Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook Review & Owner's Thread

@Dell-Bill_B

Bill, Thanks for your posts in this forum. One question: Does Dell see the trackpad issue on the XPS 13 as resolved, or was the most recent driver update just the most recent iteration of the driver with the expectation of future releases to continue to improve the issues?

I've found that the driver update did help, but has now made typing nearly impossible if any part of my palm is touching the touch pad. I've played around with all the palm rejection settings, and nothing seems to change. Thanks for your input!

 

Thanks for a new shortcut. I never knew!

 

Are there known issues with the wifi card/driver on the XPS 13 ultrabook?

My first ultrabook would occassionally lose internet access to my home network. My second one doesn't have that problem but the signal strength seems very weak. I have a signal booster in my house and my other laptop has all 5 bars anywhere in the house. The ultrabook gets down to 1 or 2 bars when you get far away from the router, even though I have a signal booster in the middle of the house. In fact, right by the booster, the ultrabook has 2 bars...any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks!
Chris in Ohio

 

Hey guys,

This may be common knowledge, but there is a great app out there called BatteryBar Pro which tracks battery usage in every way possible, stats over time improve its ability to provide really meaningful data on remaining time and charge rates, etc.

There is a free version which is really useful, but for 10 bucks you get the full blown Pro version with many more options. I use it on my two machines which I go portable with regularly, I find it to be an indispensable tool.

It works great on the XPS 13, ties right into Windows power management to allow a more intuitive control and monitoring interface.

Check it out if you get a chance, just Google BatteryBar Pro.

 

I wonder if you have one or more of your antennas improperly connected internally (as in cable not connected ...). I have had no issues at all with mine, I am currently sitting one floor below but 12 feet from my WiFi router and I have a full five bars. I can move one level lower and still have four bars, in a back room 80 feet from the router I get four bars there as well.

I have heard a few folks mention issues but it has not been wide spread as far as I can tell. I have been following this thread since it began and don't recall too many issues with WiFi connectivity.

I suggest a call to Dell support right away, something may not be right with your hardware configuration.

Another thing to note is that my WiFi router is a LinkSys 802.11n unit with dual frequency which can make a difference in signal strength, link speed, etc ...

 

We see it more as tuning in settings and features based on customer feedback. I'm sure we're looking at the palm rejection comments from customers for the next driver to see if there is any way to make the experience better. I can verify, though.

I haven't seen the engineering notes, but I did get a high level update about Intel still working through a list of AP's with less than stellar connection issues that some driver tweaking may improve. The WLAN driver should be the next driver posted.

 

Question for those using the XPS 13 daily. Have you made it your main computer, or at least your main laptop? Has anyone run Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom on this PC? I'm an amateur photographer, so these are probably the applications I use the most. I'm OK using an external USB 3 drive for photo storage and hooking up a monitor and keyboard/mouse.

 

I've run Photoshop CS5 a few times and it runs without ease. Loads up in 2 seconds thanks to the superfast Samsung SSD. I have the i5 processor.

Sadly though if you want to do precision editing of photos, you need to connect an external mouse as the touch pad goes "wonky" a few times. The cursor has a hard time staying still even when you are not moving it and it jumps around like a few inches by itself sometimes. Hopefully Dell keep working on the trackpad drivers.

 

Good to know. I would use external monitor/keyboard/mouse and table for editing, I'm just thinking of making the full transition to the XPS 13

 

I've been using the XPS 13 as my single laptop since it's delivery on 3/6 and my e6410 and XPS 17 have sat neglected much to their dismay. Without reservation I have recommended this machine to all my co-workers and the updated trackpad driver and bios have greatly improved a machine that I already thought highly of. However, today I have my first aggravating complaint and that is the old "keys showing on the screen" thing that some of the earlier Dells had when the screen sat too close to the keys. I guess it's time to break out the chamois...

 

I've had my XPS 13 for a few days now and it seems to be working quite well. However, there is one lingering issue I can't seem to get to work: two finger vertical scrolling.

