With so many business laptops around it’s hard to pick just one. There is no clear market leader and it really comes down to whether your personal preference will draw you towards a particular model or features.
Aside from Apple, Dell controls the notebook market and regularly releases models that are worthy of any sized business. But does the Dell XPS 15z – marketed for its small, thin build – shape up?
The 15z features a 15” screen, and is only 24.6mm thick, weighing 2.51 kilograms. The body is constructed out of aluminium and magnesium alloy, but isn’t constructed out of one piece like the MacBook.
The XPS is powered by the i5 processor, (although the i7 is available as well), with GeForce GT525M graphics. It also features an impressive 6GB of DDR3 RAM, with a 7200 RPM hard drive.
Connectivity includes two USB 3.0 points, an eSATA/USB port, a mini Display port and an HDMI port as well. Typical headphone and microphone hacks are included as well, along with speakers. Intel 802.11a/g/n WiFi is also included.
One of the most universally praised features of this laptop is the construction. Reviewers say the body feels nice and tough, with the aluminium body providing a more rigid and stronger feel. Engadget wrote the trackpad is responsive, and the actual palmrest is comfortable.
“The whole surface you interact with is smooth, durable, and dirt-resistant too, as the only way we were able to leave a visible fingerprint was by touching the glossy screen itself,” it said, although noted the casing can get hot, as it acts as a heatsink.
ZDNet noted the laptop was thin, and praised the inclusion of a full high definition screen, and highlighted some impressive battery life.
“Battery life was decent too for the hardware involved. With all power-saving settings turned off, screen brightness and volume set to maximum and an XviD file played back, the laptop lasted two hours and 35 minutes for spluttering into hibernation,” it said.
It also praised the backlit keyboard, and said more RAM allowed complex multitasking.
PC World praised the build of the device, particularly its thinness, and also said it had “good configuration and speed”
However, much of its review was negative. It said the device was tacky in parts, particularly the speakers, and said the configuration of ports wasn’t a great addition.
“We’re not fans of all the USB ports being on one side of the unit, as it leaves you with no option but to plug everything in on the left side, which can be particularly annoying if you’re trying to use a corded mouse with your right hand — it’s great for lefties though.”
“It’s not the first time we’ve seen this sort of design: the Sony VAIO SB laptop also has all of its USB ports on one side.”
Engadget also noted that while the device is a good rival to the MacBook, “corners were cut to get here”, including the limited upgrade features.
The XPS is an impressive laptop, and especially at only $1,399 purchased online. It’s a powerful, sturdy option for entrepreneurs who don’t particularly need the most expensive, powerful version on the market.
There are some considerations here, particularly the heatsink that will warm under a lot of activity, and the fact ports are only put on the one side of the device.
However, if buyers are able to get past those downsides, the XPS is a sturdy, powerful laptop for the price.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
