We finally managed to wrestle one of the sleek
Studio XPSs from Dell's mitts, and we've got the pics to prove it. At first glance, the 13-inch laptop is striking, with its leather wrapped back and high gloss finish. However, we have a few minor quibbles that make the laptop a little less exciting than we'd hoped. Firstly, the leather is a bit rippled across the top -- not a huge deal, but it skews the "design" aspect here. In a similar fashion, the super-glare display is just as distracting as it is on other screens of this type, and there seems to be another slight ripple -- or wave -- in the plastic (though this isn't wholly uncommon). Once you open the box, you're greeted to a matte, low-profile keyboard that feels terrific to the touch, though unfortunately the trackpad is not only minuscule in size, but located to the left of center, which makes no sense to us (especially on something of this size). For hands like ours, we found the experience to be a bit cramped. On the software side, the boot into Vista was certainly speedy, and though we had typical issues (crapware, pop-ups, general bugginess), the system still felt pretty snappy. We're going to be taking a more in-depth look -- especially at the capabilities of that NVIDIA GeForce
9400M G 9500M GPU -- but for now, feast your eyes on the gallery below!
Update: Our mistake! We actually have the model with the 9500M GPU. Even better!
posted March 31st 2009 11:59AM
Hey guys, if possible, maybe see how good it can play COD4 maxed out?
you can play COD4 with default Settings at 1024x768 20-25frame with Zero AA on this card , anything higher and it become unplayable (my brother laptop got that card + dual core 2)
I've had this laptop for over a month now. It's fricken awesome! The 9500 is pretty powerful but the driver availability stinks right now. I get 3648 in 3dmark06 but can't play COD4 at 1280x800 - go figure. The system is rock solid and feels very nice. The LED screen is probably the best LCD I've owned, can't comment on the CCFL version. This laptop is aimed for people who want 13" portability but also want to look good doing it. If you're comparing a 13" windows laptop to a 16" laptop or a Mac, then you still don't know what you want - keep researching. First decide Windows or OSX, then go for desktop replacement or portability.
I been checking this computer out for a while. Its an awesome set. Both intergrated and GPU can world in SLI mode and can be switch between hardware on the fly...something Mac laptops can't do.
Here's a better review:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Studio-XPS-13-Notebook.14081.0.html
And here's a $320 discount from Dell Canada:
http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=ca&CS=cadhs1&l=en&OC=NSX13_F_1E&dgc=AF&cid=3881&lid=77903&acd=CAqD7bLWUPI-N_X8gqrMHbnjWiFMBQtOng
Oh...here's a link I sent Engadget regarding Starcraft 2 Canadian release, but they didnt publish:
http://www.futureshop.ca/marketing/starcraft2/default.asp?&logon=&langid=EN
Too bad you didn't pick one up with the 9500m GPU...
Or maybe you did (I see what you corrected there.)
Question, can you use that NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G GPU to run multiple external monitors, since it has Display Port, HDMI and VGA connectors.
Also just to let you know some people are reporting lots of overheating & stabulity issues, which can apparently be fixed by a BIOS upgrade acording to posts on the Dell site.
yes - doing that on the mac mini
You know, I think this is way sexier than the Adamo.
It has great visual features, and avoids that "trying too hard look." Of course if you just want to buy a laptop that says "I cost $3,000" then I guess this won't fit the bill.
I'm still debating between this and the Studio XPS 16, which has the sexier WLED display.
the studio xps 13 has a WLED option
I don't know, dude... I really like Dell, but this thing strikes me as really really trashy looking. A pig in lipstick, some would say.
Sorry, I mean RGBLED.
This is a beauty in both looks and soul. I can't understand how people still buy into the overpriced computers from the other OS makers!
Preference, taste, software, work.
Not everyone uses their computer for engadget and facebook ;¬)
And I can't understand why you continue to say blindingly stupid things like that, but hey, nobody said Apple haters were smart, right? I mean come on, Saad, did you even read what Engadget wrote about this laptop? Rippling leather and plastic, off center keyboard, extreme glare screen, not to mention the crapware, bugginess and pop ups.
And you can't understand why anybody would want a Mac laptop with none of these problems? Denial ain't just a river in Egypt, buddy.
