Do you like the design of the new XPS?

Do you like the design of the new XPS?

What are your thoughts?

 

I immediately bought a ThinkPad after finding out about these. Disappointment is an understatement. I hope the next Alienware line is still good.

 

I like them, I thought the older style looked like cheap plastic junk.

 

Mass dissapointment after SXPS

 

the previous one was better in looks IMO

 

voted "yes," because I think it's an improvement. likes: shape and style is good, power connector has been moved to the back rather than side. Minuses are: lack of ExpressCard, 16:9 screen and it's made worse by lack of 1080p (on current configurations) and RGBLED. would I buy it? No.

 

I like it okay. My main issue with the looks is the "butt" sticking out in the back.

Other than that, I think it's fine. I wish it had touch-sensitive media buttons, though...

 

From the material to the vent placement, I would say that this is miles ahead of the SXPS. Do I like the look? No, it's no where near as pretty looking as the SXPS.

 

QFT!

I can see how the "butt" is necessary in something like the original Adamo where the main chassis is simply too thin to house any ports, but in mainstream machines, it's ugly and ridiculous.

It looks to me a strange mix of Latitude, Inspiron, and ENVY, a real "design by committee". The overall aesthetic seems to be missing a coherent focus, but at the same time this makes it strangely fresh and visually interesting at the very least.

I like how it's honest about being fairly thick. The chassis doesn't really try to hide it by being wedge-shaped or by having a really aggressive slope under
the palmrest. On the other hand, the very fact that it is somewhat chunky and heavy makes it a bit less appealing.

1366 x 768 is also a fail.

Lack of a slot-load is nice.

Optimus would be nice.

So would USB 3.

Overall I wouldn't buy it, but I wouldn't have bought any of the previous XPS or SXPS machines either.

 

Not keen on them right now - but maybe the design will grow on me over time.

 

I think the current generation (SXPS 13, 16) are much better looking than these. The current gens are more chiseled and look more professional and well built than these ones, which look kind of juvenile. These should be the Ispiron series.

 

What were they thinking..

~Facepalm~

 

I don't like them at all. And it is really disappointing they went with tray loading drives. And Mini DisplayPort? There is absolutely no reason to use Mini DisplayPort and it just allows Apple to keep changing for the sake of it.

I also dislike the rounded screen. Overall this is a BIG step down from the SXPS. And no 13" model sucks.

 

I like that they aren't fingerprint magnets, and how the exhaust doesn't vent onto the screen, but that's about it. Besides the metal finish, it just looks, well, generic. The whole 'butt' thing really gets me. Also, why make the lid so crazy thin compared to the rest of the laptop, it really doesn't match for me.

 

are the specs that list two USB 3 ports on the XPS 17 false?

 

The 15 and 17 have it, the 14 doesn't.

 

Yeah, I'm talking about the 14. The 15 and 17 look a bit more like "traditional" Inspirons or Studios with a bit of metal finish here and there.

 

its doesnt look premium at all. its the same design as the 15r. But specs it looks good.

 

I agree they dont look as chiseled, or well made but IMO the SXPS range are far from well made, I've had mine in to be repaired 5 times now, 3 motherboard replacements, failed USB ports and then the palmrest needed replacing as the laptop was literally falling apart. Even after it went in the first time it came back 'not right' as the tech could not put it back together as it should have been.

To add to this, my poblems are continuing and I'm going to request either a refund or system replacement (diff model), the XPS 15 would be a adaquate replacement considering the problems I've had. I quite like the look of the new range, they look more 'serious' for those who use their laptops for work - shame no anti-glare screen options..

I think this new range has solved a few of the issues the SXPS range will always have;
-Location of fan
-Screen being scratched up by keyboard
-Slot Load DVD

 

How is a slot-load DVD a problem? Most consider that to be a good feature.

 

I think my SXPS 1647 is very classy looking. I am bothered by the fingerprints, but the machine itself is beautiful. As for the vents, my machine runs so cool, the case barely even gets warm (i5 540M / ATI 5730) so that isn't an issue.

The new machines are nice looking, but not on par with the SXPS in my opinion. They appear very thick to me. They clearly will not be fingerprint magnets, so that is a bonus. But to me they just look ordinary, average. Also, not to sound like a broken record, but no 1600x900 option... deal breaker for me.

 

I think they look decent. People are blowing the design way out of proportion.

 

Agreed. Maybe a little thick, but nice.

My problem is 100% the fact that you can't upgrade the GPU from the base 420M on the 14 and 15 without getting a quad-core, and thus sacraficing Optimus.

It's a deal-breaker for me.

 

What's special about the vent placement?

 

I agree, slot load it the way to go.

 

Agree 100% I have the 1647 too, it's a great machine! I don't know about the keyboard scratching screen issues that ppl have mentioned since I've had mine less than a month. The top of the base has 2 rubber bumpers under the speakers, maybe this is an improvement compared to 1640/1645?

