Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook Review & Owner's Thread

Good point. The smaller footprint makes this an odd size.

 

Am I right in assuming from your last line that the process (of returning that 8GB partition to usable storage) can be done at any time after having already used the laptop for a while (with data and programs installed) without affecting existing data and installations?

I've looked at the page you linked to, but I don't fully comprehend what's written. What am I compromising if I remove that 8GB partition? Rapid Start? I thought it affects hibernation only, which I don't use so I really want that 8GB back. But I do like the rapid start, and that page above talks about rapid start.

Change of topic:
Re: Numpad

Just putting this out here:
There's no numpad on this machine, so I installed Autohotkey to extend the capabilities. I couldn't get my desired combination to work (RCtrl+m, …, RCtrl+9), but RShift+m etc worked, although Alt+numpad characters wouldn't appear (and I need my Rshift for capitalising stuff too, so that combination is out). Then I tried simply replacing the number keys with numpad keys, and alt+numpad characters worked, but !, @, #, … etc stopped working.

On the other hand, I don't really use the numpad other than for a few alt+numpad characters like the nonbreaking space and the macron (¯), so since I was already running PhraseExpress upon Windows start up, I decided to just save those characters I need to PhraseExpress and forgo the numpad altogether.

How you guys are dealing with the lack of a numpad? Or does it not matter to you?

 

You're confusing Rapid Start with the really fast boot you get with SSDs anyway. The 8GB hibernation partition is merely a dedicated space on the disk for the hibernation file. As such, when hibernation is used the laptop boots quicker than from a cold start - this is how normal hibernation works except the hibernation file is generally on the c drive. Dell have just given hibernation a fancy name ie: Rapid Start.

 

Just to the top of the screen next to the webcam...
Check this out here :
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsL321x/multilang/qsg/qsg_dao/DAO.pdf

 

Could you post your screen capture settings to share.

Thinking of getting XPS Ultrabook.

How is the fan noise? Some complains on it's loud. I don't think Dell can be that dumb not to figure it out during design & testing.

Did the Dell XPS 13 comes prebundled with the Mini DisplayPort To HDMI adaptor and USB to Ethernet Adaptor ?


Thanks.

 

You are incorrect. Rapid Start is an Intel technology that works at the BIOS level - so it is faster and at a lower level then OS Hibernation. The end result is similar, but it does require SSD and a special partition. When you hibernate, the RAM has to be written to disk - this appears that there is always a copy of RAM on disk - so it is instant in both directions.

And yes you can restore this partition at any time later if you decide to do so. In Windows Disk Administrator, you can shrink the main partition by 8Gb without destroying the OS install. Then use diskpart to make this new 8GB space the special partition for hibernation.

 

I can understand his question and curiosity of taking 8GB from the main partition... I used Partition Master though and it allowed me to easily partition w/o touching my existing data. So easy!

 

It does not come with any adapters. As for fan noise - it has a high setting that kicks in sometimes - that is when it is loud. It only runs when CPU use is high and heat builds up.

 

I am on my phoone or I would post a link, but I ordered a Case Simple sleeve from Amazon that works great for this.

 

How can it fit correctly when the Dell is smaller than other 13" laptops?

 

I have a feeling that his case is not a perfect fit? But it of course still fits. I picked up a 13" Macbook case from Best Buy, leather, made by Golla. It has a little extra room up top but it's snug. I like it when they have a bit of extra room up top because it gives you something to grab on to since there is no handle or strap.

 

Oh, oh no, I think I misunderstood your original post. In my haste, I mistook "restore" to mean similar to "reclaim". I actually don't want the hibernation partition, and I want that space in my main partition. Sorry for any confusion!

Anyway, I was on the Dell support forum with this question and someone told me that to do anything of the sort (claim the 8GB partition for main use) will affect the recovery partition as well. That, in itself, isn't much of a problem because I don't want the factory image with its bloatware, and I've saved and used system images before. However, I've been getting an I/O error when saving the system image to my external HDD.

Update on the Dell XPS 13: Wifi's still a bit wonky on my machine. It tends to drop the signal very frequently, perhaps at least once an hour.