#1 Reason: the software. Sorry, I spent 15-years running various versions of Windows and it drove me nuts. If you like it then that's fine by me.
Zak, you just had to talk like a smug and spell your Starbucks coffee all over this thread! It really isn't about denial and belief, Apple follower, but from the pictures I see, the rippling in the leather is something you can live with it isn't an accident or bad engineering, for many people it seems to be okay (taste). Plastic isn't even something to talk about, why is it suddenly a problem to have plastic?! Or is it only okay when Apple puts it on the iPhone?! And talking about software, one word: "Uninstall", it is a problem for some, but it isn't hardware related. I also don't remember when did Apple have a non-eye blinding glare-shining screen on their commercial hardware in the past 4 years!
I really would take rippled leather over cracking cases, old features and DOUBLE the prices any day.
Will you please stop replying to me using your Applelogic and use human logic! If you are going to defend Apple or still think I'm stupid, then no need to reply at all, ignore me, really, just be man of your word. Buy that Starbucks coffee you spilled here, grab your Mac-whatever and leave me alone.
This one is pretty sure a beauty to me. I've been eying on it for a while. But I just don't like the fact that it has Vista in it.
Noone else has really reported on rippled leather. This could be a build mistake, and with dell's warranty program, you could get a brand new machine shipped to your door step.
@ Kelmon & Zak
Yes I agree that this laptop sucks like a tornado but to understand why Win7 and nowadays(after all SP&upgrades) also Vista is a vastly better, not to mention more versatile, convenient and useful OS , you should try my Vaio TT or the system I built myself one month ago for the same money that a top specced Mac Pro would have cost me.
Or even more importantly how all the PC, HTPC, laptops etc. seamlessly share all kind of files and broadband connections at draftN speeds when connected to a good NAS.
These results, both for performance and costs, would never be possible using any other OS.
I know for sure because I tried to set up symilar networks with other OSs and I always ended up having to settle for lower performances or much higher costs (and lower performances anyway)
Awww there there Saad. No need to get upset just because OSX is the most advanced operating system on the planet. After all, consumers have choices right? Unfortunately the majority out there don't understand that there are alternatives to Windows Vista/7/Vista 2.0. There has to be someone out there to tell the masses that they don't deserve the frustration and bad craftsmanship of Windows computers.
Once you go mac, you never go back.
=)
"No need to get upset just because OSX is the most advanced operating system on the planet."
Congratulations, you just passed Apple Marketing 101. You're one step closer to your fanboy degree from DeVry University.
Lol, iKurt you sound like all the other Mac fanboys ruining the image of a Mac user. Bravo.
Once you go PC, life becomes so easy.
Yeah Saad, because you just escalate the PC image so much!
How to be a PC fanboy; talk about Apple every chance you get, even if the topic has nothing to do with them.
Most Mac users here have plenty of experience with Windows, the same can not be said about the PC users. I use both, I hate Windows because it sucks. You hate Macs because of your perceived image of them.
Oh boy!
Skeezle, where in all of my posts do I say that OS X or Apple in general sucks? I would say that they are overpriced, that they break down like any other computer and they sure are not made by god, in other words, people shouldn't overhype anything Apple does just because it is Apple, use your brain a bit!
Also, I wasn't the one to bring up the Apple word in this thread. I was simply pointing out all other OSs in general, Windows is a good balance between all them out there, dose this sound like hate or fanboiesim? But, saying something like "I hate Windows because it sucks" is more of fanboy talk. You shouldn't hate Windows and you shouldn't say it sucks, you should say "I like OS X more, because it suits me", simple and clean, fanboy.
The post is about a PC, and I commented on how good looking and well-priced it is, how is this escalating anything other than my opinion?!!!
God, you fanboys are a nightmare!
@Saad Rabia
Pardon? Of course you started this conversation or where you referring to something else when you said "I can't understand how people still buy into the overpriced computers from the other OS makers". Do you not like Sun Microsystems, perhaps? HP not floating your boat?
Any chance that this Dell is a "Recession Antidote" thing?
The trackpad is positioned such that it is centered between your hands as you are typing on the keyboard. It's more or less positioned directly below the FGHJ keyboard keys.
hasn't this laptop been around for a while? there's also a dedicated 9500 gpu option, too. Spec'd out it's a way better machine for the money than the Macbook (which I have, since this wasn't out at the time).
