XPS 12 Owners Lounge

great work!
added my details:

User--------Order Date-------Estimated Date-------Delivery date---Country----Config

SuperTongue-10-13-12---------10-30-12/11-06-12----11-05-12--------USA-------
IntelUser---10-17-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx-----------CANADA-----i7-8-128
jabbok------10-23-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx
Regret------xx-xx-xx---------11-05-12/11-12-12----xx-xx-
Bill_P------xx-xx-xx---------11-13-12-------------11-07-12--------USA--------
netrowdy----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-07-12--------GERMANY----i5-8-256
PhilipX-----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-05-12--------BELGIUM----i5-8-256
Lioso-------10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------xx-xx-xx--------SPAIN------i7-8-256

so mine should hopefully arrive tomorrow.
currently it is still on its way from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Warszaw, Poland before it will take another ride to Cologne, Germany and further to my nearest UPS-Hub (carrier is UPS)

I should mention that on Monday morning my status was still "in Production". I chatted with Dell (online) to get to know the detailled production status (testing, boxing, etc.). The Dell rep told me that it should already be shipped but there is something unclear. Just at that moment, I´ve checked the status again and suddenly it said "Shipped" with a tracking number. So, I don´t really know if this was by chance or the rep has had any influence on that.
So, probably asking Dell could help speeding up the process. Personally, I can´t believe but who knows - maybe my order has stucked somewhere in the process.

However, I lost the overview and the the time difference are confusing me, too:
Is there already someone who got it? PhilipX? SuperTongue?

 

Hi,

No laptop yet. It took more than a day and a half before I could use the UPS tracking information. Since two hours the tracking info states that my packet is (still) in Shanghai, China. The ETA is this Thursday. Kind regards,

Philip

SuperTongue-10-13-12---------10-30-12/11-06-12----11-05-12--------USA-------
IntelUser---10-17-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx-----------CANADA-----i7-8-128
jabbok------10-23-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx
Regret------xx-xx-xx---------11-05-12/11-12-12----xx-xx-
Bill_P------xx-xx-xx---------11-13-12-------------11-07-12--------USA--------
netrowdy----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-0 7-12-------- GERMANY---- i5-8-256
PhilipX-----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-05-12--------BELGIUM----i5-8-256 , [NEW ETA: 11-08-12]
Lioso-------10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------xx-xx-xx--------SPAIN------i7-8-256[

 

Thanks for creating the table, Lioso, and thanks, netrowdy, for the update. I also updated my information.

User--------Order Date-------Estimated Date-------Delivery date---Country----Config

SuperTongue-10-13-12---------10-30-12/11-06-12----11-05-12--------USA-------
IntelUser---10-17-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx-----------CANADA-----i7-8-128
jabbok------10-23-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx
Regret------xx-xx-xx---------11-05-12/11-12-12----xx-xx-
Bill_P------10-18-12---------11-13-12-------------11-07-12--------USA--------
netrowdy----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-07-12--------GERMANY----i5-8-256
PhilipX-----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-05-12--------BELGIUM----i5-8-256
Lioso-------10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------xx-xx-xx--------SPAIN------i7-8-256

I'm sure the table is a very small sampling of the people who have ordered the XPS 12 and I'm amazed at the geographical diversity,

 

I am glad you all like it. And yes Bill_P, there are only 2 people who share country! I am curious to see where the people is from.

I do not know if start to worry. My order is still in "Pre-Production" (or "Work in Progress" if I translate it directly). It has not reach the "in Production" status yet. May I contact them or is there anybody else with the same status?

 

My system went from "Pre-Production" to "In Production" within the same day. I would contact Dell to see if there is a problem.

 

So does anyone on here actually own one of these yet?

 

Mine actually came yesterday, but I had to leave work early (where it was being shipped to) so I only got my hands on it this morning. And boy, is it nice!



The whole unit feels really solid and worthy of its rather hefty pricetag. I'm coming from a Studio 1749 from two years ago, so I'm completely new to the ultrabook form factor. It boots in seconds and everything flies thanks to the SSD. I got the second tier unit, which has the i7, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD.