 

Not sure if this review was mentioned:

Dell XPS 13 review | The Verge

 

From personal experience, i's true: if you delete the 8 gig hibernation partition, which I did to install Windows 8, then the recovery app complaints that the restore partition is missing. It thus won't make recovery DVDs, so make them before you remove this partition if you even want a full factory restore. I actually recreated the hibernation partition and the recovery app still complained about the missing or damaged partition!

If you boot using F8, Dell's recovery does work, just the Windows app complains.

On another note, I used diskpart to delete the hibernation partition and then used Windows Admin tools disk management to resize and manage the remaining partitions.

 

I didn't re-install the recovery app - I see no need. So I never ran into the issues described.

 

For those that kept the T-Mobile Hotspot, have you received your codes yet? It has been 12 days since my system shipped, and no codes.

 

Nothing here yet.

 

Now I am kind of glad I held off on purchasing a XPS 13. Check this out....

ASUS Zenbook UX31A and UX21A revealed with Ivy Bridge - SlashGear)

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by pusta
For those that kept the T-Mobile Hotspot, have you received your codes yet? It has been 12 days since my system shipped, and no codes.


Nothing yet. Still waiting. I have the hot spot and account all setup, I just need my e-pins.

 

I had looked at the Zenbooks prior to getting the Dell, but I just have no trust in the quality of Asus or their ability to support me down the road.

 

Nothing yet. Still waiting. I have the hot spot and account all setup, I just need my e-pins

Sorry for the double post. Having issues this morning

 

Is there any way to NOT get the T-Mobile thing in exchange for credit?

 

i Tried to cancel within minutes of ordering - and the rep told me it was too late.

The return was easy though. Dell paid to ship it back and did credit my CC.

 

For anyone looking for the facial recognition, webcam, or anything else preinstalled that is not a driver - you can get it from "my downloads" on your account page. It took me 5 or 6 tries to get the activex control that reads the system tag to work, but finally it did. Dell's web site is definitely having issues.

 

It's not a recent issue. That whole system of showing you just the items relevant to your service tag has been messed up for ages.

 

Can you enlighten me more on that?

Since it was "included" in the initial purchase I didn't see any way to get rid of it. Then, when I got the bill it was a charge of $94.33 (with the laptop price reduced accordingly).

Are you saying you were able to send it back and get that full credit? If so, that's too cool - another $100 off!

 

I've mentioned it around the office. They give the XPS a 6.1 out of 10 and the HP Folio an 8.1. Go figure. I have to think that's because they used 2 different reviewers.

 

On my bill it was a separate line item so i called and returned it as a didn't order it. Other things that are part of the purchase of the laptop (lojack, support, etc) are actually part of the entire $999/1299/1499 package and i figured i could not return those.

The T-mo thing also had a separate order and shipping number, so it was easy to return.

 

You got that right. Joanna Stern was their laptop/notebook specialist, but she recently left to take a job at ABC. I saw she had tweeted when she received her XPS 13 and seemed excited... not sure if she has or will be posting a review somewhere?

 

"Didn't order it" - that works. Cool - thanks.

 

You are correct to be concerned. My experience with Asus service in the US has been horriffic. Dell next-day, on-site service is probably the best overall/affordable service of any manufacturer. On the other hand, the build quality of the Asus Zenbooks seems to be quite good. The new UX21 and UX31 w/1080p, matt IPS display are going to be hard to resist.

 

The reason why XPS 13 is a faster machine, even with I5 :
Intel's Ivy Bridge specs leaked - Tick Tock means small performance boost | TechEye

 

Did the T-Mobile hotspot come with the base $999 version? I ordered mine on 3/8 (Thursday) and it didn't include that (as per the order details - haven't received my XPS 13 yet).

 

It was a limited time special.... I think the first 10,000 buyers. If Dell doesn't take mine back I will gladly sell you mine.

 

But XPS 13 is Sandy Bridge, not Ivy Bridge.

 

Darn, missed it! I don't need it, but would have been nice to get it free with the system.

Then again, I paid $802 for the base version with tax (EPP discounts), so I'm happy!

 

@slopokdave I saw your comment on the Verge review. Nice. I'll tell you a funny story about the new guy and his touchpad issues in PM one of these days when I'm all caught up after having missed time to work a Dell booth at SXSW.

 

Wow, your EPP discount is apparently A LOT better than mine!

Speaking of the Verge review... they trash the screen on this XPS. Anyone here agree with their observations? Disagree?

