New Dell XPS L521X (Ivy Bridge)

yeah im waiting for the xps to show up, as i am considering the asus g55 too.
Though if the xps shows up with equal and better than speculated hardware in some areas, i will definitely jump on the bandwagon.

 

Same here, also seriously considering the refreshed Samsung S7 15", and maybe even the 17" (as the latter is pretty much the size of slightly longer 15.6").

 

This is almost surely my next computer. As long as the screen is over 60% gamut (please please please give the RGB-LED option).

 

I have to say I really enjoyed reading this topic. I was searching for news of the XPS launch and I really appreciated the reasonable, polite tone of your conversation with Bill.
Now I know a lot more, although I'm afraid the new XPS might not be what I'm looking for. My old Vostro 1500 is slowly dying, and I'm looking for a laptop for gaming that is not a gaming laptop (basically no AW and things like that, too bulky and overdesigned for my taste), so I'd like to go for the top of the consumer range without stepping over to the dedicated gaming machines.
Looks like that sweet spot I was looking for is getting eroded by the stylish Envy/XPSz models, and I can see why. Oh, well. I'll wait and see the new XPS anyway, just because I had a great experience with Dell (my Vostro had an epic run of five years with lots of gaming!).

 

I hear you about AW. I wish that Dell's "extreme gaming" laptop was the XPS series like it was once upon a time and that they featured GTX grade cards. Of course, that would make them bulkier, but I think Dell would find a way not to "overdesign" it as you put it or make it look like it's meant to be used by teenagers and only for gaming. I have actually owned an AW before and am not completely against owning one again if it's the best choice, but I still concur with you. I usually really like Dell's designs and is generally why I lean towards them. The L521X may just end up being the best-looking laptop I'll have bought yet, and it should still have decent enough gaming prowess.

Now, the L502X isn't particularly good-looking and is one exception to the superior design I feel Dell usually employs, but I wasn't going to pass up that sweet display.

 

My old xps broke about 3 weeks ago and I decided not to fix it, I've been trying to hold out for a good ivy bridge laptop and have loved the previous xps models but I'm dieing without a computer. Any word on when the new xps will be available? Also been looking at the hp dv6. Looks pretty good and has good specs, anyone have any insight into the differences? The dv6 id be looking at would be a 650m and the 2.2ghz I7. Would like an SSD but not for the extra $200 they want, also getting the 1080p screen and all for around $1100. Any insights?

 

I think, if you want one with decent graphics the new HP dv6t is the one to go to, it has an gt650 (the xps probably only has gt640) and ivy I7. If you have some time to wait i would wait another month or two, for the new xps, asus n56, now isn't realy the best moment to buy a new laptop because there are a lot to be anounced in the upcoming weeks.

 

Sometime in early-to-mid July is the best guess right now. Nothing official has been announced date-wise. Note that the time frame is the same for the dv6/dv7. They've been announced for July 3 iirc. Everything is waiting on Intel to release the rest of the Ivy Bridge chips.

 

I like it bulky and heavy , as long as it runs cool and fast
What is the point of superslim slow toaster ?

 

Hi ZXRaziel, I agree whole heartedly!

 

I totally agree. I like the current XPS L702X body design and I am really afraid about these upcoming Dell XPS models when Dell tries to slim down the XPS 15 and 17 inch models that they will sacrifice on cooling, removal of ports (number of USB, HDMI, eSATA ports) and maybe the removing the JBL subwoofer which is a great idea. I also like having ports in the back of the computer and I wouldn't want all my USB, HDMI, eSata, and power ports on the sides of the computer.

I just hope the XPS 17 model doesn't get butchered up and deviates too much from the XPS 17 L702X body design. I have been waiting patiently to upgrade my laptop and I hope its worth the wait.

 

Hi guys, I just have one question. I saw something on the web saying the xps 15 l521x is the replacement for the current xps 15z. Anybody know if this is true? If it is, what's going to happen to the xps 15 l502x? Thanks!