Coming from the Studio 17, the keyboard does feel a little cramped, but nothing I can't get use to. Spacing for the keys is pretty nice for the form factor and I honestly think my only issue with the keyboard is the fact that I'm still getting use to it. After about a week of use, I'll be back up to speed.

My favorite part about the XPS 12 is probably the screen. It is seriously incredible. Everything looks sharp and it's incredibly bright (in a good way)! The high pixel density also shows.

As for the hinge, it's certainly something to get use to, but it feels very solid. The aluminum body and frame hold together well while flipping the screen. The touch screen is fantastic and works really well with Windows 8. I've also shown it off to a few friends and coworkers and they really like the design. For $1200, I can't see this taking off beyond a niche market, but I really do love this device.

I'm at work, so sorry if this seems jumpy. If you have any questions or would like more pictures, just let me know and I'll put some up this afternoon or tonight.

 

Looks nice! More pics more pics!

Hey, one thing I was wondering about..when it is in laptop mode, can you see through the frame..like on the sides? Like, is there a gap around the screen?

 

User--------Order Date-------Estimated Date-------Delivery date---Country----Config

SuperTongue-10-13-12---------10-30-12/11-06-12----11-05-12--------USA-------
IntelUser---10-17-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx-----------CANADA-----i7-8-128
jabbok------10-23-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx
Regret------10-12-12---------11-05-12------------------11-12-12-----------USA-i5-8-256--Got delayed
Bill_P------10-18-12---------11-13-12-------------11-07-12--------USA--------
netrowdy----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-07-12--------GERMANY----i5-8-256
PhilipX-----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-05-12--------BELGIUM----i5-8-256
Lioso-------10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------xx-xx-xx--------SPAIN------i7-8-256

 

There is a minor gap around the edges of the screen. Can be noticeable at first, but I've been using it all day and it doesn't seem to bother me anymore. Obviously, this will be a personal preference for some, but it doesn't seem to be a major issue for me at the moment.

I just took a decent number of pictures with my phone, I'll start uploading them now so they should be up fairly soon!

 

SuperTongue, thanks for the review mate!

My biggest concern is the hinge. I'm in the army and travel a lot. So it needs to be sturdy. Do you think it is? Does the whole construction feel solid?

Also, when you look at it, does it "look posh" if you know what I mean? Does it look premium is a better way of putting it?

I'm not bothered about the keyboard, as I am currently using a Alienware m11x so this will be a bigger computer for me.

I am so undecided between this and the XPS 13. But after playing with some windows pcs in a shop today I almost feel touchscreen is a must to get everything from Win8.


Also the Full HD screen.

 

Can you try and take a pic of the minor gap between bezel and screen?

thanks mate!

 

Personally, I do feel as if the hinge is sturdy. It looks like Dell made the force required to start spinning the screen almost perfect. It won't budge for minor bumps and opens without having to crack the thing in half. The whole build of the XPS 12 is awesome. It feels like a "high quality" laptop. The only thing that might take away from its look is the screen gap. I personally don't mind it, but it is there and will always be there. The laptop as a whole feels incredibly sturdy and I absolutely love the carbon fiber feel. It's smooth and great to touch. The aluminum elsewhere adds a premium look to it and just about everyone I've shown it to so far really liked it. Even people walking by were caught catching a glance.

I believe I answered the "posh" or premium question above. Simply, it feels worth the money you're going to pay for it and looks the part, too.

If you're looking between the XPS 12 and 13, I'd probably say the XPS 12 if you really want Windows 8. I personally love it as do numerous others I've shown it to. The only real thing you have to come to terms with is the screen gap. If you can live with that, I think you'd probably like the XPS 12.

And for those asking for pictures, click here to go to a whole album full of pictures I just took. This album has a picture of the screen gap as well!







Again, I would absolutely love to answer more questions so keep them coming. I'm also able to take more pictures (though be specific about what you want to see and I'll try my best to nail it down for you).

Oh, and the speakers seem pretty good so far. I really like the side placement and that they are visible, but subtly so, along the sides. Makes for great sound both in and out of tablet mode.

 

Thanks mate!

 

One more, the gap looks really small. It also looks like there are no gaps on the sides? Is this correct?

