xps 13z on the way? (speculation)

the 15z is getting some pretty solid write-ups, notably engadget.

personally, it's far too large for me. i'm looking to replace my current xps m1330, which has been an excellent laptop for the past three years. good value too.

a 13.3" version of these new xps z models seems likely.

in the meantime, i am considering the thinkpad x220.

does anyone have any thoughts on the possibility of a 13z? and any thoughts on the pros and cons of the thinkpad x series as compared to the 15z?

 

As I'm a regular poster in the Lenovo/IBM subforum and Dell ones;

I would love to see a 13z. If it were around the 700-800 mark and even just Intel HD GPU, I would consider one. I haven't heard anything about a 13" version.

The x220 is an excellent laptop, but you are going to have to live with compromises.

- Low resolution (1368x768 only for a 12.5" ultra portable)

- 7mm thickness 2.5" drives. Not a huge deal but 9.5mm has to be forced in (not recommended). You are pretty much limited to single platter mechanical drives or limited SSDs.

On the flip side, there are many pros

- IPS screen is fantastic, one of the best for the 40-50 bucks you pay for the premium panel

- Ultra light, ultra portable notebook for dirt cheap (base x220i can find be found for 600-700 after coupons

- Excellent battery choices, and 9 cell + slice = 23 hour battery life

- And of course ThinkPad quality and durability.

 

I have a vague memory of the first "leaked" 15z info mentioning additional versions later. I recall 14", not sure if 13" was also rumoured.

A slim 14", competing with T420s, sounds good in my book. But I wouldn't mind a 13" version either, especially if the could offer a 900P upgrade!

 

I'm sure that if the 15z sells well, they'll release different sizes (I can't imagine what a 17" version would look like, it would be huge!)

At least holding off on other variants might give them time to sort out the issues plaguing the early batches of the 15z.

 

Ya I used a 15z and that is already too big. 17z would be like the W70x and 17" MBP, they are way too big, and each have their own zip code for the palmrest.

 

so this going to happen? i need a powerfull ultra portable 13"...

 

No. I thought when the Inspiron 13z was released last year, that it would be a decent platform for an XPS 13. Dell Inspiron 13z (Core i3) Review - Laptop & Notebook computers Now, it's gone.

Dell did mention a thin 14" replacement for the XPS 14. Since it has no XPS in that range, the 14Z makes sense and, IMO, is the most likely next XPS model to be redesigned by Dell. Dell is really missing the boat here, since it is fairly obvious that 13" is the sweet-spot for an ultralight notebook.

If you need a powerful 13", it looks like the Sony SA, the new Z (EGPU), 13" MBP (Thunderbolt - EGPU) are the only real options. The new Acer 3830TG has throttling issues. The LG 330 looks promissing but won't be around until Q4.

Bronsky

 

That 13z actually looks like it was better made than the 15z. Sad that it's gone.

 

What about the new HP range, specifically the 4330s (or p/b/w variants) the ProBook 5330m or the new Elitebook 8460p.

 

So the Dell XPS 13z is announced on the Dell website as being available in Feb 2012. Anybody have any inside info?