY looks cheap, and I think the second I would physically feel it and possibly brake in my hand, is the media center remote.
Look at this:
http://www.engadget.com/gallery/hands-on-with-the-dell-xps-one-1/521703/

And proof of it's cheapness look, even on Dell website, you barely see it from pictures. But you see the really nice keyboard and mouse. This is just a thought... Of course I cannot complain about anything until I really see and touch the thing, but I'm just saying.

[Adam @ Dec 7th 2007 5:00AM]

Good_bytes: The remote looks to be identical to a Philips SRM 5100 (with "Philips" replaced by "Dell" of course):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-SRM-5100-Microsoft-Control/dp/B000QG1ZUM

I've got one sitting in front of me, and it's a really nicely designed remote - for both looks and function. It's fairly sturdy etc, definitely not cheap feeling - it is actually more expensive than other similar MCE remotes to buy.

The only issue being it is white of course, which doesn't match this Dell in the slightest :)

[ByronGman @ Dec 6th 2007 9:42PM]

Why do they not have this thing tricked out with a Lycosa Keyboard and Death Adder Mouse?

That would look pretty nice in the low light.

[Josh @ Dec 6th 2007 10:05PM]

Adders aren't quite the classy look it looks like they were going for.


On a completely different note - What is with the noise in those pictures? All of the reviews you do it seems like you would have at least some form of a decent noise reducing camera laying around... or at least a flash on your camera to drop the ISO a bit.

[Jhongerkong @ Dec 8th 2007 12:47AM]

Noise? Didnt know you could hear a picture.

Im here all night folks.

[customh @ Dec 6th 2007 9:46PM]

What is that keyboard? Me and a friend are looking for a media keyboard with integrated touchpad that would work on a mac. I know, i know, its heresy to run a windows media center keyboard on a mac, but we dont know if Logitech's cordelss mediaboard pro is mac compatible, and that is the only other thing I have seen like this.

[Machole @ Dec 7th 2007 12:42PM]

As a Mac user then I'm really jealous that everyone except Apple understands that a wireless media keyboard should actually have media buttons. What good is that sexy thin wireless Apple keyboard if it has almost no media buttons or an integrated trackpad.

Take note Apple. Design is NOT more important that function.

[Ireland @ Dec 6th 2007 9:53PM]

Why in the name of "whomever" would you need a trackpad on the keyboard, if you already have a mouse? Mice pwn trackpads.

To people who say they copied Apple; if they copied Apple it would look a "whole lot" better. Another thing; what's up with Dell outsourcing their new computer design? Are they that stupid they can't employ good designers and make something great in-house? Pfft..

I'd rather my 24", silver, aluminum iMac with its glass screen, mini-bluetooth keyboard and Logitech MX revolution mouse any day, over this "triangular" entity.

[blueadept1 @ Dec 6th 2007 9:58PM]

Holy epidemy of Apple Fanboyism, Batman!

The trackpad is for Media Center - Translation for Fanboys: Apple TV
Design opinions are just that - opinions. I happen to like this design better than any old iMac circa 2004 or whenever the existing design came out. Quick point - a new colour (aluminum) is not a new design.
Outsourcing does not mean that they cannot find the people to do a job. Perhaps it was a pure business decision based upon cost. Maybe Dell decided that their core competency is building computers and not designing them. Understand now?

Enjoy your foggy screen.

[Daniel @ Dec 6th 2007 10:06PM]

It's the funniest thing when you try to sound smart but end up sounding like a total douche. It's not "epidomy", it's epitome. Look it up.

[blueadept1 @ Dec 6th 2007 10:15PM]

It's even funnier when you take a quickly posted blog comment to define a person in their entirety and don't address any of the points made with even the slightest bit of intelligence other than a passing spell check.

[Fruition @ Dec 6th 2007 11:07PM]

Internet fight!

[wesg @ Dec 6th 2007 9:55PM]

I really like the galleries on Engadget, but is it possible to add a link back to the post from the photos?

[Raz4life @ Dec 6th 2007 11:55PM]

And while we're at it, a slideshow feature? I tire of always having to 1)Scroll to look at the photo, 2) Scroll back up, 3) click on the next link, 4) scroll down again... you get the idea. That'd be a great addition, kthxbai.

[Blackstar @ Dec 7th 2007 8:02AM]

Slideshow feature??!?! Are you kidding? They can't even afford a camera with a FLASH! Next you'll be wanting them to be in focus and framed correctly.

[Andrew @ Dec 6th 2007 10:08PM]

This one will go down in history as "the-Dell-that-failed-to-sell". I'm not saying it's not beautiful, well, actually I am. It could be the grainy photos too. But I doubt this will change Dell's fortunes. I doubt they're even trying to compete with Apple with this one. And the problem will be that people buying a Dell are looking for an affordable PC. The design premium will not go down well.

[michael @ Dec 7th 2007 12:24AM]

Well, Dell doesn't ONLY do budget/affordable computers, they seem to hit the lows and ends of the spectrum.