 

Terrible looking compared to my two year old m1330 and way worse than the model after that. What is Dell thinking?

Can you still get the year old xps?

 

I agree that SXPS 16 looks much better.... I love the sleek and clean looks of the SXPS 16, whereas the new XPS 15.... (sigh) I've got used to it after seeing it couple of times, but my initial impression was that it looked rather crude and chunky.

But I am more than willing to forgive this design if this permits better cooling (and therefore less heat) and a more solid build... I've seen a couple of SXPS with cracked hinges - it still worked fine, but the broken hinge protruded maybe half a cm out at the sides, bothering me every time.

Actually spec-wise, its pretty much perfect for me...

FHD B+RG LED LCD (assuming its performance is superior to normal LED LCD) and Blu-ray option for $1100~$1200 is the only reason I'm getting one...

 

I find it laughably ridiculous that anyone even cares what they look like. I care about what functions they support, how they perform, and how well they can be packed and moved around. I couldn't care less how they look.

As for slot-load versus tray load, well, I'd prefer a media bay so I didn't have to disassemble the laptop to remove and replace the useless optical drive with a useful hard drive. For the couple of times a year I actually use an optical drive, I'll use an external. I wish they'd sell these machines with no optical drive at all.

 

i was expecting some 13 inch laptop ultra-portable and thin laptop not those kinda of laptop kinda disappointment

 

I use my laptop for business use also and get alot of the 'micro' cd's that are half size disks, these come as business cards, promo material, sometimes small software apps and most commonly they come with drivers on them with gadgets you get off ebay - these dont work in the slot load drives to my knowledge and I've been left trying to get them out with tweezers after stupidly attempting to make them work!

The vent on the side is good for people who like to lounge about with their lappy IMO, often I'll check my email in bed and the back vent gets covered easily, the side is never covered.

Although a slight disadvantage with the HDMI and power on the back for lounging, this is great when I use my lappy for work as it's out of the way and hidden.

The keyboard scratching problem occurs if your moving your laptop around alot, in a laptop bag.. the screen gets pressed up against the keys and it wears, I found this out the hard way after hoping it wouldnt happen but dell replced the screen and I got a 'shaggymac' keyboard protector. I am now very careful how I load my SXPS in the lappy bag, and how I carry it to ensure minimal impact on the screen (not that it really matters now I have the protector).

 

C'mon, we can have design and function. It's not like Apple where we're sacrificing design FOR function, as in AntennaGate.

 

Actually, remember the m1210? Would love to see an i3 or i5 in one of those.

 

Do you have the 1647 with the bumper feet located by each speaker?

 

All SXPS 16 models had those. The problem is that the screen STILL flexes down to meet the keyboard/palmrest.//

 

The above is correct... I don't see it being a problem if you are just opening and closing the lid while its on your desk.. but the screen does flex down to meet the keyboard, and yes mine does have the rubber feet located below the speakers.

 

No, its doesn't look premium, inside like a Vostro, outside like an Inspiron. Single fan cooling and not dual, the USB 3.0 missing on the 14'' version. However as I already mentioned in a different topic the biggest problem is the weak graphics.

 

The XPS 15 and 17 GPUs have yet to be benchmarked.

 

not at all, IMO it looks cheaper (but then again, the base price is lower than that of the previous XPS 16** generation) and reminds me more of a netbook than anything else.

just from pictures alone, the design is uninspiring. could mistaken it for an inspiron notebook. don't like some of the port placements. weight wasn't decreased by much. less powerful video card (and also the fact they switched to nvidia).

of course, i could be wrong and it might be a good improvement and the laptop might feel real solid with a nice fit and finish from the aluminum.

 

Overall I don't like it, but there Was one improvement.

Good:
1. Aluminium palm rest, sides, and some parts
2. No leather crap
3. Vent is finally not blocked like M1330 or SXPS 16
4. Touchpad looks nice?

Bad:
1. No multimedia touch keys like XPS M1330 or SXPS 16! Horrible!
2. Its own touch keys are ugly and useless!
3. Keyboard and power button/top area looks crappy
4. Just look at the display and bezel and screen parts, ugly

 

well my 2.8yrs old m1330 looked wayy better than this xps .I m seriously dissappointed with the design.I am pretty used to slot load,this tray load doesnt suit me!Moreoverit looks like a toy laptop with round screen edges and generic hinge covers.Where are the illuminating rings on hinges that xsps had.
This is TECHNOLOGY DISASTER that made a 6yr old loyal dell customer cry!

 

Looks pretty good to me, I have in the family an 1330, 1340, 1640 and I am using the 1645. I like the new look overall. I wish it was a little thinner but that's my only beef, hope to get to play on one soon.

 

Unadorned and elegantly functional is what I prefer. For my taste these have better aesthetics than the old XPS.

