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When we first heard that a 14-inch version of the XPS 15z was in the workings, we were intrigued and excited, but also curious at how much difference an inch would make.
We Liked
As it turned out, that inch makes a considerable difference. The XPS 14z is surprisingly slender compared to its elder sibling, and a good chunk lighter too at just 2kg. The same slick brushed metal design is in place, and is just as drool-worthy, while the edge-to-edge glass of the display is a classy touch.
Build quality is also just as strong. There's nary a weak spot, from the solid chassis to the ridiculously thin aluminium lid, while the isolation-style keyboard is a pleasure to type on.
Movie and music fans also have plenty to enjoy. The XPS 14z's 500GB hard drive gives you plenty of space for a large media collection, and spins fast to keep things streaming smoothly. The 14-inch screen is colourful and crisp, while the speakers are better than most we hear.
Performance is good enough to run the latest multimedia software, and the Intel Core i5 Sandy Bridge processor won't be out of date any time soon. Yet despite these powerful components, we still managed well over three hours of intensive use before the battery died.
We Disliked
Unfortunately, some sacrifices have been made in slimming down the mighty XPS 15z. The screen only tilts back 45 degrees on its stiff hinges, and the Full HD 1080p resolution has been lost. We were also disappointed by how dim it was, even on the highest settings.
There's obviously less space for ports, especially as Dell has crammed in a slot-loading optical drive, but the two USB ports seem a little stingy. Peripherals fans will want to invest in a USB hub.
The XPS 14z is also less graphically capable than its bigger brother, and we found the latest games were stuttery affairs unless we turned detail settings right down. Gamers should look elsewhere for their fix.
Verdict
The XPS 14z is a more compact ultraportable version of one of the best laptops of 2011. While it isn't quite as technically impressive, it's still an excellent machine that can keep you entertained and productive on the move.
