MSRP- $899
Best Features- Lightweight; fast processor; improved speakers
Worst Features- Mushy keyboard; expensive additions; no VGA port
Conclusion- The XPS 14 offers several upgrades to the previous XPS laptops. It can be a great machine for just about anyone to have.
The Dell XPS 14 review points to another great computer in the popular XPS line of laptops by Dell. This laptop offers extreme performance in a small package. The XPS line was introduced to give consumers an option to get affordable Dell laptops without losing any quality or performance. The XPS 14 can be a good option for many people.
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Dell XPS 14 Review Specs
The XPS 14 offers a good selection of performance enhancing hardware and processors. This is available with the Core i5 or i7 processor, 4GB RAM upgradable to 8GB, and a 500GB hard drive. The GeForce 400M graphics card is a nice upgrade from previous cards. The cheap dell XPS 14 weighs just 5.2 pounds.
Dell XPS 14 Review Pros
The 3DTV Play technology allows you to plug your laptop to your 3D television through the HDMI port and play 3D games or movies. Even though the laptop itself doesn’t offer 3D, this is a fun way to enjoy the new technology without investing in an expensive 3D ready laptop.
Even with the i5 processor, applications open seamlessly. Everyday activities are fast and hassle free. With the upgraded processor you’ll notice that multiple applications are easy to run without much lag time.
The speakers are pretty amazing considering the XPS 14 is a laptop. It’s hard to get decent sound from laptop speakers, but Dell somehow managed to do just this with the cheap Dell XPS 14. The laptop has two 3W speakers just above the keyboard. The JBL speakers combined with the Waves MaxxAudio technology produce a sound that is clear, clean, loud, and full.
The adjustable backlight for the keyboard is something that almost every Dell XPS 14 review mentions. This is a huge asset. While many newer laptops do have backlit keyboards, very few of them offer an adjustable option. The keyboard is also easy to use, although it may take some time to get used to the spacing.
Dell XPS 14 Review Cons
One of the most disappointing aspects for the Dell XPS 14 review was the poor battery life. With the standard battery you can get around 4 hours of life. You can upgrade this to a 9 cell battery, but this adds weight to the computer and only gives you a little additional time.
This laptop wasn’t designed with hard core gamers in mind. If you are a hard core gamer, you may want to look at some other options. However, moderate gamers will enjoy what this laptop can offer.
The XPS 14 includes a 1,366 X 768 screen resolution that can’t be upgraded. While viewing straight on will give you a pretty clear view, vertical viewing angles are problematic. If you play games that require high resolution, this may not be the best option for you.
Upgrading or adding additional components gets pretty pricey. For example, if you want to purchase a model and upgrade the optical drive to a Blu-ray drive, expect to add more than $400 to the price. This is one area where Dell has gotten it very wrong.
Bottom Line
The Dell XPS 14 laptop review is an overall good one. This is a good laptop for students and professionals alike. If you just want something to take with you or work from away from home, this is a good option. Even if you just want to be able to surf from your couch every now and then, then this affordable Dell laptop is the way to go. It’s not going to be a desktop replacement, but it comes pretty darn close.
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