New XPS 15z

It's good... hard to compare to the glass touchpads of the Macbooks but at least it's big and has double buttons.

I'm a big desktop keyboard typist so not many notebooks can give me the same feedback... esp the newer chiclet style ones. It takes some getting used to and as I've posted before, I've grown use to the shallow feedback due to usage of an MBA... but it's not as good as a "normal keyboard".

I used to do reviews for notebooks many years ago before the PC magazines started actually posting reviews when the laptops released (as opposed to months after) so I'll have to look to see if they still have battery test suites out there. One of the best ones I used was by LaptopMag I think that actually installed Office programs and ran different things over a period of time. I don't think Engadget's video loop test is indicative of real life battery usage. I'll post my results after I do one overnight.

So far it's been fairly quiet but I haven't been running any videos or doing anything other than web browsing and installing a few programs. I'll know more once I move stuff over from my other laptop.

I think any "power" laptop is going to give you fan issues... for ultra quiet, you'll probably have to go SSD and lower voltage CPU. As for typing, you will get used to any keyboard you use so I don't think that should be a big worry.

The good thing about not having the 10-key is that the mouse pad is centered giving your left hand more palm space. Part of the problem with the 10-key notebooks is that your left hand is sometimes on the edge of the notebook. In addition, you're centered to the screen better.

I almost got a Sony CB 16" and went to look at it again today as a comparison... glad I didn't... the Dell looks better, is thinner (for some reason the Sony screen is super thick) and all around styled better. As much as people disdain the MBP cues, it's nice to have the curves and the edges are actually softer than the MPB because of the chrome trim... just worried how much wear and tear those will take.

The keyboard landing seems plastic-y to me... I read it's a magnesium alloy but unlike the MBA, I can tell if it's metal or not by the coolness to touch. The lid and bottom seem metallic though.

As for dual-core/quad-core and graphics... I'm not a gamer nor do I run CPU intensive tasks so it's not a concern of mine. In fact, I was close to just getting a refurb Latitude 6500 Core2Duo because of the WUXGA screen (but the size is beastly). This laptop hits probably all my needs other than the keyboard layout... so 9/10 works.

 

Thank you for the info! I can't wait to get mine tomorrow. I have a 128 GB SSD to install and do a fresh install of Win 7 Ultimate! It IS INDEED going to be a nerd fest weekend

 

Let me know how that SSD install goes... the 15z doesn't have an HD access panel so you'll either have to remove all the screws on the bottom or go through the keyboard.

I want to go SSD myself so I'll wait for you to be the guinea pig first!

 

No need to a guinea pig. As per the service manual, the XPS 15z should be very easily servicable. All you need to do is remove the base cover and you will have access to most key components - much easier than XPS 15 (at least for the hard disk replacement).
Btw, also as per the manual, replacing the battery should be a breeze...

 

Btw, now we need an XPS 15z L511z owners lounge...
NBR mods usually seem to be on top of these things.

 

Can anyone confirm whether the battery of the XPS 15z is user replaceable?

 

Thanks for the link.

Still not as easy as "Remove 1 screw, slide off cover, replace hard drive".

Seems like you have to remove the battery to change the hard drive... but at least it's good to know that the battery is somewhat replaceable too.

 

According to mazyarjr's service manual link... it is.

 

it is indeed but you need to remove bottom cover


but i was thinking for fast batery removing when is no need for battery power

 

Is the hard disk Sata II or Sata III? I was unable to find that information in the online documentation...

 

I think its Sata III so a vertex 3 would be nice. Also why is no one interested in a user swap mod like BLu-Ray drive burner or player? I find this hard to believe ? This slot load NEC drive without the bezel would fit New! NEC BC-5600S Internal Blu-ray/DVD burner comb | eBay

Or one of these must fit it! http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_kw=Blu-ray&_kw=burner&_kw=slot

Blu Ray drive slot load 128 mm x 12.7 mm x 129 mm with SATA connection is all the dell 15z needs. Maybe I will just have to get my 15z and order a bluray burner and fit it.

Edit: Has anyone tried to overclockthis yet? Is it possible on the new sandybridges?

 

This Dell XPS 15z is UGLY, I would say FUGLY. Total ripoff copycat Apple Macbook Pro. It's a clone, but a "cheap" clone. The new XPS 15z is very similar with fake branded handbag you found in China market, except this laptop is a working unit. Everything else it's a cheap copycat. The rounded shape keyboard, the material color (shiny silver), the slot loading cd-rom, it has that border grid (looks cheap), the speaker!!!, makes it complete to become a cheap clone. No offense to Dell, I love their desktop, and server, but I would love to see something more innovative. If you want to copy it, make it something better!!

