Dell has overhauled its XPS notebooks, which are currently available in 14, 15.6 and 17.3-inch sizes. Systems feature an aluminum lid and wrist rest, JBL 2.1-channel speakers (12W subwoofer on the two larger machines), a Skype-certified webcam, as well as Nvidia Optimus graphics switching and 3DTV Play support.

Core specs are similar across the XPS series, with only minor variations between sizes. The 14-incher can be had with an Intel Core i5-460M, i5-560M, i7-740QM or i7-840QM, 6GB to 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GT420M or GT425M, up to a 500GB HDD or 256GB SSD, and a DVD or Blu-ray drive.


The 15-inch model offers more graphics power with the GeForce GT435M and peaks at 640GB of mechanical storage. Meanwhile, the 17-inch XPS adds a second 640GB drive to the menu, along with up 16GB of RAM and the GT445M. Interestingly, the 17-incher loses the Core i5-560M as an option.

Connectivity includes 802.11n Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet, WiMAX, Bluetooth 3.0, WiDi, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports (no 3.0 on the 14-inch model), and an optional TV tuner. Pricing starts at $900, $850, and $950 from smallest to largest, including Windows 7 and a one-year warranty.