 

It looks much worse than the Studio XPS 16, Vostro, Studio, actually pretty much every other line. Its rounded edges, thickness, and bland black keyboard reminds me of those heavy-duty box-like laptops from the last decade. -.-';
I guess it's a cheap alternative to the Studio XPS 16. Funny as technology should advance and people's taste should advance with it, but Dell is going backwards. Lower specs, cheaper screen, and worse look, "compensated" by its not-so-cheap only proportionally lowered prices.

 

Uh, the XPS 16 had a plain black keyboard too...

 

Haha, oh man, I remember lusting after the XPS m1210 back in the day. Those were pretty cool little machines, though I seem to recall there being a number of issues, too.

 

What I meant to say is a plain black keyboard + touchpad + CPU area, whatever you call that entire inner deck.

 

Honestly, "generic" is one of the things I actually like about some Dell laptops. I remember a few years back when they started introducing glossy lids in all sorts of colors. I remember those hideous HP laptops that looked like they were trying all too hard to make them look alien and futuristic. It irritates me to no end that that design aesthetic is still around. I do not want bling in my laptop, dangit!

Two years ago, I bought a pair of Dell Vostro 1400s - they had a minimalistic design and completely matte, down to the screen. These things were just simple, black boxes. I loved that! It seemed so counter cultural at the time.

I've upgraded to the SXPS and I like the simple lines and color. I HATE the glossy lid, to say nothing about the screen.

I like the fact that the new design doesn't go out of its way to stand out. I also like that it doesn't appear to be a fingerprint magnet. Overall, it's not bad. I would not be ashamed to be seen with one. It's not going to attract stares at the coffee shop or library.

 

I had an m1210.... It just died about 3 months ago after 5 years of faithful use, that's my only experience with the XPS series, has quality dropped or gone up since my trusty 12.1"?

 

Hey ther, i´m new to the forum, o posted some overview on that other topic about the new XPS, but as this one only goes to aesthetics, ím copypasting my poersonal overview here too:

Some guy said there that things like this happens when you dont hire an Industrial Designer and let the engineers do all the stuff; and another guy saiys that he misses the led lights over de case... c´mon guys, to the one who misses the lights, go buy an Alienware, that´s what they´re ment for.

To the one who talks 'bout industrial designers... What part of this machine do you thikn was done by an engineer? I mean, it seems they're trying to put some aesthetical innovation out ther, all that "junky back" thing no one seems to like, i find it quite risky from their side, and sometimes we know that´s what design´s about, a paradigmatic break over, of course it always depends on consumers to like it or not, but i find it quite accurate.

Looking at te profile, damn, its very, very polished, the curve lines breaking at the half of the side are very interesting, it gives a stonrg idea of continuityand the "forward" display, when the machine is closed, it gives some layering idea, wich i certainly like; not to say the all set looks VERY professional with the anodized aluminiom finish.

And by the way, the "butt"... i just like it, i think it´s innovative, i mean, you can only find this on dells (adamo, vostro, XPS), it´s like some car brands head grill, a common designator over a whole line of products, i don´t see how bad it can be to habe this XPS related to the inspiron, or the vostro, it may be XPS, but stills being Dell (like, say, the 1, 3,5 series from BMW, they still the same brand, but different models aimed for different markets), maybe its thikness, well, i really HOPE that it´s thickness will provide some better ventilation (as i went for de i7 model), besides, i find the port´s ubication as a very interesting excersise to "move things back", you know, ther ehere they don´t bother you while working.

Maybe things change a little as you lift the display, it seems it´s like very near to the keyboard, and the hinghes, well they really call your attention, because they are so exposed, but maybe it could have been some kinda "design intention", tho "show" the components ant their roughness, maybe they found better results on thes kinda hinges than in the ones we found in the SXPS. One bad aspect i think its the unproportioned display bezel, yes maybe you guys are right about this, the excesively round edges on de display beze look awesome as the laptop´s close, but as you open it, well, it may take a long while to get used to them. The media keys also are a little bit useless, maybe at least some touch sensitive volume control would had been better, but i don´t see how that can be a real problem, like to ask "WHY DELL, WHY"...


I´ll add a couple of things: i´d preffer a chiclet style keyborad, but just for a "fashionable" thing, you know, it´s like "new laptops have chiclet style keyboards"... but to be honest, I DEFINETLY LOVE my current HP DV4's keyboard... it has a perfect pressure resistance, perfect "noise" (you know, that kinda soft click)... the keys shape, the distance between pressed-unpressed, ITS MAGNIFICENT, sadly they moved onto the chiclet style keyboard, and, to be honest, i´ve been typing on a few Macs lastly, and thers nothing catchy on me aabout that kinda keyboards... i HOPE it happens the same whit this "classic" styled keyboard in the XPS...

Nothing more than that...