When I initally updated the driver to the latest driver dell released last week, it worked flawlessly. However, after an epic round of windows updates required to bring the laptop up to date, it is no longer working. All of the other gesutres seem to be working without any issue - including two finger horizontal scrolling. However, no matter how many uninstall-reinstalls I've tried, I have not been able to get it working since it stopped post-udpate.

Has anyone else run into this issue? I'd called the technical support guys and had them remote in, but honestly after 2 hours of them working on it I just had to go, and it really just seemed outside of what they knew how to fix.

I've tried putting a fresh install of Win7 on and had the exact same behavior of the two finger scrolling working after the latest drivers were applied (And man was it nice!) and then after windows update it's gone agian.

 

I'm having a new problem with my XPS13. My Bluetooth adapter every so often (about once or twice a day) completely disappears from my device list. All Bluetooth devices stop working. The Bluetooth adapter disappears from the Windows device manager. Pushing the power button on the laptop (not a hard reset, just hibernate), waiting a couple of seconds, then resuming will bring the Bluetooth back. Anyone else experience this and are there any workarounds? The laptop was not under any particular load or strain when this happens.

 

Open Device Manager, right click Bluetooth device and select Properties. Under Power Managerment tab, uncheck the option Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

 

FYI, new audio driver out

 

Thanks, but audio already seems to be great. Do you know what's improved?

I am just waiting for new trackpad drivers to fix the quirky nature. After that, the notebook will be pretty slick!

 

I think i heard something about headphones and closing the lid, or sleep... but not sure... could be thinking of something else.

 

So I've read through most of this thread as my wife needs a new laptop, I have been trying to edge her towards a MBA but she wants to continue with a Windows machine (even though BootCamp works for me). Her main uses will be PS and day-to-day browsing. Both the XPS & MBA are similar in price/size/etc for the most part. Can I get an unbiased opinion on which way to go?

 

XPS 13 - the lady wants Windows!

 

In my opinion, at this time -

Best overall consumer tablet = Apple iPad 3rd Gen

Best overall consumer ultrabook = Dell XPS-13 UB

For her CS5-PS use, the XPS-13 will do great. Additionally, the build quality on the Dell is just as good as the MBA [I also think it has a better feel than the MBA in regards to the palmrest texture] and the enhanced Dell warranty for the first year is better than what Apple offers without paying additional.

If/when the second gen XPS-13 UB comes out later in 2012/13, I am sure it will be even more desirable.

Scott-

 

Well she told me to go with the Dell, $1,038 later it's ordered!

 

I actually just bought the new iPad and tried to persuade her on one of those but she pointed out the need for an actual laptop (she knows she can use my iPad 3 w/e she wants) - I just prefer how well my MBP feels over my SXPS 16, we shall see how she feels once it gets here Saturday!

 

Yes, for her expressed use, the new iPad may not be the easiest tool to work with at first although the new iPhoto app with the SHD+ retina display is very cool if she is the Photoshop type. In fact, there are many new commercial utility/design apps that are popping up [daily] and the new iPad is becoming more viable to use in a business setting; even if it is not 100% there just yet.

Your wife may be more use to the standard IBM/Windows keyboard layout as well for her shortcut keys. At any rate, you should be happy with BOTH platforms and enjoy the respective devices as they both fill a specific niche. Have fun!

Scott-

PS: The Studio XPS line was very nice, but you will see and feel a positive difference in this newer XPS offering; especially if you are seeking that "Apple" type of feel, but with some attitude behind it!

 

An iPad will never replace a real laptop for Photoshop. iPhoto isn't even close to Photoshop and it never will be, it's not designed as a replacement.

For limited uses there are reasons to use an ipad, but for Photoshop, I can't even recommend an XPS 13, she needs something more like an L502x or better, something with a very high quality screen, latitude e6520/m4500/m6500/8760w, that type of screen. XPS 13 has a run of the mill very subpar 13.3" 1366x768 display.

Edit: there's also the lack of a Wacom digitizer that seriously hampers any type of serious design use on an ipad.

 

Bingo. If not for this ^ I would already own a Macbook Air.

 

I've actually been thinking about selling my SXPS since I mainly use my MBP but not sure how the market is! Do you know if anyone makes an 8GB PC36100 laptop memory option?

