Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook Available Now in the United States, More Countries Soon

Dell XPS 13 ultrabook banner



The Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook is now available in the United States through Dell.com at Dell@ Store locations, Best Buy website online (not available in Best Buy stores just yet) at a starting price of $999 with an Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB SSD hard drive and 4GB memory. The XPS 13 will also be available in select geographies around the world in March 2012; and available in most Best Buys stores nationwide later as well.

xps 13 in hand

As you’ll recall during CES, Dell revealed the compact Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook on stage with Intel. Dell has seen ‘strong demand’ for the system ever since it was first announced at the Consumer Electronics Show, and early buzz about the unit – which features uncompromising performance, extended battery life and Intel’s Rapid Start and Smart Connect Technology  – has been overwhelmingly positive.

I’ve been quite fortunate to have some hands-on time with the XPS 13 and found some key design and performance features that really stood out for me.

Key Features

  • Thoughtful Design – Dell innovated with this design by crafting the 13.3-inch display to fit into a svelte system barely larger than other 11-inch laptops (it fits in my purse!);
  • Solid Build Quality – due to its Carbon Fiber composite base and machined Aluminum chassis, the XPS 13 felt really solid and durable in my hands – business class quality;
  • Excellent Performance – works great while streaming an HD movie and music (didn’t miss a beat), surfing the web with a lot of browser tabs open, editing documents, and downloading images;
  • Super Fast Boot Time – no more waiting – instant on and fast sleep/resume means you can get more done, faster thanks to Intel Rapid Start technology
  • Long Battery Life – no more dragging around that power cord, just take your XPS 13 and work or play all day with 8+ hours of battery life.
  • Bright and Crisp Display –  great craftsmanship here with the edge-to-edge display constructed with bonded Corning Gorilla Glass screen. The frameless design has almost no bezel – I love looking at it;
  • Back-lit Chiclet keyboard – the comfy and quiet keyboard was responsive and a dream to use;
  • Glass multi-gesture trackpad this was my first Windows system with a multi-gesture trackpad – great for productivity.
  • Rich audio bliss – good solid sound for any laptop, let alone one with a smaller footprint;
  • Cool and Quiet – remained cool and quiet throughout many hours of steady use.

XPS 13 Notebook - Trackpad Detail

For a laptop that weighs less than 3 pounds, the XPS 13 feels really solid. I can’t get over the nice build quality. This is the nicest looking and feeling laptop from Dell in years (my personal opinion of course). Another thing I liked right away was the soft, rubberized coating on the base and palmrest areas, which feels great (no cold metal feeling) and also is useful as it assists with your grip so you can grab it and go places quickly. It’s these neat details that really set the XPS 13 apart from the rest of the Ultrabook pack.

The quiet, comfy, back-lit keyboard on the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook is one of my favorite design elements. The Chiclet keys are slightly cupped to gently cradle each finger. It’s terrific to type on! For the sound system, I cranked up the sound on a HD movie and out came fantastic music from the XPS 13 sound system which has Waves MaxxAudio (music pros will appreciate that). Of course, I had to decrease the volume right away —not something I’m used to doing with other laptops with a small footprint.

XPS 13 Notebook - Keyboard Detail

XPS 13 Specs

Dell’s XPS 13 offers a choice of Intel’s second-generation Sandy Bridge processors (choose i5 or i7). I’ve tried both and they are fast performers. The XPS 13 performs really well, for example, streaming HD content via Netflix or Hulu smoothly, even if other tasks are running in the background.

All XPS 13 configurations come with 4GB RAM and Intel HD 3000 graphics. The wireless connects in seconds with easy push-button connect (Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 802.11 A/G/N) and has Bluetooth 3.0; plus dual-array digital microphones. The display is 13.3-inch HD WLED, 300-nit (1366×768) 720p; edge-to-edge hardened Gorilla Glass. The dimensions on the XPS 13 laptop  are 0.24-0.71-inch/6-18mm and starting weight is 2.99 lbs. There’s a 47WHr 6-cell battery that last over 8+ hours. The operating system is Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit version. Skype and the webcam are ready to go, too. 

