Dell Studio XPS 13
The basics
The Dell Studio XPS 13 is a slick 13.3inch laptop that's completely customisable. Take your pick from Core 2 Duo processors between 2.2 and 2.53GHz, up to 8GB of RAM and 320/500GB hard drive, plus the option for a separate NVIDIA 9400M or 9500M graphics card for the gamers amongst you.
The good
Dell's managed to weld together a leather lined laptop that's as good looking as an Apple MacBook, but with more power, and for less. Even the entry level rig will handle recent games and all your multimedia, and if you fork over the extra moolah for the graphics card, you're sorted. If that edge-to-edge screen isn't big enough for you though, you can always lash the Dell Studio XPS 13 up to a monitor or HDTV via the HDMI or DisplayPort sockets instead - your choice.
The bad
For a laptop strutting to be as stylish as a MacBook, there are a few build problems that bug. The only thing wobblier than the keys on the Dell Studio XPS 13 is the laptop itself: the plastic feet are uneven, meaning it moves up and down like old school weighing scales when typing. You won't be cranking out Dickens length dissertations on this, that's for sure.
The bottom line
We like where Dell is headed with the Studio XPS 13. It's got more nice touches than Ronaldo's right foot - great graphics, backlit keyboard, a clutch of connections - but they're let down by a few flaws in the casing. Still, with prices starting at £849, you won't get more power for your pony.
User comments (3)
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spider-man16 August 2009
The keyboard is not wobbly, but the plastic feet with my first XPS were uneven. The replacement was much better, but be warned the underside gets VERY hot. Only the 1 USB port and the screen resolution should have been higher. Other than this a very good piece of kit
Report as inappropriateAlex14 March 2010
Please stop comparing products to the mac book and the mac book pro! Yes it may be Jason's favourite gadget but please stop doing it!
Report as inappropriateII-R4PT0R-II12 June 2010
yer i agree with spider, keys arnt wobbly and yes the plastic feet are slightly off but meh, yes gets very hot, they shouldnt have used ati they run to hot for laptops in my opinian just to point out spider it has 3 usb ports not 1! and omg yes pleas estop compareing mac books to other products!!!! but a very good laptop :)
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