 

Great pics! Covered almost everything I was wondering about! Including the size of the charger!

 

Some display concerns:
- How does the relatively small screen size work for you? Is it big enough to work with?
- what about the resolution. Some people still think Full-HD on a 12-13" machine is too high in terms of readability etc.
- any problems with the glossy screen so far? Any annoying reflections?

I mean your pictures (great!) cover some things, but I would appreciate your personal impressions
Thanks so much!

 

There are indeed gaps on all four sides of the screen. I believe they are all about the same size, but the one that tends to be noticeable for me is the top one. Not an issue, personally, but it could annoy some people.

Coming from a Studio 17, the screen size is still great. It's not too small like a netbook nor is it gigantic like my 17" laptop was.

Resolution might be too much for some people with not-so-great eyes. Text can and will be somewhat to very small on the screen. It will be noticeably smaller, so if you have trouble reading small fonts, I'd probably advise against it or find a way to try one out. Personally, I was a bit surprised at first at how small it was, but I've gotten use to it and actually like it. Others, well, they might have a problem with it. Since the pixel density is high, everything looks really sharp and vivid on the display. The high brightness also does images and videos justice.

As far as gloss, I haven't really had much of an issue. I work in a darker area, but I've been to a few better-lit rooms that have been just fine. I'm sure outdoors would be not very good, but with the display's brightness all the way up eliminates glare almost entirely in most indoor areas.

Also, viewing angles are phenomenal. I can turn it to almost a 90 degree angle and still be able to clearly read the text.

And I posted earlier with some initial impressions I had as well.

Keep the questions coming if you have any!

 

I know you have gotten a lot of questions about the gap around the screen, etc...but would you mind taking a front on picture of the laptop with say maybe something white behind it, so we can clearly see the gap around all edges?

 

- noise of the fan if you noticed so far?
- for a battery statement I guess it's too early, isn't it?
- weight should be reasonable for being a notebook but of course way too heavy compared with tablets?

 

User--------Order Date-------Estimated Date-------Delivery date---Country----Config

SuperTongue-10-13-12---------10-30-12/11-06-12----11-05-12--------USA---------
IntelUser---10-17-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx-----------CANADA------i7-8-128
jabbok------10-23-12---------11-15-12-------------xx-xx-----------------------
Regret------10-12-12---------11-05-12-------------11-12-12--------USA---------i5-8-256--Got delayed
Bill_P------10-18-12---------11-13-12-------------11-07-12--------USA---------
netrowdy----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-07-12--------GERMANY-----i5-8-256
PhilipX-----10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-05-12--------BELGIUM-----i5-8-256
Lioso-------10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------xx-xx-xx--------SPAIN-------i7-8-256
dmehers-----11-05-12---------11-30-12-------------xx-xx-xx--------SWITZERLAND-i7-8-256

 

Completely understandable request! I'm currently playing Halo 4 at the moment, but I'll try to grab a picture like that later tonight, so keep your eyes peeled.

Fan noise is VERY rare unless I start doing something VERY intensive on the CPU side. Most daily activity (like web browsing and using apps) never really triggers it. Photoshop will occasionally kick it on, but I have yet to notice it being on for a long time at all.

Battery seems decent so far. I went most of the day on a single charge with a couple hours of usage and still had some left at the end of the day, but I would agree - probably a little early to tell if it's good or not.

And yes - the weight is fantastic for a laptop / ultrabook but can be considered heavy for a tablet. Have to remember that this thing was designed as an ultrabook first and tablet second. Even then, I really enjoy using it in the tablet mode and personally find nothing wrong with the added weight while sitting in front of the TV on the couch using it or on the desk at work.

Oh, and for those that might be wondering, I have the i7, 128GB, and 8GB model.

As always, keep the questions / picture requests coming and I'll try to get back when I have a few minutes.

 

I finally got my shipping number!!! It shipped today when I was at work.

We should take into account type of shipment. Mine is ground so it might still take until the 15th. That's the one reason I'm not going to update the table.

Congrats to SuperTongue on the XPS 12!

The pictures are damn awesome. I love how you took detailed picture of the mechanism. It looks as I expected, elegant and simple, so it should last.