 

It looks much nicer in person.

I originally called it the Uglamo when I first saw the pictures but I like the minimalist design with a bit of flair.

Then again, I'm biased because I actually bought one.

The screen is great... I think the glossy finish makes the colors stand out more (which is what I noticed with MacBooks).

Now Dell just needs to come up with a proper MacBook Air clone (let's ignore the Adamo XPS) similar to the Sammie Series 9 but with a higher res screen.

 

I've read that some slot-load drives tend to scratch disks.

 

If you shake it with the disc in there/turn it on it's side while the disc is spinning, it's like a ps3/360, don't move it around while a disc is in there, even tray drives will scratch disks.

 

Latitude E4200 Laptop Details | Dell

 

Obviously it makes no sense to shake a PC when a disk is spinning.

I think it may be more an issue of disks being scratched when the transport mechanism grabs them to pull them in and later to eject them.

 

How is this like a Samsung Series 9?

1. Core2Duo vs. i5
2. 1280x800 (not high res to me) vs. 1366x768 (needs to be higher)
3. .79 in vs .64 in

Looking for something more super thin like the S9 or MBA (but with better screen, although the MBA 13 with 1440x900 is pretty good).

 

It could be possible to get xbox 360 deal with this, even if you didn't buy it through the student site (which makes you buy extra warranty on it, negating xbox 360 deal). You would have to call dell support after you get it delivered.

If you are military or know someone who is, dell is giving discount through AAFES for this model - *AAFES (Military ONLY)* Dell XPS 15z Laptop i5-2410M, 720p, NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M 1GB, 8cell battery$779.99 - Slickdeals.net

I ordered it earlier today - will try to do a review once I get it..

 

MBA13: 1.32 kg
samsung 9: 1,31kg
this: 1.0kg

I agree on the higher res though...

 

Default HDD in the laptop is likely SATA2, but the port is SATA3. Also, after all the failures of the Vertex and Vertex 2, I wouldnt trust a Vertex 3 untill they have been out for a while.

Cant OC Sandy Bridge since the BCLK is limited, and Dell doesnt have multi changes in their BIOSes.

 

You are so right!! The pictures don't do this laptop justice! The keyboard and overall appearance is sooo much better in person! I got mine 3 hours agao and so far I love this beast!

 

post some pictures!

 

Here are the XPS 15Z Tech Specs ... up to 8 hours and 22 minutes of battery life
XPS 15z Laptop Details | Dell

 

Glad that you bought one, @jamezr. So c'mon post some benchmarks, so we know how good it is performance wise.

 

Ordered mine the day before yesterday. Estimated delivery date is June 20th...

 

Having a Dell L702x fully pimped, this new XPS 15z's specs aren't very inspiring. But I'm sure it's quick enough and it's super portable and light. But, once upon a time Dell laptops had their own look and design. These days Dell seem to be trying to be the poor man's MBP but without the chic styling and protoype aluminium casings that cause MBP fans to enjoy.
Sure, there's an elegance to a simple design. Which Apple are very good at designing. But Dell seem to think that minimal is bland....and where are the luxurious materials that define good design? Spray-on thin Aluminium looks exactly like that...and very cheap. The MBP looks lovely due to it's classy casing and radius edges that plastic just can't seem to replicate.
Spec wise, a Dell XPS 17 blows a MBP 17 out of the water...but the MBP is so much nicer on the eyes and feels nicer to use.

 

15z was tested 1h30 of burning Furmark by a french journalist.
Little feeling of warm on the half side of the keyboard, Gpu temp. is stable around 75°C.
So Dell perfectly mastered the warm diffusion without any noticeable noise.

 

Did someone already upgrade with a SSD? Vertex 3? Do you have issues with AHCI Mode, BSOD etc..? Thanks!

 

What benchmarks would you like me to run? I will try to DL those benchmark utilities and post the results....

 

I absolutely agree. I feel like if Dell wants to copy the MBP, it should go ALL the way using all aluminum and entirely being unibody like the MBP. Otherwise it should just stay with its own distinct style like the L502x and therefore won't be ridiculed at attempting to be a pathetic imitation. Personally I love the style of the L502x and it feels solids to me. It exhibits a "manly" feel when I carry it around because it looks and performs like a beast. If I were a girl then I probably wouldn't want anything besides a MBP.

 

Um, grow up Steve Jobs worshiper.......

 

I own a 2.2 MBP 15 and I think it isn't that much of a copy. If this had existed back when I was making a purchase decision then I might've bought this instead. It's definitely one of the nicer Windows PCs that exist at the moment. Thin, light, good battery life and a somewhat solid construction. A decent screen with around 500:1 contrast ratio and good black levels. Sure the XPS 15 has better price to performance ratio, but this much like the MBP caters to a different market; one that values design, construction, thinness, and mobility. The price premium is not that ridiculous. I'm looking forward to seeing if they can get a slightly stronger GPU in the next revision. I'll probably be looking for a Windows PC later due to work.