I tend to advise people to go along their mid-range/top computers. They're more likely to cause less problems. And even though I'm not a fan of Dell computers, their XPS line is pretty sweet. So Dell shouldn't be classified as the affordable vendor.

I still like Sony Vaios the best, and still think Apple might have taken a few ideas in their computers. They have an awesome design as well, and actually work. It's too bad though, that most people have never seen or tried one.

[Andrew @ Dec 7th 2007 12:40AM]

The problem is the Dell branding. I believe people that shop Dell are looking for the affordable system - not the good looking design. If it's free, that's great. Apple however has been very successful in creating a niche for itself - and people "know" where to go for designs and premium branding. It's all about the marketing. And Dell is "affordable".

I have always been a PC user myself, but I have purchased a few Macs this year. I like my iMac, Mac Mini and MacBookPro. And I still use powerhouse PCs for gaming. But for my business I tend to buy the cheapest Dells I can get. I only buy a powerful Dell for the staff that actually need the power to crunch numbers.

[tcardone05 @ Dec 7th 2007 1:39AM]

Uh, no. Two words: Best Buy.

[kingofall02 @ Dec 6th 2007 10:23PM]

blueadept1

"The trackpad is for Media Center - Translation for Fanboys: Apple TV"
sorry kid, apple tv doesn't even come close to media center, they aren't even in the same league.

[Jason @ Dec 6th 2007 10:44PM]

Right, because apple TV failed to sell, and is now really a write off for Apple. I guess Microsoft really wasn't going to follow in Apple's footsteps to create a product so useless that it is now sitting in clearance bins at your nearest Costco.

[tcardone05 @ Dec 7th 2007 1:41AM]

Sitting in? They're propping the boxes up for the (insert fav product not "designed" by apple here).

[Ellianth @ Dec 6th 2007 10:40PM]

I'm actually more interested in getting that mouse pad to match my M1330 and my VX Revolution.

I wonder if they'll send me one for free. They kinda owe me.

[Michael LaFramboise @ Dec 6th 2007 11:11PM]

well lets just hope that in real life these look better then in those pics, cause umm... lets be honest, they look pretty darn fugly there...

Just one question; why no flash when taking the pics?

[michael @ Dec 7th 2007 12:18AM]

Maybe I'm blind, but I think some of those photos might have flash.

Personally, I don't like using flash, unless it's too dark.

Flash really makes photos focus on the center, and white around the edges. I prefer to get the whole picture. And flash really brings out some pretty nasty things you would have never noticed, like the smudge, or even extra acne.

I would use digital software to brighten up areas that I want more detail in, instead of relying on the camera.

[John Doe. @ Dec 7th 2007 12:51AM]

You know what makes the XPS One 10x better then the iMac? To upgrade the hard drive, memory, video card, TV tuner it takes 2. Count em TWO fracking screws to take off the back. For the iMac it takes at minimum a small prayer before you start the operation. I'll take expansion for $500 Alex.

PS- I just finished the Dell training module for this unit. The ease of access to the internal hardware can't be stressed enough. It drop kicks the iMac into the next county.

[Andrew @ Dec 7th 2007 2:27AM]

Yeah, because that's what consumers really care about... It's all very well that you can upgrade - but most people don't want that. They could not care less! They want a PC that's like their TV. They're never going to upgrade it internally - maybe add a scanner, printer or external harddrive. Upgrades? That's for the kids and techs. If you're that guy what would you want this beast for?

[Matt @ Dec 7th 2007 3:01AM]

low lighting to mask how hideous the Xtreme Piece of Shite it is ?

[Michael @ Dec 7th 2007 10:19AM]

The blue LEDS are not as garrish as they appear here and are not on constantly. Only when placing your hand close to the monitor do they turn on. I actually almost like the design a lot if they wouldn't have put the speakers on the side like that. I know you said customers don't care about customizing but you're completely wrong it's a huge selling point on a lot of systems. I have customers asking me all the time if they can upgrade it, some won't buy the slim line models because they're more difficult. However I'm thinking hardly any of them ever end up doing it.

[Bombaclaat @ Dec 7th 2007 11:02AM]

I did some fondling in NYC too.

[adam @ Dec 9th 2007 6:43PM]

It looks cheap and clunky compared to the iMac...

[RanchoRelaxo @ Dec 12th 2007 10:47PM]

Pros: very nice design, upgradable.

Cons: ports on the side will make it look bas when you have to plug something in.

I like this design much better than the iMacs because for some reason Apple is in love with the big, fugly "chin" on the bottom of their units. For Pete's sake, chop that thing off and make it a little thicker! Granted this things does have "ears" but at least they're balanced and have a function.

They really need to put the ports in the back or back-facing rather than side facing, that nice, symmetrical design goes right out the window when you plug in a USB device. It would make plugging in devices harder, but a cheap USB hub would take care of that.

Bottom line, Dell doesn't really have to compete directly with Apple, because they're after 2 different markets. Apple share of the market is still extremely small and even smaller is the number of switchers. What you should compare to this is the Gateway or Sony all-in-ones. That's where the real competition is. FTR, I like this one best.