 

My God, you're right. Everything that's not a bulky and heavy machine is a superslim slow toaster with no point.
Thank you, I have seen the light, and now my personal preference is completely different.


Edit: ...That reads snarkier than intended. Sorry. To each their own, is what I suppose I meant.

 

Apparently the L521x will replace both the XPS 15 and XPS 15z.

 

The HP dv6/dv7 are already available, there are even people who have one already, and it isn't the only notebook with ivy bridge already for sale now.

 

Seems that way. At least, I don't see much of a reason to keep going with either one of them if the leaked specs are accurate. Maybe that's why they're waiting this long to make an announcement...Maybe they want the 15z to be at least 1 year old first. Stupid thought?

 

You are right, it can be ordered off the HP site. Now I have to track down the place where I saw it wasn't until July 3 (and this was within the last week mind you on a reputable site, just can't remember which) and shoot someone

 

That is unconfirmed. I really hope the XPS 15 will stay. The best all round notebook by far. And cheaper than the N53 and dv6 in my country...

 

Either that or they have quite a few 15z's in stock and want to dump them before introducing the replacement.

I'm not sure why you're contradicting my statement and then agreeing with it. When released, the L521x will be called the XPS 15, so the existing one will be no more. If you like the look, build or make of it for some reason, I suggest you buy it now.

 

My trusty studio 1555 will last me a few more years.


I just wanted to say that i consider the L521x a successor of the xps 15z. If dell decides to kill the XPS 15 as well, in exchange for something that is merely thinner and more powerful. I see such a move as a downgrade to the great speakers, display and features. And i will be very disappointed if dell makes that move. The probability of dell killing the home/end keys, dedicated touchpad buttons and adding gorilla glass is certainly not a wise move.

 

Im really hoping that this does have the anti-glare display like the rumor states.

I recently had the chance to have a MBP with the high res/antiglare and fell in love with the screen itself, but I returned it since new computers are coming out so soon.

This may be my next laptop. Cant wait for more news.

 

Speakers have yet to be determined. Judging by the leaked photo, and the 2-3 inches on either side of the keyboard, I'd be shocked if they didn't keep the JBL speakers which were unanimously lauded for their quality. The display will most likely keep the R+GB-LED option. Definitely gone are the home/end, page up and down keys. The arrow keys are reduced in size as well. The touchpad buttons are still there but they appear to be more built-in than separate entities. Gorilla glass was hinted at. Not sure why it's necessary on a laptop. Anti-glare/matte finish would be a better option.

 

I think Dell intends the L521X to be the successor to the XPS 15z, rather than the XPS 15. Bill from Dell made this pretty clear as well: "A very significant evolution of the current XPSz's, not a bland refresh with new CPU/GPU/SSD." Bill also mentioned that there would be a 14" variant, which supposedly would replace the XPS 14z.

What Bill wasn't able to clarify is what would happen to the traditional XPS line (ie w/ JBL speakers, high gamut, larger size, etc). Ideally, the JBL speakers and high gamut screen would go into the L521X, but I wouldn't be too hopeful. Bill did state that there would be changes to the lineup and naming, but I think they'll keep the traditional XPS line somewhere, possibly with the XPS 17 as there was no mention of a thin 17in laptop. The L521X is slated to not have 45W CPU's, and I imagine Dell will want to use the higher end i7's somewhere. (the Inspiron 15R SE also only uses 35W CPU's)

 

I don't know, guys. I could be wrong, but the idea of two XPS 15s existing simultaneously when one is both smaller and more powerful than the other just doesn't make any sense to me, regardless of whether or not they offer a B+RG display and JBL speakers and subwoofer.

But then, the current XPS 15 having that B+RG option whereas the 17 does not (actually, no other laptop I've personally seen from any manufacturer has offered it ) also never made sense to me.

 

My Current VAIO Z has got the Adobe RGB screen (not sure the difference between this and the B+RG your stating). There are other laptops that also offer it as an optional extra.

