XPS 18: 18" <5lbs tablet

I am gobsmacked. Could you please guys convince me that I do not want to buy this immediately ? I am often in a situation where I fly to some place, set up shop and work there a week or two. I have used a Samsung LD220G before but it's *just* a hair too big to fit in my carry on and it's heavy too. But this, just the right size, wonderful weight. I have a laptop for laptop-y situations, working from bed, cafe etc but the "travel monitor" situation seems like to be totally solved by this thing.

So the reasons I want to buy: lightweight for something this big (about the same weight as my trusty Lenovo T420 plus keyboard plus mice of course), full HD.

What am I overlooking? Price is not really a concern. Windows 8? I am not sure I have a problem with that, I will either reimage it with Linux or use Winswitch and drive it from my laptop.

Edit: I talked to Dell Chat and was told that it has a single SO-DIMM slot, standard mSATA but the battery is not user replaceable.

 

Can't convince you not to buy it because I'm in the same boat. I've been wanting something with a larger screen that I can carry with me. I even purchased an external Toshiba DisplayPort monitor powered by the USB port to use along with my laptop just to get the extra screen real estate. That works, but it means that I have to carry more stuff.

The Dell XPS 18 seems to be the perfect solution. 18.4" screen, 5 hr (max 7 hr) battery life. Windows 8 is fine. I already use it on two of my computers.

My only complaint so far is that Dell hasn't released the Core i7 yet, so I'm thinking about just getting the i3 for $999 and then upgrading the hard drive with a 240GB Crucial SSD for $219 and 1x8GB SODIMM for $62. Crucial already has these listed on their site for the XPS 18... Computer memory upgrades for Dell XPS 18 Desktop/PC from Crucial.com.

I realize that I can get the i5 now for $1349, but I don't think the i5 is worth the extra $$ that Dell is asking since it only comes with a 32GB SSD and 500GB 5400 rpm drive, so I'd still be stuck upgrading the drive. I hope Dell gets smart and releases a version of this with an SSD only. Since that isn't an option now and I really don't need the processor speed for my programming or business applications, the i3 seems to be the best option for me.

I don't think there's anything on the market that matches the XPS 18 for portability, battery life and screen size, so it seems like the perfect computer/tablet for my needs.

 

I'd rather get this.
View our gallery of photos for the HP Envy x2
HP Envy x2 review - Tablet - Trusted Reviews

 

I already own an Asus Vivotab TF810C, which is similar to the X2. I think the Atom tablets like the X2 are ok if you need a truly portable computer with long battery life. However, they are really limited by the 11.6" display, Atom processor and only 2GB memory and 64GB SSD. And they aren't upgradable in any way.

I've owned my Asus TF810C since November when it was first released and I still use it everyday as my primary computer and it works for most my needs. I especially love the battery life because I literally only plug it in overnight and use it on the battery all day. I can use it from 9am when I get up until about 10pm on the battery alone. I want the Dell, though, because there are times with the Vivotab's screen is too small to do any serious work. It's also tough to watch video on the Vivotab and sometimes the 2GB of memory means that some videos won't even play or will stutter when they play. I usually have to reboot it when this happens. Also, the system seems to bog down if I have too many apps open. I'll keep my Vivotab for it's battery life and to use when I travel, but I think the Dell will become my main computer.

 

Colossal move by Dell. I am ordering one as soon as they switch the processors to Haswell generation. Tremendous try in home computing. More than that, I am thinking of getting one for my dad for his office.

 

I think this deserves a bump, Dell is really bringing innovation for the first time to the table.
Really impressed

 

I received my Dell XPS 18 Tablet today and this thing is huge. It looks nice, but one thing it was suppose to come with a stand and it doesn't have it. I'm contacting support because my model is suppose to have a stand. Review to come soon.

 

I got mine today as well and I love it... also only the more expensive $1349 - Core i5 version comes with the stand, the other two models you have to pay extra for it. Not sure which one you ordered.

 

That's the version I ordered. Where was the stand packed? There's not much room in the box.

 

It was in the bottom of the large box under the grey foam that supported everything... there was also a box for the charger and a box for the logitech keyboard/mouse.

