XPS 11 Owner's Lounge

Now that somebody has received the Dell XPS 11, I'd thought we'd start an Owner's Thread...

Welcome Dell XPS 11 owners!



Dell Links:
Learn about the New XPS 11 2-in-1 Ultrabook
Purchase the New XPS 11 2-in-1 Touch Screen Ultrabook
Product Support for the Dell XPS 11 | Dell US

Manuals / PDFs:
Dell XPS 11 Brochure
XPS 11 9P33 Quick Start Guide PDF (166KB)
XPS 11 9P33 Service Manual PDF (2418KB)
XPS 11 9P33 Specifications PDF (1912KB)
XPS 11 9P33 Specifications PDF (119KB)

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) Can the memory be upgraded from 4 GB?
No it is integrated into the system board and cannot be upgraded.

 

Reserved for Mods/Upgrades.

 

Notebook Review - Hands on Dell's Awesome New XPS 11, XPS 13, XPS 15
CNET - Hands-on with the XPS 11
CNET - Dell's new hybrid XPS 11 and 12 flip the script (and their screens) on hybrid tablets (hands-on)
Engadget - Hands-on with the Dell XPS 11: meet Dell's answer to the Lenovo Yoga (video)

 

Some Pics of my new XPS 11

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131203_193825.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131203_193951.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131204_130031.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131204_130045.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131204_130108.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131204_130122.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131204_130225.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131204_130246.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131204_130616.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28335306/20131204_130640.jpg

 

I'm still obsessing about the fan - is that a vent partially hidden by the hinge? Would be in the right place based on what I can see in the service manual.

 

I'm curious about digitizer support. Any chance we can use that instead of a stylus?

 

You know your right. That does look like the vents for the fan after i just looked at it. Pretty neat place to put the vents.

I am about 5 hours into playing with it and fan has not come on once. I have watched videos and mostly web browsing.

 

I am waiting to hear back from Dell on what type we can use. No one seems to know yet.

 

Most importantly, how is the keyboard? Honestly? I am about to buy this but I am concerned that I will not be able to type (fast).

I have used the Surface Touch Cover 2 and it types nicely but I miss the click/feel/sound on confirmation of a key press.
I hear that the XPS 11 has audible and haptic feedback (vibrates) for each key press. Is this true? If so, how is it?

I do not write long essays but I email a lot and also spend a lot of time in the command line (Powershell and bash)

Really look forward to your response(s)

 

The keyboard definitely will have a learning curve. There is NO give at all. There is no haptic feedback (unless i am missing a setting somewhere). There is an audible click every time you touch a key which is really nice. There is also
settings where you can set how hard u touch the keys. U can set it where a very little light tap will work or u can set it for a harder tap.

I have never used the Surface so I can not give you a comparison.

The more I use the keyboard though the more I am getting use to it. Will I be able to type as fast as i do on a regular keyboard, at this point NO, but it isnt that bad at all.

 

FWIW, the description on this one says:

"Compatibility information

The Dell Active Stylus is compatible with the Dell Venue 11 Pro, Dell Venue 8 Pro and the XPS 11."

Dell Active Stylus for Dell Tablets (Windows) : Computer Accessories | Dell

 

My order is for the 256 gb ssd. Order placed on 11/21. Immediately went into production status. Estimated delivery 12/18.

I have the same concern as others do about the keyboard. I suspect it will be up to each of us to determine if it’s suitable for our needs. I was going to buy an Apple tablet but decided to try this to satisfy my need for a tablet and a laptop.

I’d love to hear more about the screen resolution as more laptops are delivered. I know some of those who got the new XPS 15 have played with the resolution or dpi scaling to make the text more readable. I hope it’s not an issue with this laptop. High-resolution screens are great but not if it makes text unreadable and icons to small to see.

Thanks to all for your previous postings.

 

The must of just added that today. Didnt see that yesterday.

 

It´s my understanding that scaling in Windows 8.1 is fine for everything Microsoft controls, i.e. all apps in Modern UI and all Microsoft products in desktop mode (Windows, Office, etc.). The problem seems to lie with desktop programs from other vendors, either because those programs are old and don´t get updated or because those vendors are slow to adapt their software to the rush of hi-res screens. Adobe, for instance, would appear to fall in the latter category but it should only be a matter of time before their suites get the necessary modifications, simply because they can´t ignore the demand of their customers.

 

I'm so happy to find feedback from someone who owns one, that I joined this forum so I could ask this question:

How comfortable/heavy/easy to hold in tablet mode?

I'm due for a new laptop, but I want to downsize my number of devices. I have an Asus Transformer that's getting long in the tooth. I bought the detachable keyboard and never use it b/c it's a hassle to retrieve it, take the tablet out of the cover, and attach the keyboard.

 

Thanks for the info. Just ordered a Windows 8.1 All-in-One book for Dummies. Will have it read before my XPS 11 arrives so hopefully I will understand the Desktop vs. Metro interface and all the stuff that goes with it. Thanks again.

