First and foremost, all XPS models now have new second-gen Intel core i-series CPUs. The GPUs have also been revamped, incorporating newer Nvidia GeForce GT 500-series graphics. The keyboard has also been given some tweaking, which we'll go into in more detail. Finally, the built-in Intel Wireless Display is now WiDi 2.0, incorporating HD streaming up to 1080p.
The base model of the new XPS 15 is actually even cheaper than last year's, at$799. It comes with a 2.3GHz Core i5-2410M CPU, an Nvidia GeForce GT525 GPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB, 7, 200rpm hard drive.
That's not the one we reviewed, though.Unlike last time, Dell sent us a top-of-the-line fully rigged model, the XPS15-L502X, running around$1, 488 on Dell's Web site: a quad-core 2GHz Core i7-2630QM CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 750GB 7, 200rpm hard drive, Nvidia GeForce GT 540M graphics, a Blu-ray drive, and a 1, 920x1, 080-pixel resolution screen, along with a chunky but longer-life nine-cell battery.
It's a heavy beast, and expensive, too, but if you're looking for a media laptop that can blast movies, play games, and show them off on a great screen, the new XPS 15 could be just what you're looking for. But don't feel like you have to spring for all the upgrades; the base model should be more than enough for most-unless you're looking for Blu-ray and a full 1080p display.
-
- Thank You! We appreciate your effort.