 

Correct, but for the TYPE of people who are use to PS, it is a cool app and is in fact pretty powerful for most users. I never stated it is or would be considered a replacement to PS.

For most users, the XPS-13 UB display resolution, color gamut, and size is fine for casual on-the-go use. Again, we are taking about a 13" ultra portable and not a 17"+ workstation like the Precision M6600, which is what I use for all my professional media tasks. I also use my E6520, but these are by far not in the ultrabook category.

Do you own or use a 3rd gen iPad? The display and digitizer resolution is VERY accurate and responsive.

At any rate, this is the XPS-13 UB thread and I would not consider myself a diehard Apple fan so I will not debate the usability of the iPad 2012 here. However, I do believe in giving credit where it is due based on my actual use of devices discussed.

Scott

 

DDR3? Do you mean DDR2 6400?

Scott

 

I was just looking to see if there is an 8gb ram module for the XPS 13 Ultrabook?

 

Last response: Yes, Capacitive Digitizers can be accurate, but they can never be a replacement to a pen-based input method. For a Photoshop user color accuracy generally trumps all in my experience as I know many graphic designers, I've used iPad's, I've used wacom tablets, I've used quite a few devices and it is my personal opinion that a Wacom digitizer is far and away better than any capacitive digitizer can ever hope to be, your finger just is not as accurate as a pen. And I think it's a shame that there is no 13" display that is also high quality unless your'e willing to pay $2k for a vaio z2 with it's 1080p display. A windows tablet with a wacom digitizer is the only 'tablet' that can remotely close in on the functionality and usability of a laptop or desktop to a graphic designer.

And again, it is a damn shame that Dell had to use a ty panel on an otherwise very nicely designed ultrabook (cooling quality is up in the air, however). Bill_B has already said there will be a higher resolution display on the refresh or shortly after. And I hope it competes favorably to the Asus UX31A's 1080p Matte IPS display because I personally believe Dell is a better company than Asus, at least when it comes to warranties and quality control (sometimes, 15z is the exception that makes the rule).

It sounded to me like she was going to be doing all her Photoshop work on said XPS 13, which is why I piped in and made a comment about thinking that's not exactly the best choice for graphic design, and that there are other choices that would work out much better in terms of color accuracy and viewable area.

Edit: And to reply to the person above, There are 8GB mobile DDR3 sticks, but I don't know how the RAM in the XPS 13 is, I do not know if it's soldered in or not.

 

Oh... got it. As I show on the first page of this thread, the processor and memory are both soldered to the system board so there is no viable way to change the CPU or amount of installed DDR3 memory. You get what you get. It is my hope in the future that Dell goes ahead and offers at least (1) DIMM socket instead of or in addition to the included 4GB. Although it is not too big of a deal, some power users do want more than 4GB of onboard memory; even if it is just for personal satisfaction and not a functional necessity.

Scott-

 

I own both a 256gb MBA and the new Dell and the build quality of the Dell is every bit as nice as the MacBook air. In fact, I prefer the keyboard on the Dell personally.

 

The keyboard on m MBP is actually one of the things I love over my SXPS, that and of course it's trackpad! TBH I've been trying to adapt to the whole Apple computer experience but being a Windows user for my entire life, it's hard for me. I actually use my SXPS for most day to day stuff as a lot of my work involves using my C.A.C. And I was able to buy an express card slot reader; something not available for Macs. I will say this though, my wife is an accuracy freak when it comes to displays and using PS but if the new XPS isn't up to her liking she can just use the desktop and dual 24" monitors!

 

It's probably my imagination, but since I installed the new audio driver this morning, it seems like the battery in mine is lasting longer.

 

Anyone else seeing this??

 

A little bit. I think they just mean that the dirt / oils from the keyboard keys are smudging onto the laptop screen when the lid is closed. This can usually happen when you apply pressure to either the lid or bottom, e.g. inside a backpack with other things pressing on it.

I've had it happen with a bunch of laptops, but to be honest not with the Macbook Air 11. In this case it's just a function of having edge to edge glass which creates less spacing between the keys and screen (no bezel to prop the screen off the keyboard). On the plus side, the edge to edge gorilla glass is really easy to clean / don't have to worry about dust getting caught in the bezel.

