Without a doubt the best 13″ laptop in the market just got better
By Stephen Pate – The new Dell XPS 13 Core i5 Laptop just got upgraded to QHD+ touchscreen which is the new most desirable model at a mid price of $1,299.
The XPS 13 is the smallest 13″ laptop and probably the best buy of all models including the MacBook Air.
The two available models of the XPS 13 are:
With the i7 QHD+ Touchscreen, i7-5500U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD – $1,599 coming at the end of February. All models include the latest 5th generation Intel processors which are slightly faster than last year’s but use less battery power and produce less heat.
The HD model now has the upgraded QHD+ touchscreen. Touchscreen is an obvious choice since Windows 8.1 and the upcoming Windows 10 are touch operating systems. Along with the QHD+ screen, you get 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD drive. All three upgrades make this a sweet model.
If you don’t want a touchscreen the $899 model is a steal. People are raving about it.
QHD+ is 3200 x 1800 resolution that out performs Apple’s 2560-by-1600 desirable Retina display on the 13‑inch MacBook Pro Retina. However, that’s apples to oranges since the MacBook Pro is a bigger, heavier at 4.5 lbs, has an older processor, does not have a touch screen and costs $200 more.
The more likely comparison is to the MacBook Air 13″ which has an older processor, lower 1440 by 900 resolution, non touch display, bigger with the same 13″ screen and costs $100 less. The MacBook Air became one of the most popular ultra light laptops due to its cool design, durability and performance. However, the design is 4 years old and the much needed refresh to a Retina model will not happen this spring. Instead Apple is going to update the processor and tweak a few specs before the end of February.
Using Intel’s 5th generation Core i5-5200U processor at 2.2 GHz, the XPS 13 achieves a full 13″ display with the smallest laptop by having almost no border around the screen.
Here’s a video showing how little bezel there is around the screen.
The Dell XPS 13 is a sleek, sexy even laptop that tips the scales at 2.6 lbs. The screen is full 1920 x 1080 resolution up to QHD+ is 3200 x 1800 and 5.7 million pixels.
Like the MacBook Air, it has an all-aluminum body that is strong and stylish so that thin does not mean fragile. The base is carbon-fiber which is tough and thin but cooler to the touch so your lap won’t get hot. The gorgeous screen a Corning Gorilla Glass.
The XPS 13 looks and feels like a high quality laptop, one that will turn heads and keep working no matter where you go with it. Dell laptops have been very reliable over the years. My wife, an IT network analyst, has insisted on Dell’s for years and swears by them.
Dell is claiming a 15 hour battery but think 9 hours of regular use which means a day of use away from home or office. This is one of the benefits of the new Intel 5th generation Core i5 – lower power and better battery management.
You can order one online and there are generous 30-day return privileges if you’re not happy.
I had my mind set on a MacBook Air when the model got refreshed this spring but if that isn’t going to happen, I am getting the Dell XPS 13. It is irresistible.
Dell XPS 13 Core i5 128 GB Signature Edition Laptop available from Dell.com and the US Microsoft Store and Microsoft Store in Canada. The QHD+ display will be available in Canada within a few days.
Dell XPS 13 2015 QHD+ specifications
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