 

Very comfortable to hold in tablet mode.

The weight is not that bad at all. I mean its not as light as an ipad or anything like that but its def manageable.

With the keys being flat, you really dont feel them and its a very natural tablet feeling.

 

Thank you! I just weighed my first-gen Transformer. With the cover attached it's 2.5 pounds, so I should be right at home with the XPS 11.

 

Another question: Is the keyboard backlit?

Early reviews said it would be, but those reviews also said it would come with a digitizer pen and that the keyboard would have haptic feedback.

 

Yes keyboard is back lit

There is a sensor built in that turns it on when room is dark. You can go into settings and also manually turn on.

 

The information about the Stylus was there before. If you go to the available accessories, you'll see the Stylus listed.

I am still wondering about the stylus and more information about battery. In the other thread, you said 79% to 70% in half an hour, which indicates 5 hours. Was it local video or online like Youtube? If the web browsing can become 7-8 hours I'd be satisfied.

 

Hi guys,

Just joined this forum cause of this thread haha. Not an owner yet but the xps11 is the first notebook in years that fascinates me. A few questions to the first lucky owners in case you have some time:

- did you notice any screen problems? The yoga2 quad hd screen apparently has color issues according to some user complaints. I think the dell uses a different panel but maybe it also has problems.

- How does the high resolution work with touch function? Is it aproblem targeting buttons on the windows desktop due to the high resolution?

- hows the wifi? Also the yoga2 seems to suffer from wifi problems ...
Does it meet ac specs in reality?

- hows the ssd in terms of speed? Any idea which ssd model is included? Is it easily exchangeable and would that be possible without loosing the warranty?

- and ideas if dell has worldwide warranty? I am travelling a lot ....

- i would also love to read more about battery life, keyboard issues or other issues with the device, whatever you share is greatly appreciated ....

Thanks and be happy with your cool new tablet

 

Where do you see it?

On this page it doesnt list anything about the stylus.

New XPS 11 2-in-1 Touch Screen Ultrabook


-The video test I did was with an HD movie stored on the hard drive with screen at 50%

 

Ill try to answer as much as i could

- so far no screen problems

- Touch has been working fine. To be honest I have not used the touch that much yet but the little i have it works ok. There is an option to calibrate in settings.

- wifi also has been fine. Good speeds throughout my entire house. RE: ac specs I have no idea

- SSD is very quick. Everything loads fast. My computer is configured with the 128gb SSD. About 80gb are usable.

- Warranty I dont know

- Keyboard will def take getting use to. I am getting use to it more and more and the touch sounds really help when you press a key. Battery life so far has been ok.

Some other points:

- When you fold the laptop into tablet mode the keyboard and mouse pad on the backside become inoperable
- when you touch the windows icon on the screen to get to your charms or desktop there IS haptic feedback when you touch it. Make me think somewhere in settings this thing has haptic feedback but i havent found it yet.
- Speakers are loud and work well.
- Air vents for the fan are hidden in the hinges of the screen. Fan has not come on once since i have had the computer. I have been monitoring CPU temps and they have remained in the 40c range without the fan coming on.

 

The make and model of the SSD is:

Micron c400

 

Are all units shipped from China (manu facility)? can't wait to have it

 

No mine was shipped from Memphis, TN

 

Does anyone know when this model is going to be available in shops?

I visit US in the end of the December (NYC) and would like to buy it. Can't wait until they will release it in Europe.

 

Memphis and El Paso are major import hubs for Dell for overseas manufacturing. They will usually arrive at either location and then shipped elsewhere in the U.S.

 

Mine shipped 12/10 from HAWTHORNE, CA. Order date 11/17.

 

Mine shipped yesterday, middle config with 128 GB SSD. Due to arrive on 17th December! Can't wait to get this little thing, though it was a bit of an impulse buy. I needed a new tablet and a new ultrabook - so the combination made me bite the bullet on the decision.

I have a few reservations about the keyboard, but hey - that's the price of early adoption, and I think I'll learn to use it effectively. Battery life, also - I hope that is upwards of 7 hours *crosses fingers and touches wood*

Anyone else received theirs?

 

Mine with 256gb ssd arrives tomorrow.

I too was looking to buy an ultrabook (Dell, Lenovo, Fujitsu) and a Apple iPad Air but when I saw this I thought I could make a compromise and have the best of both worlds. I'll be looking at fan noise, heat, resolution and keyboard. In the worst case it goes back.

 

thanks for sharing the pics, How did you get the computer this soon? Where did you get it from?

 

Any news about battery life time? Is it 5h or more?
I have just read at some Australian website that it lasted 5h at 85% backlight, video loop.