 

Ground? Thought they were offering free overnight for XPS 12 orders, or was that only a limited time? (But congrats either way on the shipment!)

And thanks, I was really looking forward to getting this laptop and this seemed like a place where a few other people showed some interest, so I figured I'd share a little since it seems like I'm one of the first to get one.

 

Yes, many thanks, SuperTongue, for your initial review and photos!!

2 weeks ago when I came to this Dell forum and saw no discussion regarding the XPS 12 I began to wonder if there would be any interest! Nice to see representation from around the globe!

 

You are welcome. I'll do my review when it arrives.

The free shipping is apparently ground shipment. It's coming from Boston, while I'm in Western Canada. That's going to take long time. That's if they don't delay at the border. The rep I've called to ask about said it should arrive today(it didn't) or tomorrow, but that's BS if it really is ground. She probably doesn't know that I'm in Canada. XD

 

Thanks SuperTongue for the photos, it seems a quite nice device!

Finally today I sent an email to DELL and just 20 minutes later the status has changed to "In Production". just a coincidence... A few hours later they have answered the mail and they told me that it was in production and not giving me more details. I hope that by next week I may have it here :/

 

Here are some pictures of the gaps around the screen. In order: Top, left, right. I couldn't get a bottom one only because it's incredibly hard to notice and get on a camera. Th top is probably the largest, with the sides being smaller and more similar to the gap on the bottom.

Ah, well I suppose that would explain it. I'm in the US and they offered free overnight for all XPS 12 orders so I got it the next day. Hopefully yours does come soon though!

 

Thanks for the pics...very thorough!

 

SuperTongue, thanks for the pics! Looks truly astonishing! Now all I need in order to pull the trigger on this one is to forget the completely retarded question 'Should I wait for Haswell?'. Lol Oh, dearest Intel, why tick-tock...

 

Think I'm convinced now! Will be ordering this system next week. It looks epic.

 

Yup. There just going to keep getting better. A year ago I was going to buy an ultrabook and I held off because Ivy Bridge was coming! Then the new Windows 8 devices began being announced, and I decided to wait some more... Now I'm waiting for a sale!

 

Somewhat of a review here... Dell XPS 12 Windows 8 Tablet Vs. Hurricane Sandy - Software - Windows

Notes good WiFi antenna reception; Buggy trackpad

 

LOL but that's a bit silly. You'll just end up waiting for ever. Tech doesn't stop.

 

SuperTongue, a few questions...

1) What is the situation on SSD partitions, and how much free space of the total is available?

2) Sounds like the fan doesn't run a lot, but when it does run how loud or high-pitched is the frequency?

3) How does the trackpad perform for you?

Thanks!

 

Order was placed on the 19th of October

 

Hi from Goa, India,

My XPS M1210 has come a long way and i think its time to upgrade to something like the XPS 12. Can somebody let me know if the XPS 12 has GPS? This would be handy when in tablet mode.

 

It doesn't have GPS.

 

I called purolator and they said it's still in US. The rep said it'll take 3-4 business days just to get to Canada. So I definitely won't see it this week.

 

Not a problem!

1. The 128GB model has 103GB of space available before the OS.

2. Fan really isn't that loud. Definitely not high pitched. Sounds pretty normal to me. Though it has run a little more often today, but I've been heavily using it throughout the day, so it is expected.

3. Trackpad seems good. There has been a few times when it's been a little finicky or not responsive as it should be, but this has been very rare. It also supports Windows 8 gestures as well.

 

Mine arrived yesterday. Really impressive!
Can pretty much confirm almost every impression of SuperTongue.

One thing which for me is very much annoying and holding back my euphoria:
My touchpad/trackpad isn´t fixed properly.
It seems a bit loose and rattly on the lower half of it. It can´t be the clicking part mechanism (left and right click) but the whole lower half of it. When I touch it, it goes a bit down and makes a rattly noise. Maybe the screws in the lower part aren´t tightened properly - I don´t know. On the left and right upper corner the pad is fixed and doesn´t make any noise.

Anyone else with this problem?