I already ripped mine open and took out the Seagate 500GB 5400RPM hard drive and replaced it with a Plextor SSD. Wanted better speed and battery life, plus it takes a few oz off the weight.

Newegg.com - Plextor M5P Xtreme Series PX-256M5Pro 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

Thanks. I contacted support. No one has mentioned this yet, even in reviews, but this tablet has built-in a Logitech Unifying Receiver.

Did you take a picture of the insides?

 

Yea, the unifying receiver is plugged in a usb port that is inside the laptop, you could remove it and put a small nano sized usb flash drive if you wanted. I was considering finagling a AT&T LTE USB Modem in there lol.

I reinstalled Windows 8 on my 256GB SSD I installed, and I disabled Intel Rapid Storage Technology in the BIOS before I reinstalled to disable the tablet from using the mSATA drive as a Cache drive as it is pointless with a faster SSD so I reclaimed another 32GB drive to throw whatever on.

I also ordered a different Intel WiFi Card that supported the 5GHz Band as the one in there annoyed me. - Intel 6235
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833106165

At first I really wanted the Core i7 version that is coming out, but then I was like im not gaming on this so I dont really need it plus the core i5 uses less power so I will gain battery life. I also gained some extra battery changing the HDD to a SSD.

 

Here is a quick photo I took...

 

Also after messing around with the equalizer settings I am impressed with the speakers... Reminds me of my Dell XPS 15 L501X in terms of sound comparison.... which still sounds better than my HP with supposedly having "Beats Audio" What a joke that is...

I will say I am considering taking out the mSATA drive and putting in the mini PCIe HP Wireless Audio adapter I took out of my HP Laptop so I can play music wirelessly from my tablet to my home theater anywhere in my house...

 

So is the memory user upgradable ?

How many memory slots are there ?

Cheers

 

Where's the mSATA SSD slot? So i can stick in a 240gb mSATA SSD and a 500gb 2.5" SATA SSD in it and a 6235?

 

just one, it takes a ddr3 1600 laptop module... 8gb is the max from what i can gather

 

right next to the hard drive on the right there is a black covering with a little adhesive along the top it peels up and the pcie slot for the msata and wifi are there


so yes if you want to spend that much cash on those ssds lol

 

Thanks

I noticed the specs on dells web site say Dual channel when 8 GB is installed so it made me wonder if there were 2 slots

 

You're welcome... Yea if you see the picture I posted, if you look at the brownish/orange ribbon cable on the bottom, the second one on the right. The memory module is underneath it.

One other thing I really like about this tablet is that it has a built in Trusted Platform Module (TPM) so I was able to encrypt my entire SSD drive with BitLocker on Windows 8 Pro, just in case heaven forbid I loose the tablet or someone steals it; that I won't loose personal info like tax documents or whatever important stuff I leave on it.

- Dan

 

Yeah, I noticed the TPM too which wasn't mentioned in any of the product literature. One thing that I think is weird is that there is no video out port. There should be at least mini displayport.

 

True but at least it supports Intel WiDi wirelessly for video out.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

AEDan1977, thank you for all the info on this one. Is there a chance that you do a tiny review on how it is after several days of the advertised 'home use'? The more I watch reviews of XPS 18 on youtube the more I tend to realize that I'm all in for it.

 

I just checked Dell's site and the loaded model if ordered today won't ship until June 4th. Does this mean these will be haswell parts?

 

The processor listed is i7-3537U, which is third gen Intel. The Haswell chips will use the 4xxx numbering, I'm pretty sure. There are reviews out already that compare i7-3770k chips to i7-4770k chips.

 

Has anyone used this with WiDi? Shame this is no [micro] HDMI out. Been waiting on the SSD version. Wondering if I should wait it our or grab one now. I'd probably toss in the Samsung 840 pro, comparable to the Plextor listed below.

Anyone know where the wireless card sits so I can make sure its easy access to drop a 2230 in? (to replace the KillerN)

Thanks!

 

Looks cool, but I'm still waiting for something with an exceptional display as well as Haswell and a current GPU for gaming. Hoping for an XPS 15 revision.

