Dell XPS 14-l421x Pro Reviews

Ultimately the Dell XPS14 is a rock solid system and didn't disappoint today. If you're looking to invest into an ultrabook, the XPS14 would be a great one to get your hands on.

In the end, price may be a key factor. The XPS 14 we tested costs $1,499, a neighborhood that's crowded with strong alternatives, ranging from the 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon$1,214.10 at Lenovo to the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air, each of which weigh more than one-third less (though they also have less RAM and storage, among other differences). Another factor is the dawn of Windows 8, as seen in both touch-screen clamshell machines (for example, the HP Envy TouchSmart 4t-1100$699.99 at HP Direct and Sony VAIO T13 Touch) and tablet/laptop hybrids (for example, Dell's own XPS 12$1,699.99 at Dell). Their combination of convenience for Microsoft's new OS and prices $300 to $700 under the XPS 14's may draw you away from a non-touch display. That said, with the XPS 14, you get a top-end ultrabook—with, yes, a weight problem, but also a powerful processor and graphics card, plus generous memory and storage. And don't forget the look and feel: You get a vibrant display, a sleek black-and-metal design, and a ready-to-rock sound system. For those who find 15-inch laptops too large and smaller ultrabooks too short on power, disk space, and durability, we recommend the XPS 14. Its amazing battery life is a justifiable trade-off for its weight, and its sensible, solid design should keep you productive.

Dell’s 14in Ultrabook is stunningly pretty and built like a tank, but a poor display and cooling issues dampen our enthusiasm

Who would buy the XPS 14? Not the fashionista, seeking style and portability. Not the media junkie, who might want a optical drive and would definitely prefer a better screen. Not the gamer, who'd need more potent graphics, nor the student looking for something cheap. No, the XPS 14 is for the laptop buyer who wants a little bit of everything and the battery life to take it on the go. If they can manage their expectations, it looks like that's just what they'll get from Dell. At least, that's what they'll get if their machine doesn't include the annoying performance issue we saw. We'll be updating and possibly re-scoring this review as soon as Dell manages to squash it.

On the whole, the XPS 14 has a lot to offer notebook users who can get past its weight and are willing to shell out a bit extra for its multimedia and gaming potential. Despite the great battery life, I'd recommend this one more for occasional travelers than frequent fliers.