Dell Introduces XPS 14 Ultrabook in Singapore

Thanks to Dell for the invite, I had a wonderful time yesterday with the team. Dell unveiled the XPS 14 (14-inch) Ultrabook in Singapore. It is the same series as Dell XPS 13 (13.3-inch) Ultrabook launched earlier this year.

The event was held at Antoinette at Mandarin Gallery in Orchard. The event started with the introduction of Ultrabook by Deepak, General Manager of Consumer & Small Business, from Dell

To call a Laptop an Ultrabook, Intel requires that the laptop meets certain requirements. For Dell’s XPS 14, it actually exceeded the expectation. For example, it has more than 5 hours of battery life (11 hours actually!) and is less than 2.1cm thick (based on a 14-inch).

Here is another shot of Deepak with the XPS 14.

And as you may know, Dell works closely with Intel. In this event, Dell invited Ajay, Head of MNC Sales, SEA, to give a quick introduction.

Here are some shots of the Dell XPS 14.

I love their packaging. Very sleek and neat.

My first impression is that it looks like a Apple Macbook.

Love the keyboard and the spacing. The touchpad is multitouch that can be configured.

It comes with 2 USB 3.0 ports.

The front is very clean.

The starting price of this Dell XPS 14 is S$1,399. It is available now. Here is the specs.

XPS 14 Detailed Information

 

  • XPS 14 is constructed with machined aluminum in silver and silicone base with machined aluminum casing and magnesium palmrest with soft touch paint
  • Brilliantly bright (400-nit) 14” HD+ WLED display in a compact form factor with edge-to-edge hardened Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 3rdGeneration Intel Core i5 and i7 processor options:
    • Intel Core i5-3317U processor (3M cache, up to 2.6GHz) (standard)
    • Intel Core i7-3517U processor (4M cache, up to 3.0GHz)
  • Intel HD Graphics 4000 (standard)[i]
    • Optional NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M 1GB GDDR5 graphics with NVIDIA Optimus technologyi
  • 4GB (standard) or 8GB dual channel memory DDR3 1333MHzi; (1xSoDIMM)
  • Hard drive options:
    • 500GB 5400rpm hard drive[ii] + 32GB mSATA SSDii with Intel Rapid Start Technology[iii] and Intel Smart Response Technology[iv] (standard)
    • 512GB SSD driveii with Intel Rapid Start Technologyiii and Intel Smart Connect Technology[v] (optional)
  • Standard, full size, backlit chiclet keyboard; spill-resistant
  • Glass integrated button touchpad with multi-gesture support
  • 8-Cell Li-Polymer, 69WHr battery. Battery is built-in to the laptop and is not replaceable by the customer
  • Battery life: up to 11 hours, 21 minutes (configured with 8-cell battery, Intel Core i7-3517U processor, NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M graphics, and 512GB SSD solid state drive)[vi]
  • 65W AC adaptor on Intel graphics; 90W AC adaptor on NVIDIA graphics
  • Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 802.11 a/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity
  • Intel Wireless Display[vii] ready
  • High definition audio with Waves MaxxAudio 4
  • USB 3.0 (2) 1 with PowerShare; mini DisplayPort (1); HDMI (1); RJ-45 (1); 3-in-1 card reader; headset jack (1); mini Kensington lock
  • Built-in 1.3MP webcam with dual array digital microphones
  • Ultrathin laptop: (eight: 0.81” (20.7mm); width: 13.2” (335.8mm); depth: 9.2” (233mm)
  • Weight: starting at 4.6lbs (2.1kg)[viii]
  • Enterprise Friendly Features:
    • Dell ProSupport[ix] and Accidental Damage Service[x]
    • Windows Trusted Platform Module option for BitLocker Data Encryption
  • Premier service with complete cover for consumers:
    • One-year Limited Hardware Warranty[xi] including In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis[xii] and Premium Phone Support
    • Accidental Damage Servicexi (one year)

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[i] Graphics & System Memory: GB means 1 billion bytes and TB equals 1 trillion bytes; significant system memory may be used to support graphics, depending on system memory size and other factors.
[ii] Hard Drive: GB means 1 billion bytes and TB equals 1 trillion bytes; actual capacity varies with preloaded material and operating environment and will be less.
[iii] Intel Rapid Start Technology: Requ)res a Solid-State Drive (SSD) or properly configured HDD + SSD.
[iv] Intel Smart Response Technology: requires a properly configured HDD + SSD.
[v] Intel Smart Connect Technology: Requires an SSD or mSATA drive only and a recognized Internet connection. System must be on or in sleep mode with application running to update.
[vi] Tested system equipped with 8-cell battery, 8GB memory, NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M graphics, Intel Core i7-3517U processor, and 512GB SSD. Based on testing using the Mobile Mark 2007 battery life benchmark`test. For more information about this benchmark test, visit www.bapco.com. Test results should be used only to compare one product with another and are not a guarantee you will experience the same battery life. Battery life may be significantly less than the test results and varies depending on your product’s configuration, software, usage, operating condition, power management settings and other factors. Maximum battery life will decrease with time and use.
[vii] Intel Wireless display: Requires an Intel wireless card, a compatible Media Adapter (sold separately) and an HDMI or composite AV-enabled display.
[viii] Weights vary depending on configuration and manufacturing variability.
[ix] Availability and terms of Dell Services vary by region. For more information, visit www.dell.com/servicedescriptions.
[x] Accidental Damage Service excludes theft, loss and damage due to fire, flood or other acts of nature, or intentional damage. Customer may be required to return unit to Dell. For complete details, visit www.dell.com/servicecontracts
[xi] For copy of Limited Hardware Warranty, write Dell USA LP, Attn: Warranties, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682 or see www.dell.com/warranty
[xii] Remote Diagnosis is determination by online/phone technician of cause of issue; may involve customer access to inside of system and multiple or extended sessions. If issue is covered by Limited Hardware Warranty and not resolved remotely, technician and/or part will be dispatched, usually in 1 or 2 business days following completion of Remote Diagnosis. Dell sells the following In-Home Service: Dell In-Home Service provided by Dell Marketing L.P. and, through TWG Innovative Solutions, Inc. (TWGIS), In-Home Service that is provided by National Product Care Company dba Texas National Product Care Company, Inc. (in TX), Service Saver, Incorporated (in AZ, FL, OK, and WI), and National Product Care Company (in remainder of U.S.). Third parties may be used to deliver the in-home service. Availability varies. Other conditions apply. For complete details about In-Home Service, visit www.dell.com/servicecontracts.

Summary

Overall, I feel that the Dell XPS 14 has very good finishing especially with the magnesium alloy body. However, at 2.1kg, it is a tad heavy for anyone to carry around for a long time. Of course, I guess the trade off is the 11hours battery life.

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Based on Dell’s Survey, it mentioned that people wanted longer battery life rather than the cosmetic part of a laptop. I do agree. However, if it is too heavy, people will not be bringing this Ultrabook anyway they go. I guess Intel should specify the weight of an Ultrabook in the specs too.

Let me know if you have other thoughts.

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