But I will admit that I have fallen in love with the Macbook's giant multitouch trackpad. OSX vs Windows doens't matter so much to me, tbh.
OMG...a windows/mac fencesitter? Burn the witch!
@sully810
Surely a simple nudge is all that will be necessary if they are sitting on a fence. Look what happened to Humpty Dumpty...
Was it just me, or was there only 1 USB and 1 eSata port?
Because OS X is less clumsy than Vista I guess...
Is there any chance to see that level of connectivity on a Mac Book for less than 1500€? Don't think so. :-(
Shot 7 shows the USB ports on the other side of the notebook...1 USB port is not something that engadget would let slide.
There's 1 USB and 1 SATA/USB. So technically there's 2 USBs, but it's still not enough.
This thing makes my M1330 look outdated. Also sexy case, really nice how they reinforced the hinge, the old one was kind of weak if one closed it from the corner.
I don't get the big deal about the unboxing of this laptop. I saw it on sale and on display at BestBuy last week and again this past weekend.
Wow unboxing!! This computer has been out for months.
I've seen these up close. Why anyone would buy one of these instead of a Unibody MacBook is beyond me. It can't be for cost since these start at $1099. They are cheap looking, plasticky, with really poor fitting. Plus Dell support is horrible. The pleather look, which they didn't even fit it right on this one, is just a dumb way to try to class it up in a ham handed way. If for some reason you want Windows and don't want to run it only when you need it on a MacBook at last look at something other than this. if you want a PC laptop with decent support you are going to have to spend a lot more though.
Good Logic:
13" Studio XPS as shown above - $1099
13" Unibody Macbook with same Specs (and slower memory I might add) - $1599
I can't imagine why people would choose this either...douche!
Sigh. Where to start with an applet, who's corporate boner has re-routed blood necessary to critical thinking from the cortex?
Dell tech support is quite good. These machines come with remote diagnostics and in-house service. I'd say "so STFU" until you get a clue, but that would be rude. So I won't. Just let me know when Apple can match that service. Don't worry ... I'll give you the next 2 decades to reply. (BTW: replying along the lines of "apple makes machines that don't need that level of support because they have geniuses" is an automatic FAIL)
Simply, if you don't want to run the Mac OS and its associated software then there is little point spending more money than is necessary. I can't speak for Dell's support but I must confess that I have hated every one of their machines I have been provided with over the years (come back the old ThinkPads...).
Exactly.
Even as a Mac user, I wouldn't ask such a stupid question.
The specs are flat out better than the base MacBook, and only catch up if you spend $1599. Even then, the CPU, harddrive capacity, RAM (2 GB standard vs 4 GB on this Dell), and graphics card aren't up to par.
The MacBook is an excellent machine, but lets not kid ourselves..... you get a nicer looking aluminium system for your money because you pay a lot, not because Apple was feeling charitable.
Hey guys, a few months ago called, they want their technology back.
When you send it back, they'll ship it to past you guys right away. But it'll take a while to get to you, so you should get it soon, like, today or yesterday.
Wasn't a moratorium on "Hey ______ called and they want ______ back" comments issued recently?
Its a good looking notebook IMO. There are other laptops with pluses and minuses but it is very competitive over all at about $1500 with a 1920 res 16" screen.
Well that reaffirms my decision to buy one for my next notebook, unless a newer sexier one comes out by the end of this year...
What's with the trackpad being more on the left rather than the center? I've noticed this on a few newer notebooks, has there suddenly been a surge in left-handed users? Haha.
Same spot as on the M1330. Perfectly placed so you don't click the track pad with your palm while typing.
One good thing is the track pad has a smooth curve on the edges, on the M1330 it is directly indented so the metal is kind of annoying to quickly swipe left or right.
Ahhh gotcha. I think Apple's on the right track (no pun intended) with the bigger trackpads...with Windows 7 coming with multi-touch it doesn't make sense to keep the trackpad that small. Unless I'm confused and multi-touch only applies to touch-screen computers?
"unfortunately the trackpad is not only minuscule in size, but located to the left of center, which makes no sense to us"
Well, can't you guys, like, ask them why is it located to the left of center? It seems not to be limited to this particular laptop, so maybe a story on trackpads being off center? What are you waiting for?