 

finally a nice 15 inch with all the core features:

*quality build (supposedly), need to check out in person
*thin like a macbook pro
*decent 500:1 contrast screen, RGBLED at this price would be the cherry on top, though maybe not realistic
*reliable battery (lipolymer)

and a few extras:

* a centered trackpad
*native 3 monitor setup display support

and a few question:
* how is the trackpad for multi-touch? is it like a macbook?

too bad i already bought a laptop 2 weeks ago that had the screen I was looking for. dell is a good brand it seems but nicked a little bit by stories about durability (though not as bad as hp laptops) I'll be checking out new laptops for purchase 4 years from now or when the laptop i have dies, whichever comes first. Hopefully by then, the laptops are even better!

 

Dell does make good laptops but their reputation have been seriously tarnished by the Nvidia fiasco. In addition, the average users only know about Dell Home laptops but not the Business models, which are much better.

 

i'm really curious as to how this system performs in games when compared to the MBP

 

Haha no. Just like the xps 1645 which supposedly supported eyefinity you can't use the laptop display and you need a powered displayport adapter if your monitor doesn't support dp

 

Will this laptop get a video card update? 525 is hurting for even casual gaming on the go. The 'old' XPS has at least 540, I'm guessing there are cooling issues to consider with this 'thin' version

 

u guessed right, another thing thats much more appalling is dells cheapass decision of using ddr3 vram instead of gddr5 on the graphics card...

 

uh...so you have a XPS15z? So you can truthfully say it has cooling issues?
I have one and it does not have cooling issues at all! I have it here on my lap for the last 2.5 hours and it is just warm..... and the battery is still at 4.5 hours left! Dell has hit a home-run with the 15z. I have a HP Envy14 that I am selling because this thing just made it obsolete....

 

It's okay, bro. Lots of ppl might be only had 1-3 notebooks.
Most of their comments are based on imagination and website reviews.

I couldn't say it's bad , but it probably misslead to the potential buyers.

Btw, how did u change ur hard drive? God, I spent 1 hr and couldnt open the case.
I fellow the instruction from manual.

 

No problem Yun...I just a little tired of the negativity from those that don't even have the laptop....so how can they know?

Anyway...the base comes off by removing the 8 screws but there are 2 hidden ones. You have to remove the bezel where the USB ports are and remove the 2 little screws. Then pry the base slowly off but it takes more force than you think...it kinda scared me but it did pop off. Be sure to disconnect the battery cable so to kill power. The hard drive and memory slots are right there in plain sight. Hope this helps.... Oh to help pry the base apart after removing the screws I used a plastic screwdriver so as to not scratch anything.

 

You don't buy this laptop for gaming. XPS with exception to the 1710/1730 has never been about serious gamers. If you want gaming, get an Alienware or an ASUS G series.

 

I want a laptop that games decently well on battery.
I had the alienware m14x.... But the performance on battery was pretty bad... Even for games like Starcraft 2....

So I returned that. What do you guys think of this xps15z for gaming on battery? Will it under clock the 525m without the ac adapter plugged in?

I'm not too keen on the m11x because of the crummy display quality.... Either...

 

There's not going to be a single laptop that can game and get decent battery life unless you have like a 2000 cell battery. Even assuming you can find a 9 cell or 12 cell, you'd max out at probably 3 hours.

 

I'm definitely short sighted, but how often would someone game without being plugged in? The way I see it, you game when you're sitting at a desk which is indoors. You need surface to put your mouse on anyway. Then there should be a power outlet close to you. Idk, my head isn't rapping around it.

 

I did removed the two screws from USB ports.
which side u started with? I tried to apply force on it, but they are very strong w/o using tools. If I use tool, it may scratch the case

 

I used a very small plastic screw driver and my fingers to apply pressure all along the edges to get the base to come off....The plastic screw driver won't scratch like a metal one would.....

 

I have plenty of situations where I would like to game for 20-30 mins at a time, at a desk, without a convinient power outlet close by.

I'm just asking a simple question though... Will the gpu under clock itself hill on battery or not?

I used to own an early 2008 MacBook pro that got better performance than the m14x on battery.... I just think those graphic cards are overpowered for those laptops... Not much more than desktop replacements really... No o portable...

But can I please get my question answered instead of debating why I would want to "game on battery"?

 

I made it! It was faily easy.
I used my credit card to pop it off.

The internal layout is beautiful and well thought.