Dell XPS 15 review

Dell's XPS 15 is a mid-range entertainment machine that has an impressive specification given the asking price. We'd have thought it too good to be true if it wasn't for Dell's excellent track record with laptops, and the XPS 15 certainly didn't disappoint.

We liked

Where to start? The chassis is one of the most solid we've seen at this price and, at under 3kg, can realistically be carried around in a bag quite comfortably. Dell has drilled tons of ports into the sides, including a 9-in-1 memory card reader, USB 3.0 and eSATA ports, and even a rare DisplayPort. Storage is fast and plentiful.

Even better is the performance, which offers tremendous value for money. The XPS 15's Intel Core i5 processor is powerful enough to comfortably handle extensive multi-tasking, while the Nvidia graphics card can run the latest games.

Battery life does not suffer as a result, mostly thanks to Nvidia's Optimus technology which shuts down the dedicated GPU when not in use.

Sound and picture quality are also strong, thanks to the bright and colourful Super-TFT display and the built-in JBL speakers. Watching movies on the move has rarely been bettered at this price.

We disliked

Although the XPS 15's display is bright and vibrant, it isn't quite as sharp as we'd have liked. The surface is also highly reflective, a real annoyance when used outdoors.

We did like the design of the XPS 15, but the chassis is a little bulky and that jutting rear end does look a little strange. Still, when you consider how well built this laptop is, it's a minor quibble.

Verdict

Anyone looking for a high-powered entertainment laptop but restrained by their budget will find the Dell XPS 15 a perfect companion. With excellent performance, strong build quality, a colourful display and surprisingly powerful audio, this mini machine can effortlessly keep the whole family amused.

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