 

I don't agree with their observations regarding screen. Off angle viewing is very good. I just compared to my macbook pro - and it is not like the Macbook pro has any big advantages. Off angle may be a hint better, but not by enough that i would notice if not side by side.

As for battery life - anyone that thinks the Mac Air is the king - read this Pro Mac review.... many variables can make Mac battery life no better then windows - MacBook Air 2011 Battery Life – 2 hours or 7 hours? | Mac Crazy

 

Bill, not every reviewer thinks that way. Lisa at MobileTechReview whose review I usually go by loves the XPS 13:

Dell XPS 13 Review- Ultrabook Reviews by MobileTechReview

 

Cool job. I travel for work, but unfortunately not for my love of Technology....

 

ok, so I got my xps a couple of days ago, and so far I`m happy, but I have a couple of problems. I have used the information from this forum to configure the laptop, and it has been a great help. The fan doesn`t bother me that much now, besides of some long intervals with too much fan activity now and then. I like the touchpad, but the two finger scroll is horrible, so I hope the new drivers will fix that problem.

My issues are:

- Working in quiet surroundings with no fan activity, I can hear this high frequency electrical noise/ white noise coming from the laptop. It`s quite low, but irritating. It a whining sound sometimes heard from old laptop-chargers.

- Just like shelleyevans, I`m getting double letters every 100 word or so. And a couple of the letters sometimes does not register when being pressed at the edge of the key.

Does anybody have the same pproblems? (double letter right there)

If I could, I maybe would have waited for the next gen ultrabooks before buying one, but since I`m going home to Norway soon (I`m currently an exchange student in Canada), and the laptops are so much more expensive there, I won`t wait for the ivy bridge gen. Besides, for the most part I love the xps, Dells customer service and warranty.

 

That'll be the SSD, it's normal and only those with really good hearing will notice. My SSD does the same - especially when copying/writing large files.

 

Yes, I unfortunately agree with their observations on the display, to the point that I've decided to return my XPS 13.

The laptop I intended to replace is a 4.5 year old XPS M1330 with 300-nit WLED display (1280 x 800). I absolutely LOVE this display, and assumed that 4.5 years later the 300-nit WLED display included with the XPS 13 would be equivalent if not better. Side by side comparison shows this is not the case.

As soon as I booted up the XPS 13, I immediately noticed a difference in the display compared with the M1330. Most noticeable for me was the contrast. Blacks are blacker and whites are whiter on the M1330.

Setting the windows background to solid black (my preferred setting) shows just how different these two displays are. Tilt the XPS 13 screen closer to you and the black turns dark gray. This happens to a tiny extent on the M1330, but it is very pronounced with the XPS 13. Tilt the XPS 13 screen away from you and there is a sort of negative image effect.

To me, the horizontal viewing angle is similar between the two, and not that bad at all, but the vertical viewing angle for the XPS 13 is minuscule in comparison.

The XPS 13 does have better color reproduction that the M1330, however. Colors on my M1330 are a bit washed out in comparison. They start looking better when the display is tilted farther back, but then other things (like contrast) get out of whack.

One final comparison is screen glare. Glare on the XPS 13 is significantly greater that the M1330. I think maybe the gorilla glass has something to do with this.

I think Dell will resolve the fan and trackpad issues, but the display is not something they can fix (short of physical replacement). I LOVE everything else about the XPS 13. (Well, except that clicking the trackpad [not tap to click] is a bit too firm, and I'd prefer discreet buttons.)

I'm hoping the next rev (Ivy Bridge) brings an improved display - something at least as good as 4.5 year old technology.

 

That sounds workable for me. I will check it out, thanks for the lead slopokdave!

 

Same here, I hope to get them soon ...

 

I just hope to see a touchpad driver with fixed palm detection.

 

Hey guys. I can only really afford $1000 for a laptop so I'm looking at the xps 13 and the samsung series 9 (last years model not the new one)

I was wondering which you would recommend? I'm a business student that needs a portable laptop that is reliable and functional. I am worried about the trackpad of the xps 13 as well as the display. Could a few people comment on which they think would be a better buy for $1000?

Thanks so much!

 

Hope they resolve the SSD issues on the old one first.

 

Nothing here yet for me either. Thinking something is wrong with their system.