Apart from that, build quality is really superb. The display mechanism works great and the display is gorgeous.
To be honest, the resolution for me is great when working in tablet mode - working close to the display.
In laptop mode - keeping it in ergonomic distance on the table - the resolution for me is a bit too high at the moment.
I´ve tried a lower resolution but of course it isn´t as fine anymore.
I don´t think that this will be a deal breaker because I guess I simply need so more time to get used to this, but honestly it´s tough.

Coming back to my touchpad problem:
Has anyone else a similar problem with any other Dell notebook?
What´s the best way to tackle it? I simply don´t want an exchange unit because apart from the touchpad the device is absolutely fine.
Will Dell fix this according to the In-Home service? I think I will have a chat with Dell...

I might sound a bit frustrated but, again, apart from my touchpade the device is simply stunning!

 

Had pretty much exactly the same trouble with touchpad on my...hm...I bet it was Inspiron 1720. Dell acknowledged the problem and fixed it in couple of days by sending a guy. But surely that was 1720...which was really easy to disassemble, don't know what they're going to do with XPS 12 due to its really slim chassis.

 

just phoned with dell. According to the guy, the touchpad should be replaceable. A tech guy will get in contact with me for fixing it at home.
It took me a while to convince him that the noise and the sinking down of half of the pad by just touching cannot be "as designed".
He probably thought of the clicking area (left/right click). In addition he hasn´t had any XPS 12 yet (as I expected). Let´s hope the touchpad is really replaceable though.

 

netrowdy I was trying to take the manuals from the DELL webpage but it does not work, at least the spanish one. Here is the one I downloaded a few days back and it explains how to dissemble all the components. I hope is useful for you, at least for the knowledge DepositFiles

 

great! Thank you very much!
Unfortunately, the touchpad ist not mentioned there.
What a pity! Hope it is possible to replace it though.

 

That's unfortunate to hear about the touchpad. Good to hear Dell was pretty good with getting it fixed for you, though!

And also glad to hear you're enjoying it as much as I do! Hopefully the touchpad gets fixed as soon as possible so you can fully enjoy the device!

 

Well it sounds like everyone who received their system are happy with them that is encouraging.

My is still in production the eta is Nov. 15 but if it doesn't ship today or tomorrow I doubt that I will receive it on the 15th as it comes ground through the US then into Canada.

 

Hey SuperTongue,

Thanks for all the great information and pictures.

I am basically deciding between the Dell XPS 12 and Lenovo Yoga 13.

Some questions if anyone can help answer:

1. has there been updates for trackpad drivers to update and fix navigation issues?

2. is there an accelerometer that lets you play games like driving games using the tablet as a wheel?

3. anyone know if the ssd is user replaceable? i know the ram is soldered and users cant upgrade it easily

4. how does the locking mechanism work?

5. like or dislike that battery life?

6. screen size, im going from a macbook air 13, use it mainly for school, go out study lots so seeing if anyone in the same situation has an opinion on the screen size

Thanks!

 

If anyone wants to have a look at my touchpad problem:
Dell XPS 12 Touchpad not properly fixed - YouTube

Would appreciate any comments - especially if you would also consider it as an "issue".
Thanks!

 

So, I am not SuperTongue, but maybe you´re interested in my 2cents, too.

->1: I have a new trackpad driver dated from Oct. 24. Haven´t had any (software) issues so far.
->2: Did not noticed one so far. Maybe you can "hack" the orientation sensor for the screen. But keep in mind that even as a tablet, it has more than 1.5 kg, so I personally would not use it as a driving wheel in games
->3: Please have a look at the linked owner´s manual a few posts above. If I remember it correctly, it should be possible.
->4: meaning locking the swivelling display into the frame? -> very well
meaning closing the display? There is no latching between display and base unit
->5: no sufficient experience so far - I personally don´t expect too much (sadly. But, honestly, seeing the tiny, slim device in front of me, I can´t really blame dell that they did not put a larger battery in it. (Ok, I know.. Samsung Series 9 can manage it and is king in that domain )
->6: screen size is okay. was worrying, too. (coming from 15") But it´s the high resolution I am still struggling with.

SuperTongue or others: Correct me, if I am wrong.

PS: Sorry for my bad English!