 

I think RGB > B+RG > WLED
I knew they had to be out there, I just don't know why I don't see them on more models. People love them.

 

The B+RG option on the XPS 15 has been removed from the belgium & holland store

 

I agree. Nothing wrong with AW, I never had one but I know they're great. Just not for everyone and every situation.
It's quite interesting that the trend seems to drive towards more and more 'specialized' machines, obliterating the high-end/all-round solutions. It's probably a side effect of the more general direction towards goal-oriented options in computing, with smartphones and tablets. You know, like the Steve Jobs metaphor of the truck and the city car. Within the laptop market, this leads to very very basic all-round entry-level machines, then sleek/thin/design higher level and finally gaming beasts. Categories are becoming more clear-cut, with less overlapping between them (with XPS-like models as the first casualty).

Yes, absolutely. I'll certainly wait, while hoping that my Vostro doesn't suddenly die. Thanks for the heads-up on the HP, it looks good. I don't know if I trust HP, though. I really wanted to stick with Dell after such a great experience with the Vostro, but ultimately I have to be flexible. I'll also keep an eye out for the Asus N56.

 

We will know more in about 3 weeks.

Hold on guys/girls...just hold on.

 

B+RG means that the display uses Blue LEDs.
RGB means LEDs in Blue, Red and Green are used.
WLED= only White LEDs. A white LED is actually a blue LED with a phosphorous layer.

 

B + RGLED is just a fancy WLED display.
edit: If you'll notice Clevo's use the same display as a 95% gamut screen, and call it WLED, it's just Dell Marketing.

 

Does the fact that it only uses blue LEDs explain the somewhat "pinkish" red? I mean, I know everyone just loves the B+RGLED screen, but I find the colors over-saturated and a little off.

 

From what I understand, it's more of an issue with the wide gamut and improper color mapping, than the color of the backlight.
ie applications that aren't color space aware take the sRGB colorspace (~82% of AdobeRGB) and "stretch" them out onto the 95+% AdobeRGB panel, resulting in over-saturated colors.

 

Ah thanks for that, always wondered what it meant.

 

i have an really old diagram here that explains it:

 

I wonder if Dell will start dropping optical drives and Ethernet ports?

 

Dropping ethernet ports? What have you been smoking?

 

That's what supposedly is happening in the new Macbook Pro refresh to make them thinner. I hope Dell doesn't follow Apple in that regards.

MacBook Pro and iMac with next-gen Ivy Bridge processors crop up on benchmarks (update) -- Engadget
New MacBook Pro rumored for summer with Retina display, ultrathin design, USB 3.0 | The Verge

 

They shouldn't remove Ethernet. millions are still using Ethernet.

 

Dell better not remove Ethernet ports. There are still places that do not have wifi or have weak access points which Ethernet would serve better purpose. I am 100% not a fan at all of thinner laptops.

I just think thinner laptops are opening the door to cooling problems and the loss of interface ports. Ultrabooks maybe what people like but I would never buy an ultrabook. I do not want to sacrifice any USB ports, Cd rom drives and definitely not the Ethernet port. I would welcome a slot cd rom drive vs. tray cd rom drive.

 

most of those things are becoming external... i realize that some people need it but most of the general population who will buy this laptop probably wont. if ethernet ports are needed, there are dongles... most people dont use more than 2 usbs anyway... if you need more u get an extension... for cd drive i think i have used mine for like 4 times in the past 4 years almost everything is online now where people can access it. other countries maybe not but thats still a very small portion of the costumers. if need be they could buy external dvd drives.. I personally wouldnt mind having all those things but I would rahter it be thinner and lighter so i could live without it.

and laptop components are also getting more efficient thus less heat thats why they are making thinner laptops

 

Just seen this, the laptop looks very much like an XPS but with an edge to edge screen?

 

That looks like the current XPS 14z to me.

