Dell XPS 13-9343 Touchscreen Ultrabook Review
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Refusal to compromise… You can’t have it all—or can you? Dell’s latest XPS 13 pushes the envelope in a number of different critical categories, but most notably portability: this is the smallest 13.3-inch notebook we’ve reviewed. Could we be witnessing the best ultraportable to date?
Apple’s high-end notebooks certainly receive all the attention upon their announcement and release. But for all the great products that we see coming from Cupertino’s coffers, there’s seemingly always another one waiting to unseat it, however unnoticed or subtle its introduction may be. Today, that product is the Dell XPS 13-9343: an Ultrabook that not only looks absolutely stunning, but which is also clearly designed with the most deliberate attention to practicality and functionality. It is, in fact, smaller and lighter than the MacBook Air, has a far superior screen (with touch optional), and Dell claims that it can provide better battery runtimes, too—all without sacrificing performance.
Various configurations are available—including those sporting a “standard” 1080p non-touch screen for a quite reasonable price of $799—but our review unit is considerably better equipped. At $1,399 MSRP, we received an Intel Core i5-5200U CPU, 8 GB RAM, a 256 GB SSD, and a Quad HD+ touch display with the most ridiculously thin bezel we’ve ever seen on a notebook. Much like the aforementioned MacBook, everything about the XPS 13-9343 screams quality and deliberation. But can it live up to its promises across the board? With math and science as our witnesses, we hereby begin our evaluation of a truly beautiful, and equally ambitious, specimen.
Case
Dell’s design of the XPS 13 has been widely praised from the start. In 2012, we proclaimed that the original XPS 13’s “stability and build quality [were] on an exemplary level”—something echoed yet again in our review of 2014’s Haswell refresh (whose case was practically identical). As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Now that we’re seeing the first redesign of the model’s life, is there cause for concern?
Hardly. For starters, this is one truly beautiful machine. In spite of the evolutionary alterationsDell’s designers have chosen to make, things are comfortably familiar: most of the same design language persists, with the silver-and-black color combination that made the original models so slick still intact. Function and form coexist harmoniously via smart selection of construction materials and intelligent implementation of all the subtle necessities. Aesthetically, the rounded edges have been traded for sharper-pointed corners, and we think it looks great.
In spite of a case which is noticeably smaller and nearly 8% lighter(weighing just 1.276 kg), the XPS 13-9343 still feels solid as a rock. This is primarily due to the first of the notable functional changes: the fact that the carbon fiber bottom has now been traded for single piece of curved aluminum to match the lid. This provides greater rigidity and resistance to twisting and flex, not to mention a lack of the subtle popping sound which could be provoked of the previous design with a bit of pressure. Meanwhile, the display lid also seems more rigid than before, sporting excellent torsion resistance and very good protection against rear pressure.
The carbon fiber hasn’t been omitted, however: it’s migrated to the palm rest, where its attractive checkerboard pattern better obscures fingerprints, and its composition helps to keep the surface cool during operation. The base is still wedge-shaped, featuring a slight incline going from front to back which provides for comfortable typing. The bottom of the unit still features the same silver XPS nameplate covering all of the component labels, and the two large rubber feet still span the width of the unit to hold the base firmly in place on a surface. Finally, the hinges keep the display lid stationary even during heavier typing and tapping—actions which normally spell trouble in the way of dancing reflections when it comes to most glossy-screened Ultrabooks. All the bases are covered; honestly, there is no room for substantive criticism.
The last topic is maintenance, and finally we encounter the first minor complaint about the design: the eight Torx screws (along with one Phillips-head beneath the nameplate) that secure the bottom panel to the base unit, which require special bits that many folks don’t have sitting around their house. Of course, not everyone is given to opening and maintaining their PCs, but those who are and do pick up a Torx driver will be pleased with the rest of the story: once the cover (carefully) snaps off, components are easily accessible within. It is worth mention that, as is often the case with such ultra-compact units, the RAM is soldered to the board (and thus not replaceable).
One final nitpick: the notebook cannot be opened with a single finger; due to the strength of the hinges, one has to hold down on the base unit while lifting the screen or else the entire unit lifts off the surface.
