Dell XPS 18-1810 Pro Reviews

This all-in-one PC looks great, packs in a lot of power and it even has a battery, so you can use it wherever you like

We were surprised how quickly we became used to having a device like the XPS 18 that could follow us from room to room. Of course, you could get a 15-inch laptop for half the price – but that wouldn’t have such a large and attractive HD display. That portability is, admittedly, a bit of a luxury – but it’s a luxury that you could learn to take for granted.

What Dell has created here is a truly unique amalgamation of elements. This computer can be a massive tablet, it can be a desktop machine, and it can be carried around in a custom-fitted carrying case that’s also already out on the market. This isn’t a computer made for the common user, that’s for sure – what it is made for is a user hoping to go big on multi-form computing. Here Windows 8 shines as a touch-friendly operating system once again as well. While it’s still imperfect, working with Dell’s implementation of touch makes the system amongst the easiest Windows 8 devices to use that we’ve encountered thus far. And it’s not so big that you’ll have to worry about it falling over and smashing your toe into oblivion – and even if it does, it’s rubbery on the back, so it wont be so bad!

The Dell XPS 18 certainly has a split identity as it could certainly be used as a sleek-looking AIO computer where you’re completely free of any unnecessary cables hanging off of your computer in order to connect your display, keyboard, mouse and anything else you absolutely need to have connected to a desktop computer’s tower or even a laptop. On the other hand, it can also be used as a mobile computer where you can take it from room to room to collaborate, come together to browse the web, or just have fun on its 18.4-inch display. If you look at its dual identities by themselves, then you’ll see it isn’t as powerful as a desktop computer and it isn’t as mobile as an ultrabook, laptop or tablet. But what it lacks in power and portability, it more than makes up for with its sleek, AIO design and its ability to bring people together. We feel Dell has reinvigorated the all-in-one market with the XPS 18 and can easily suggest it if you’re currently in the market for such a computer, especially if you plan on using it with more than one person.

Dell doesn't want you to view this as a hybrid tablet/desktop, however, which is why it's billed as a portable AIO. Unlike a traditional AIO, you can pick up and move the XPS 18 from one location to another with relative ease. If you want to surf the web from the couch after work hours or read and e-magazine from bed before turning the lights out, the XPS 18 will accommodate, provided you're comfortable with an 18.4-inch display on your lap. Alternately, this type of system opens the door to tabletop computing, something OEMs are excited to push, though we have our reservations that families are actually going to sit down and play on this thing versus blowing each other up on Xbox. Should there be a market for tabletop computing, however, the XPS 18 is poised to take advantage of it.

Manufacturers are currently experimenting with many hybrid designs. Some are based on laptops, others take inspiration from all-in-ones, and all of them are testing uncharted waters. Consumers seem to want a do-it-all device, but actually delivering it is another matter. Manufacturers are firing blind in hope that a new idea will score a bull’s-eye. The XPS 18, however, is a miss. The 18.4-inch display renders the device too large to serve as a tablet, yet also too small to compete with other high-end all-in-one PCs. Poor endurance, a pitiful port selection, so-so performance, and awkward chassis make this device a poor choice for any task. Only the display and bundled peripherals offer merit, but they’re not enough to make up for this hybrid’s many flaws. Dell’s $899 introductory MSRP is okay, but that model has half the RAM of our review unit and a slower processor. Stepping up to our $1,349 model ($1,449 with stand) merely makes performance competitive, yet pegs the price at an absurd level. The entire point of a hybrid is value. It provides both a tablet and PC for less than the cost of both when purchased individually. But rather than respecting this, Dell’s gone the opposite direction and priced the XPS 18 higher than a tablet and mid-range Ultrabook (or desktop PC) combined. And that just doesn’t make sense.

Dell presents a conclusive and working concept with the XPS 18. The big tablet meets the requirements of an All-in-One PC. Contrary to the Sony Vaio Tap 20 the XPS 18 can still be called a tablet; it is not even half the weight of the Sony. This fact also makes it more family friendly. Mutual gaming, reading or multimedia entertainment is no problem even for the smaller family members. The large display also enables a gaming evening for the whole family. There is sufficient performance for demanding applications, especially with the more powerful Core i7 configuration. The XPS 18 is also interesting for business customers or companies, for example to replace a workstation or as a mobile companion for presentations. Jobs that require both could really benefit from the AIO-tablet. The docking station will be essential especially for business environments. The limited port selection is the biggest drawback of the Dell tablet; we really miss an HDMI and LAN port. The other points of criticism are really on a very high level but prevent a very good rating. There is still room for improvement for Dell. The XPS 18 will also have to compete with the upcoming tablet giant from Lenovo, the IdeaCentre Horizon 27-57315058.

Our biggest gripe about the XPS 18 is that its 18.4-inch screen is a little small for an all-in-one desktop. However, were Dell to try this nifty trick—making an AIO that doubles as a Windows 8 slate—with a much larger screen, say 23 or 27 inches, it wouldn't work nearly as well. The thing would be too big to make detaching it from its stand and carrying it around feasible. Eighteen to about 20 inches seems about right, and that's the tradeoff for this unique functionality. Otherwise, we liked this AIO, and the jumbo-tablet aspect is a huge part of its appeal. But then, so is its beautiful 1080p display; its overall light, thin, and attractive form factor; and its respectable performance, not to mention its impressive battery life. Granted, you give up the ability to play high-end games and tackle professional-level media processing, but few computers are capable of being everything for everybody.

The Dell XPS 18 ($1,399 list) is a portable all-in-one desktop PC. Larger than a tablet or laptop, but smaller than a full blown all-in-one desktop, the Dell XPS 18$1,349.99 at Dell lets you bring a full Windows 8 PC around the house or office corridors with you. It won't fit on an airline tray table, but it will fit on the dining room table, on top of the desk in the den, and on the nightstand next to your bed.

If you want to be one of the first to try a large-format tablet/all-in-one hybrid, be prepared to pay for the privilege in both features and price. As with the Vaio Tap 20, you're paying more for a smaller screen, and slower laptop-level components, in exchange for the flexibility of being able to take the screen off its base and carry it around. Just as nearly every laptop now has a touch screen (as do many all-in-one systems), I can envision one possible future in which nearly every all-in-one has a detachable screen, and doubles as a tabletop PC -- but we're not there yet. Of the few examples available for purchase today, the XPS 18 is clearly the best of the bunch. That said, it's still light on the specs for $1,300-plus, and I'd be tempted to wait and see what the next wave of these systems, including the Lenovo Horizon, brings to the table.