XPS 13 Notebook - Back Plate Detail 

XPS 13 buying options – there are three configurations to choose from on Dell.com today:

1.  i5 with 128 GB SSD

2.  i5 with 256 GB SSD

3.  i7 with 256 GB SSD

XPS 13 Ports include:

(1) USB 3.0;

(1) USB 2.0 with PowerShare,

(1) mini Display-Port (supports video and audio out);

(1) 3.5 mm headset jack (combination headphone/microphone jack); and 

(1) Power jack with compact AC power adapter plug included.

– There’s also a neat battery life gauge indicator with five tiny lights – simply press the button, then the lights will glow in sequence to show how much juice is left without the need to turn on the system.

XPS 13 flat

front closedright side XPS 13 back closedleft side 

Business Options

In addition to customer service options such as concierge and software support, business customers who purchase the XPS 13 can opt for business-class options like ProSupport, configuration services, asset tagging and BitLocker data encryption with the Windows 7 Trusted Platform Module. There’s also a nifty docking station you can order separately, which is compact, too.

Check out what our friends over at Rackspace think about the new Dell XPS 13: 

“At Rackspace, we are known for providing Fanatical Support to our customers, but we’re also passionate about empowering our team members. One way in which we do this is by enabling them to utilize the same technology they love at home, in the office,” said Steve Mills, Rackspace chief information officer. “Rackers don’t check their favorite tech devices at the door once they arrive at work, so it is in our DNA to get excited about the latest and greatest technology that meets their demanding needs.”

The XPS 13 is a real pleasure to use. I was impressed that I could get so much fast performance, beauty and battery life out of such a compact and portable laptop. Dell really innovated on the design where you see a 13.3-inch screen fitted to chassis similar to an 11-inch product. I do not know of any other Ultrabook with this offering. So that means you can do more with less bulk and weight, which makes it super easy to tuck into your bag or purse and go to the office, coffee shop, beach or anywhere you want to go!

See the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook product details page for more information, tech specs, configuration options, great accessories and pricing details.

Watch the video below where Dell’s Brian Pitstick and Ed Boyd discuss the key innovation elements and design features that truly make the Dell XPS 13 such a compelling system.

We welcome your questions and comments in the comments section below or via @Dell on Twitter where you are welcome to join the discussion via the #xps13 hashtag.


See Related Posts about the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook . . .

Dell’s Press Release – Dell Sees ‘Strong Demand’ for Highly Anticipated, Award-Winning XPS 13  

Dell’s Direct2Dell
blog post- Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook Combines Performance and Style with Ultra-Portability #XPS13



AnandTech
Dell Launches XPS 13 Ultrabook

CNETXPS 13, Dell’s first ultrabook, released

EngadgetDell’s XPS 13 Ultrabook: IT-friendly, 128GB SSD and backlit keyboard standard…

ForbesA Closer Look At The Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook

FoxBusiness
– Dell’s Steve Felice on camera at CES — Dell Unveils Small Thinner Laptops at CES

GizmodoThe Best New Ultrabook [CES Show Winner]

MashableDell Unveils First-Ever, Ultra-Sleek Ultrabook [VIDEO with Lance Ulanoff]

PC Magazine – Dell Ultrabook Features Backlit Keyboard, Smart Connect

PC World
Dell Aims High With the XPS 13 Laptop and Dell Announces XPS 13, Its First Ultrabook

SlashgearDell XPS 13 Ultrabook hands-on

TechCrunchThe Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook Hits With A Trio Of CPU Options, 13.3-inch Screen…

The VergeXPS 13: Dell launches its first ultrabook for $999 (hands-on pictures)

Tom’s HardwareDell Unveils First Ultrabook, The XPS 13

UbergizmoDELL XPS 13 – The Ultimate Ultrabook

VentureBeatDell unveils its ultra-thin XPS 13 Ultrabook

Wall Street Journal (Walt Mossberg) – Dell Goes on Ultrabook Diet With Slimmed-Down Laptop

ZDNetCES 2012: Dell joins Ultrabook fray, announces $999 XPS 13 Ultrabook

Go check out the XPS 13 for yourself –  http://dell.to/getXPS13XPS 13 notebook computer.

About the Author: Susan Beebe