Connectivity
With slimmer form factors comes less edge real estate—and thus inevitable sacrifice in the realm of port selection. Two USB 3.0 ports isn’t unreasonably restrictive (one of which features Powershare), though the lack of HDMI and Ethernet will discourage some business users. Nevertheless, the ever-versatile mini-DisplayPort is on board, which (with the help of an inexpensive adapter) can convert to VGA, DVI, or HDMI as needed. And Dell produces a useful pocket-sized port replicator to help compensate, too—which we’ll cover in just a bit. On a final note, the addition of an SD card reader is a nice bonus that nearly everyone can appreciate.
Except for the close proximity of the DisplayPort and left USB port, placement isn’t an issue. All of the ports conveniently line the sides of the unit, preventing the need to reach around to the back to plug something in.
Communication
The XPS 13 ships with but one option for wireless networking: the Dell Wireless 1560 adapter, which is an 802.11ac dual-band 2x2 WLAN adapter. Reception isn’t as pristine as our Dell Latitude E7440, but it’s serviceable. This adapter also includes Bluetooth 4.0.
There is no Ethernet included on-board, but with the help of an adapter, it’s possible to add it.
Accessories and Warranty
Dell 4-in-1 Adapter (DA100) – $59.99
If you’re not sweating the speed of one of your USB 3.0 ports and wouldn’t mind trading down to a USB 2.0 port, you can also leverage the addition of HDMI, VGA, and (Gigabit) Ethernet, all thanks to Dell’s DA100 4-in-1 Adapter (just $60 currently). “Gigabit” is mentioned parenthetically as Dell does not advertise this as a Gigabit port. That’s probably because, as we found during our testing, it only performs as such when other bandwidth isn’t crowding its space. For instance, when performing a file copy from a server over the network, we witnessed speeds of over 110 MB/s with no other activity on the DA100, but once we connected a 1080p HDMI monitor and began streaming Big Buck Bunny in 1080p (with audio), the speeds dropped to just 35 MB/s. Still, it’s useful to know that speeds exceeding 100 Mbps are possible when conditions are right.
Although it can’t compete with the larger, higher-end docking stations on the market in terms of performance, the DA100 is functional and compact. And best of all, it does not require any sort of external power to operate—only that which is provided via the USB 3.0 port from the PC. This makes it incredibly handy for business professionals in a pinch who simply need the convenience of greater port variety.
In terms of build quality and design, it’s nearly identical to Dell’s newer power adapters (including the one which ships with the XPS 13). That is, although it’s made of plastic, it’s attractive, understated, and lightweight (weighing just 50 grams). It’s also well-designed, with a short (and flat) fold-under USB cable and two rubber feet to keep it stationary. Apart from the VGA and HDMI ports being rather close together, we have few complaints; it’s really a nice unit to have on hand.
Dell Power Companion PW7015M – $79.99
The next accessory we received is essentially a combination power splitter and portable battery pack, enabling the user to charge both a laptop and up to two additional devices via USB (e.g., phones, tablets). The kicker is the built-in 12000 mAh (4 cell, 43 Wh) battery—which allows the adapter to provide a charge even when unplugged. Portable battery packs are nothing new; the real benefit here is for owners of Dell laptops: not only do you get the usual USB ports to charge your plethora of compatible devices, but you also receive two cords (one with each size Dell charging tip) to connect to a wide range of lower-voltage Dell notebooks. Again, as with the DA100 and the standard AC adapter, the build quality is good, styling is consistent, and the design is thoughtful. Port spacing is acceptable, and there’s even a handy charge indicator which matches the style of the XPS 13. The unit weighs 314 grams.
Dell Premiere Sleeve – $49.99
This final accessory that came bundled with our unit is a custom-fit carry case for the new XPS 13. It’s made out of comfortable yet durable (and lightweight—248 grams) tarpaulin and other materials, featuring a smooth exterior but a soft cushioned interior that helps protect the notebook in transit. A row of magnets snaps the flap shut effortlessly in a design which almost resembles some of the Lenovo ThinkPad Ultrabook fare. This accessory isn’t cheap at $50, but it feels as though it will last—and it seems like it will do a much better job protecting the notebook than the average run-of-the-mill gel sleeve might.
AC Adapter (included)
The XPS 13-9343 ships with a compact AC adapter weighing just 254 grams. It’s a 45 W adapter, which still seems sufficient to charge the machine relatively quickly.
Warranty
The XPS 13-9343 includes a 1-year Enhanced Support warranty (In Home Service after Remote Diagnosis, 1–2 day turnaround, Premium Phone Support with software and hardware assistance). Upgrades to longer coverage terms are available, as well as Accidental Damage Protection.