 

I use 3 USB ports on my XPS 15 when docking as a desktop. One for mouse, one for keyboard, and sometimes plug in an external drive. As for DVD drives, many people still install software and rip music. Also, what if you need to reinstall the OS. And although I don't use the ethernet port that much, wireless sometimes is spotty or you might need to configure your router. Most of this stuff you can work around but it's more convenient having them available.

 

i realize that quite a few people cant live without these ports but im talking about the majority of the people. I do sometimes use more than 3 usb ports but most people wont be hooking up a keyboard and external drive to a laptop that has both of them. also you dont have to carry a dongle along all the time for the ethernet port... that would bae only where you get spotty wifi (yes i have felt that too and im going to be hooking my laptop up to my dorm ethernet connection this fall in college when i can ) similarly with the dvd drive. u already said u got an external one use it when u need to. alot of things are online like i said and OS can be bootable off of usb. I personally would rather have a stronger gfx card/cpu with a more effiecient cooling system that an odd because i would be using them more often vs dvd.

 

You can buy an Ethernet dongle for $15. You can buy an external DVD player for $65. If Dell can promote a slimmer laptop profile with a lighter weight, they'll sacrifice the innards for the better marketability.

Having said that, the new XPS 15 will have an Ethernet port and a DVD/Blu-Ray option. Dell isn't killing those off the way Apple is. The new XPS 15 is a clone of the current 15" MacBook Pro, whereas the new 15" MacBook will more closely resemble the MacBook Air, thus it has to lose some ports and the optical drive. My point being, Apple is one generation ahead of other laptop OEMs which are merely copying their lead. I asked Bill this question and he became all testy: If Windows is on 90%+ of the world's computers, why is Dell copying Apple which is only on 5%? I'll never be able to figure that one out.

And never-mind losing the optical drive or even the Ethernet port. Losing the page up/down, home & end keys, as well as cutting the arrow keys in half (which the new XPS 15 does) you will notice that change in your typing performance immediately. Keyboard and screen are the two most important aspects of a laptop, and from what I can tell they've already ruined the keyboard. Here's hoping we at least get the R+GBLED.

 

Like I said, there are workarounds to having these ports and drives but as of today there are two classes of notebooks, ultrabooks for portability and full featured laptops. The XPS is a full featured notebook and these inputs won't go away in the near future. If the L521X is a XPS z replacement, they might remove it but not if it is a XPS replacement.

The funny thing is that if you do much traveling, you will find you miss these ports more if you don't bring the adapters and external drives. A lot of hotels still don't have wireless in the room (they usually have them in the lobby) but have ethernet jacks. And when on a train or plane is when a lot of people want to watch a DVD or blu-ray on their laptops.

 

I like the thinning trend but not at the expense of [moderate] gaming capability and would rather keep the internal optical drive, preferrably slot.

I like most things small, though. Very simple, very minimalistic. I'm just un-American that way.

That was the main reason I switched to laptops from desktops a few years ago, though. Got tired of all those big, separate components and wires.

The L521X sounds right up my alley.

 

I understand what you mean and I think that is why there are ultrabooks for those that care only about portability and light weight. But for, I would say the majority of us on this forum, we still want a laptop to be act like a desktop replacement and we don't want to sacrifice USB ports, Ethernet port, a dvd drive, and enough room for decent fan cooling for the laptop to be a couple mm's thinner.

I do use my USB ports and not all laptops come with a numerous amount ports. Nowadays you just see 2 USB ports on laptops and my wired/wireless mouse takes up one of them. Also I do worry about providing enough cooling especially on these high end XPS laptops running Nvidia dedicated graphics and i7 processors. Ultrabooks on the other hand run Intel integrated graphics and i3 or i5 processors which run cooler and even those need decent fan cooling.

Sounds like you should just buy a XPS ultrabook since you value thinness over everything.

 

haha dont get me wrong i would lvoe to have everything included but you cant get that and also have thiness thus im trying to find the perfect balance .