 

Just out of curiousity how easy is the case to open and also does the wireless card have 3 antennae cable or 2?

 

the i7 comes with a killer wireless N 1202 (dual band) and the other models are the Centrino 2230 (also dual band)

Is the wifi easily removable, or soldered in?

I'd like to get the i7 model but put in Intel 6235 for both Bluetooth and WiFi direct. also supports the 5GHz which I use.

 

The centrino 2230 chip that comes in it is not dual band, it is 2.4GHz only. Can't speak on the killer card.


Yes if you read a few posts back, I went ahead and changed my wireless card as well.

Also for reference in case anyone else is wondering there are only 2 antennas not 3 for wifi, so if you get a card that needs 3 you will have to add the extra one yourself.

 

Sure can...
It has no option to add a dedicated GPU yet, the i7 version is not available yet, and Haswell is a few days from release, which should improve graphics performance and battery life by a lot.

Now, Dell deserves Kudos being first with the best AIO concept period. Think of Sony's 20" Tab and how badly they screwed that up with its massive weight and thickness. But I do believe they won't remain the only ones with a proper tablet, that's large but well portable.

Either way, I'd wait for the Haswell version.

 

Thanks for correcting me. Got the specs mixed up with 6235 which I have been eyeing.

In further looking, Killer's website says 1102 supports 2.4 and 5, but its weird because its under the 1202 section, so cant tell just from the wording.

After waiting this long I will probably be holding out under after the haswell announcement this week, and try to get a feel for dell's timeline. Intel is making it out to be a big deal, but I have only see a couple mentions of dell implementing. My primary mobile hardware is 3 1/2 y/o, so i don't want to hold out another 6 months, just to pay more for a processor when the gen 3 i7, is better than what i got now. I will probably give it to the end of the month to see if they have announced anything around the xps 18 model. If no tentative date, I will just go with this and upgrade myself.

Thanks for all the info on your upgrade AEDan1977!

-Tony

 

I'm eyeing this baby too. Can't wait...but first my wife's laptop needs to be refreshed before I can buy something to play on

That said...if you're really adventurous, and don't mind NEARLY 20 FREAKIN' POUNDS, there's also the 27" AIO Tablet from Lenovo...

Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon 27 Review - Watch CNET's Video Review

I think I'm fine with the XPS 18, I really can't wait. Hope they offer a dGUP, or I would really love an AMD A-10 version...but Dell has no love for AMD...

 

256gb MSATA Success!


I installed a Crucial 256gb MSATA driv into my i7 XPS18 today.

Working flawlessly, moved the paging file over to the MSATA SSD as well as creating a readyboost file.

Ill let you know how the performance is, I noticed a definate lag after disabling the cache function on the factory 32gb unit, there is tons of disk IO after
the shell starts, takes 30-60 seconds to settle down, with the case enabled this was not the case.

I also found out that Crucial makes a 480gb MSATA drive if you feel the need for more space.
480GB, mSATA Solid State Drive, upgrades for Dell XPS 18 Desktop/PC, CT4210364 from Crucial.com

I wouldnt mind keeping the 512gb spinner if i can figure out how to boot from the MSATA, plan to try that later today.

G

 

How easy/hard was it to open the case of the unit, i am wanting to upgrade the mSATA and wireless too?

If you could provide a quick step by step that would be even better

Thanks

Adam

 

Upgrade and dis-assembly was cake, remove the 10 torx screws on the back of the case, flip out the 2 feet and lift up the back panel bottom first past the feet and pull the cover toward you a little to release the pegs at the top of the case.

The main hard drive is at the bottom left if the tablet is facing screen down and the dock port towards you. The MSATA is just to the right.

You need to remove the long rectangular plastic cover from below the main hard drive, this is barley stuck down. once removed you need to remove a single Phillips screw from the
MSATA black plastic sheet and bend it to the right.

The main hard drive is held down by 4 Phillips screws, once removed it can be slid left to disengage the SATA connector. there are 4 phillips screws on the HD carrier that will need to be removed to swap the carrier to your new drive.

