Dell XPS 15 (Model L501X). Review on Dell XPS 14

It’s been quite long since I wrote anything but then I haven’t come across anything interesting until recently. I got Dell XPS 15 Laptop for 61k. I Think Dell has now discontinued 15-inch models but anyways its still selling 14-inch models. One can have an idea because apart from screen size almost everything is same.

I wanted a laptop capable of handling   demanding applications like high-end PC games, video-editing, Adobe, multitasking etc within the budget of 60k. I narrowed my choices to the three well established brands HP, Dell and Lenovo. In HP there were few models with i7 processors like HP envy but they were quite highly priced(in excess of 70k).

Lenovo also launched idea pad notebooks and I saw Y-Series in flesh in one of the IBM showrooms but didn’t liked it much even though the specs were impressive(i7-740m processor, 4GB RAM, ATI -1GB Graphics, 500GB HDD). Then there was Dell with new XPS series with 14-inch and 15-inch screen options. I chose XPS15 with following configuration: 17-740 Processor, 4GB RAM, 2GB Nvidia GT435m Graphics, 640GB HDD, Backlit-keyboard, Belkin basic-backpack. Things I liked about  Dell are following:

         1.   Customizable online as per your needs(like Processor, RAM, HDD etc.).

         2.   Very good build quality. Sturdy.

         3.   i7-740QM Processor. Great for video-editing and multi-tasking.

         4.   Awesome JBL Sound with subwoofer. Best sounding laptop I have come across so far.

         5.      Backlit keyboard with Touchpad with multi-touch gesture.

         6.      HDMI- Out port. Comes handy for watching photographs and movies on HD TV.

         7.      USB 3.0 for faster data transfer than tradition USB 2.0 Drives.

         8.      Audio jacks capable of connecting 5.1 surround system.

         9.      Nvidia GT 435m, a boon to gamers. Capable of playing almost all modern games at more than respectable framerate and quality. Tested it with few demanding games like NFS: Hot Pursuit and Call of Duty: Black Ops. Framerate was smooth even on high settings.

        10.  Security Features: Biometric system: Face Detection. It’s a useful feature for hands-free login.

         Things that can be ignored considering the fact that it’s a desktop replacement:

         1.      Stock 6-cell Battery drains quickly. Approx. life on battery with normal operation(like web surfing etc.) is around 2hrs. To be fair you can’t expect 5-6 hrs backup while playing games, surfing web & listening music simultaneously. Stay near the power outlet and everything will be fine. Also, there is an option of 9-cell battery for longer backup.

         2.      Weighs at around 2.5-3 kgs. Not very mobile. But dimension and weight are still acceptable considering the firepower it has.

         3.      HDD and battery indicators are situated behind the screen. Again, it can be ignored.

         4.      The maximum resolution is restricted to 1366*768 thereby causing users to scroll more while surfing the web. But I think one can decrease the font size in the browser to fix this. Otherwise the screen is bright and clear.

        A standard Full-HD display could have been great anyday.

All I can say is I’m very much satisfied with this laptop. It’s loaded with features and would definitely  recommend to those who want power under the hood with an extra added option - mobility.

Lastly, I would like to mention that it’s all my personal view about a product I purchased and I am not doing any comparison here. Laptop from other brands might be or might not be better, I can’t say because I haven’t used them.