 

So, after having this laptop for almost a month... I am finding that my hands are sometimes greasy when typing on my laptop... this has not been a problem with any other keyboard or laptop Ive ever owned....

How are you guys cleaning the rubbery surface... and are there any recommendations to ensure that it lasts multiple cleanings?

Otherwise, still loving my XPS13.

 

Wash your hands before using it ;-)

 

Has anyone made a Bloatware removal guide for this Ultrabook?

 

Does anyone else find the quotation marks annoying on the keyboard? I can never seem to get it to work. I have to press it twice before both of them appear either before or after the words I am trying to emphasize""

 

hey guys I currently have a dell xps 15z and the build quality is horrible and had massive wireless issues. Has anyone heard if dell with do a 15 inch ultrabook with the same build quality as this. Otherwise looks like I am buying the new samsung series 9 15 inch

 

Did anything come of the bigger heatsink postings? I still think my fan is on way too much.

More anoying for me though is the change in fan speed every couple of seconds when streaming video. I probably wouldnt notice it so much if it didnt keep changing frequency.

 

I think you'll see a shift from both HP and Dell into the 'premium build' category. Its well known they make next to nothing on laptops built to compete on price, the penny has finally dropped that to compete with Apple you need comparable build quality - the premium price and higher profit margins follow on from there.

I expect a 15" variant of the XPS 13 in the Summer, with Ivy Bridge, to replace the 15z.

 

I agree.... also, there will always be different consumer interest - some want the cheapest; some want most for $$$ regardless of size or weight, and others will pay premium for features they want.

After lugging around well spec'd business laptops, i want a well spec'd lightweight laptop. If I want a gaming powerhouse or Video transcoder I build a tower myself.

 

I have been wondering about this myself. Has Dell asked this owner to keep "hush.... hush" about the replacement Dell did?

 

Nothing hush hush. We looked at the part number dispatched, and it's the same as the one they use at the factory and have been stocking all along for warranty replacements. If the second heat sink for the unit in question is indeed different than the one originally on the box from the factory, it's a mystery to us.

 

The reason I asked about the "hush....hush" is because I don't see the post where the heat sink was replaced in this thread any more. Is it still here and I have missed it?

 

UPDATE from the road.

I've been using this ultrabook now for the past 3 weeks. I can say without hesitation it is the BEST laptop I have ever owned, Mac or otherwise.

I am in oil and gas and have to make frequent trips to local courthouses to document legal instruments and this thing makes my life MUCH easier than anything I've owned previously. Excellent battery life, quick sleep/wake up, best keyboard I've ever used on a mobile device, solid wi-fi, tough as nails construction, need I go on? Dell hit a homer with this thing.

 

This is good to know because I need to replace my dead xps m1330 with another one of this size, I was waiting to see if the fan issue was fixed because I can't stand to have the fan run all the time and is really loud. I was also debating on the macbook air as to max out both of them is about the same price.

 

Just chiming in on the XPS 13 vs. new iPad discussion. I have both, and in my opinion they fill two entirely different needs and use patterns. It's not necessarily an either-or scenario.

When I go to coin/stamp/collectibles shows and am away from home, I take both devices. In the shows when going through dealer stocks, I need my reference materials and inventory easily accessible in sometimes awkward seating/standing situations, and this is where the iPad use model really excels. being able to pop back and forth between pages and documents with a finger swipe while standing is superior to a clamshell design.

However, when I'm in the hotel at night, and am catching up on email and articles, I prefer the traditional laptop format, as I'm a diehard Firefox user, and can't live without my add-ons, plus I like having a real keyboard to use.

That said, the retina display on the new iPad is absolutely phenomenal; I upgraded from gen 1 to this one, and it's a no-brainer decision. The people that say they cannot see the difference between 1024x768 and 2048x1546 are the same ones that cannot see the difference between 480p and 1080p HD. To me the difference is night and day...

 

Hi all. The updates I'm chasing today (still) are on the charging light when the system is in S2/S3 states, confirmation we lost 2-finger scrolling in the latest touch pad driver, and when we should see a new WLAN driver.

Anything I missed?