 

Guys help me decide between this and the surface pro 2. Xps 11's poor battery life and lack of digitizer support is forcing me to cancel my preorder. Seems it is far behind the sp2.
Dell XPS 11 Review - Watch CNET's Video & Read Our Review - page 2

 

Supposedly it does support the Synaptics Active Stylus, the same one used on the Dell Venue Pro 8 & 11. However, the pen is back ordered. 6 hours is pretty good on a 11" system that is driving a QHD display.

Dell's campaign page still says: "An Active Stylus lets you take notes on this thin and lightweight tablet for pinpoint accuracy and better productivity. Lay it flat on your lap to surf social media or pop it in your bag and get going."

Also from the accessories page: "The Dell Active Stylus is compatible with the Dell Venue 11 Pro, Dell Venue 8 Pro and the XPS 11."

 

Man, everything about this device looks mediocre now. Gotta get used to the keyboard, it has a untested digitizer, the battery life is on the minimum side of Intel's Ultrabook specs(6 hours for HD video playback, 9 hours for web browsing, the latter yet to be tested), the QHD's usability is debatable considering 90% of Windows users will be in Desktop, the price isn't that cheap.

I admire Sony's engineering team. The Vaio Duo 13 with a much more capable U CPU gets nearly 9 hours of battery life, or 52% better with 18% larger battery. If it wasn't for the wireless issue, it would very much justify the price.

I assume QHD is actually a liability because it would raise the price, by at least $100 and whatever little battery gain you would have had with IGZO is being wasted.

 

From the Dell Venue 8 thread at TabletPCReview.com, the stylus is being revisioned/redesigned and that's why there's a back-order on them.

 

My XPS 11 finally shipped today, but I also have the Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro in-hand right now. We'll see which one I'll end up keeping.

 

Just got it and using to post. So far I really like the build quality, the keyboard is the biggest adjustment for sure. Has anyone figured out if haptic feedback can be used with the keyboard?

 

For those who already have the XPS 11, how is the typing speed on the keyboard? How many words in a minute can you get in? Do you often press the wrong keys when you type a word, and are you able to type without looking at the keyboard as you can usually do with a traditional laptop keyboard when you get familiar with the position of the keys? It would be much appreciated if someone could let us know.

 

For those who already have the XPS 11, are you using or planning to use any stylus? If so, any particular one?

 

I would only recommend the Dell Active Stylus, I wouldn't use a passive stylus.

 

I ordered on the first day it became available and I chose overnight shipping.

Been using it a little more than a week now. Small keyboard learning curve but I am happy with it.

 

I have the Dell Active Stylus on order.

Will see how it is when it arrives.

 

I actually had the Vaio Duo 11 and sold it to buy the XPS 11

I really liked the Sony, and the build quality and screen were excellent. But the horrible mouse ball (changed to a pad on the 13) really did it over for me, and after a while the design really started
to bother me.

 

I look forward to your feedback. I'm not willing to order the XPS 11 until I hear more hands-on opinions (because I hate going to the post office, which I'd have to do if I decided to send it back).

I went to Best Buy last Sunday to pick up a Yoga 2 Pro and came home with the Yoga 11s because I'll be using it in tablet mode 70% of the time and the Yoga 2 Pro was just too big. I'm fine with the lower resolution of the 11s (I haven't needed to increase the DPI, which I had to do with my other monitors with higher resolution).

But I really wanted the carbon fiber and Gorilla glass. Just not sure it's worth the extra $$$. The XPS 11 keyboard will be a big deal for me, though, because when I do use it as a laptop, it will be for software demos, and I can't afford to be fumbling around.

Loving the form factor, though!

 

The XPS 11 was my dreammachine for some time, but now the first reviews are coming in....it is rejected and written off every single time. The keyboard is an absolute dealbreaker, so it seems! Too bad...loved it...right size, great style, all the right stuff...and now: absolutely worthless!

 

I've had the XPS 11 for 2 days now. I will have an opportunity to really use the keyboard over the weekend but my initial reaction is that this is going back before my 30-days are up. I love the weight, carbon fiber and build quality. I have only heard the fans when doing the initial updates and some software installs and then it was only a faint wisp of air. Light use so far with no noticeable heat being generated. Dual band wifi has yet to drop a signal from any where in our house.

While I really want to love this laptop I don't think I will ever be comfortable with the keyboard. I cannot type as fast as I can with a standard keyboard. While my error rate is low on key selection I'm having a difficult time with the spacebar. Apparently I'm not resting my thumbs in the correct position and I have words running together. It just doesn't feel natural to me. I think power - speed typists will not be happy without some keyboard feedback. Others may find it more than acceptable. I'm sure some will find the laptop; stand, tent and tablet feature far outweighs the keyboard. For me, I think I'm willing to give up the flexibility for a standard ultrabook design unless I fall in love with the Yoga 2 Pro or an updated 11S with Haswell.

I hope others who have received their laptop enjoy it. It was a bold move by Dell and for those who two-finger type it may be a great laptop to own.