Re-assembly is the reverse, you need the metal carrier to hold the new drive in.

The MSATA is even easier, only 2 screws hold it to the motherboard, remove them and it will spring up and pop right out of its socket.
Remove and insert the new MSATA drive, you may need to use screws that came with your new MSATA drive, the factory screws fell through the holes in my new Crucial MSATA drive.

To the right of the MSATA drive is the WiFi card, its removal is exactly the same as the MSATA drive with the exception of the antenna ports, a small flat blade can be used to
pop them off so you can safely remove the card.

To the right of the WiFi card is the DIMM Memory slot, you can pop out the 2 clips on the sides of the card to remove.

My replacement of the main hard drive was also successful, I now have a 512gb Samsung 840 series SSD installed and running on the factory image.
I am getting on average 400mb read and 380mb write speeds. I didnt opt for the 840 Pro as I don't plan on doing anything like video editing on this machine.

I will post a few pics of the mainboard tomorrow to show some detail.

G

 

Thanks for that great guide, i am sure it will help myself and many others that want to change parts in their system too

 

I put in a 500GB SSD and an Intel 6235 easily. Was considering the 960GB Crucial M500 SSD, but it's out of stock.

 

Hello! This is my first post on this forum, and this discussion on the XPS 18 lead me here!

I'm seriously considering picking this tablet up, but I cannot find ANY reviews for the i7 version anywhere. I know at least one person on here has the i7, but every single review I've found around the web reviews either the i3 or i5. I'm a photographer and light gamer, looking for something I can carry once in a while and use around the house. I play games like Starcraft 2, so nothing graphically insane. Editing with Lightroom and Canon DPP.

Any links or thoughts from you i7 owners?

(Current comp is some 3-year-old 6-core Dell XPS Studio tower with 8 GB ram...!)

Thanks!

 

I have the i7 model, 8gb Ram and I have upgraded the internal 500gb drive to a Samsung 500GB SSD, aprox 550mb read and 380mb write speeds.

I do typical computing, light gaming i.e Bioshock, HalfLife 2, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, all in 1920x1080 resolution.

I dont get any stutter, game load times are snappy, the CPU does get warm and the fan is constantly on but I have no issues.

I do simple video and photo editing but not with any of the pro tools, I have Quicktime Pro that I use for ime lapse stuff but thats about it.

I am happy to test any trial software, but I think you will have plenty of horsepower for what you want.

G

 

Thanks for your prompt reply! How's your battery life on the i7? (I think this is not the haswell, right?) Does it differ much from all the i5 tests we've seen that say generally 2 hrs of gaming, up to 4-5 hrs of browsing/music, etc?

Another thing I'm wondering about is having a spinning HD on a tablet....isn't that super dangerous if you're walking around and causing a lot of vibration!? Seems like it would crash quickly.

 

So no one knows how the battery life of the i7 compares to the i5?

 

Just chatted with Dell about XPS 18 with Haswell, and the agent told me it will come in approx. 3-4 weeks. In for one if that holds true.

 

Whoa, that's great to hear. I wonder how the pricing will work though....Will the Haswell just be another level of pricing, or will it become the new "normal" and bump all the other prices down? Excited to see how it turns out.

 

If you could post those pics it would be very helpful ... Also, what software did you use to clone the drives, and did you have to do anything else after cloning (e.g., in the BIOS) to get the new drive to work?

Thanks!

 

When the fan is constantly on isn't that annoying?? Is it a very quiet fan?

 

Has anyone heard anything about a release date or battery life specs for the Haswell XPS 18 yet?

 

I heard updated product lines including the XPS18 in October/November time frame.

 

Sorry if this has already been discussed, but can anyone confirm whether the current model (i3, i5, i7) has WiDi capabilities? I know the 3rd gen cpu's supported this but wasn't sure if it was implemented in this model since there's no HDMI out. May pull the trigger on the current model if there's a delay in the Haswells

 

The i7's do not have WiDi because they have the Killer wi-fi nic card. The other models that do have WiDi have the Centrino 2200, but I replaced it with a 6235 for $25 regardless for 802.11a.