Input Devices
Keyboard
The keyboard on the XPS 13 is completely different from that of the previous models. Fortunately, while key travel is notably shorter, the overall typing experience is actually better. Feedback is very good, with a crisp stop and audible (but not annoying) click accompanying each keystroke. Actuation force is quite low, making the typing experience effortless but palpable. We experienced reasonably accurate typing without much of a transitional period, and our speeds were above average. The keys feel tight and their surfaces are smooth and comfortable; our only complaint is that they attract and retain grease very easily, and it remains visible on the most frequently used keys until vigorously cleaned (such as the space bar).
The layout is good. The function key row can be locked to the secondary functions, essentially requiring the Fn key combination for F keys and allowing the hardware control toggles to serve as defaults. Key sizes are mostly standard, with only the far left and right vertical columns seeing some shrinkage—and nothing catastrophic or truly disruptive, either. The keyboard is also backlit, featuring three levels of brightness in addition to off.
Overall, it’s a very good keyboard. When compared to previous XPS 13 models, typing requires less effort and feels somewhat more comfortable as a result. The lack of travel is the only sticking point, but after a bit of adjustment it proves unproblematic.
Touchpad
The touchpad also functions well. We found it to be precise and easy to operate; despite the machine’s uniquely small footprint, it still is more than sufficiently large. The matte surface finish is smooth and encourages effortless finger gliding, whereas the integrated buttons, however controversial they remain, gave us no trouble throughout our testing. Multitouch gestures and scrolling were also handled well. One odd (and uncommon) caveat is that absolutely no dedicated driver settings were available for adjustment for the XPS 13’s touchpad. It wasn’t a problem during our testing, but it’s still nice to have those options available.
Touchscreen
The XPS 13’s touchscreen functions as accurately as any we’ve used, and the edge-to-edge “infinity” glass display means that tapping and edge-based gestures don’t pose any challenges.
Display
Once you look past its sheer portability, the XPS 13’s 13.3-inch display is certainly its most stunning aspect. There are actually multiple options, beginning at the “low end” with a mere 1080p non-touch panel (on models starting at $799 MSRP), and ranging all the way up to the utterly fantastic option we received in our review unit: a QHD+ (3200 x 1800 resolution – 276 PPI) glossy IPS multitouch panel. Upon first impressions, brightness, contrast, and color reproduction all appear to be excellent. The only slight negative is the incidence of an ever-so-slight flashlighting effect at the bottom-left quadrant of the screen near the bezel.
Speaking of which, it’s the ultra-thin bezel that makes the XPS 13’s screen even more amazing. Not only is the panel itself beautiful, but with the lack of surrounding material, there is nothing to distract from its brilliance. It somewhat appears to be floating above the base unit—a unique but welcomed (and beneficial, too, in terms of compactness) property which we hope will become more commonplace on future Ultrabooks.
Performance
The XPS 13-9343 features CPU options ranging from the Core i3-5010U (with 4 GB RAM) all the way up to an i7-5500U (with 8 GB RAM). Storage options also scale along with the CPU selections: for instance, a 128 GB SSD is the sole option with the Core i3 configuration, whereas the only way to get a 512 GB SSD is to choose the i7-5500 ($1,899). The lowest-priced configuration with the Core i3 (128 GB SSD, 4 GB RAM, 1080p screen) will only set you back $799—quite a good value—whereas the top-end $1,899 setup still isn’t outrageously priced for what you get. It’s respectably competitive pricing.
Our particular configuration features an Intel Core i5-5200U CPU, 8 GB DDR3L-RS RAM (soldered), and a 256 GB SSD. Subjectively, the machine feels fast—even quicker than the Yoga 3 Pro did with its Core Y Broadwell CPU, although that device really didn’t feel sluggish in the first place. Remember that—apart from the storage device—what you choose is what you’re stuck with on the XPS 13: the memory is soldered to the board and is therefore not expandable. On that subject, you might have noticed that the memory type is DDR3L-RS; this is a Micron-introduced offshoot of traditional DDR3L memory which supposedly reduces standby power consumption by up to 25% (“Reduced Standby”).
To check performance while running unplugged, we performed a subsequent run of 3DMark 06 and found no significant difference in the results (a score of 7354). We also recruited DPC Latency Checker to evaluate the system’s ability to handle real-time streaming audio and video—again finding no problems.
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