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Our testers have been using the Dell XPS 13 laptop for a few days now. They were first interested in the versatility of this model. Can it be used daily in any situation and any place? Here’s what they think!
In partnership with Dell, we entrusted three testers with the task of evaluating the ultraportable computer XPS 13. Our first tester is called Guillaume. He is director of information systems and digital transformation at Accessite (Nexity group) and lives in Marseille. Stephanie, our second tester, is the director of SLG Distribution, a retail and wholesale distribution company for wellness products. She lives in Carpentras. Finally, Lucas is president of a consulting firm in international public affairs and public policy at Sciences Po and lives in Strasbourg. Now that the introductions are done, let’s see what they think of this laptop.
Anywhere and Anywhere
According to our testers, the XPS 13 is compact and light enough to take anywhere. “Just unpacked, we are seduced by its weight, its aluminum frame and its edge-to-edge screen. We immediately understand that this reduced format will allow us to take it everywhere”, rejoices Guillaume. For Stéphanie, this aspect was essential insofar as her professional responsibilities require her to travel extensively: “The computer is compact, thin and yet very robust. Its small size allows it to be carried everywhere in a handbag, which is very practical when you travel a lot like me, from appointment to appointment. Its light weight is also an asset!” Lucas confirms: “The Dell XPS 13 computer is very light, which is a real plus when it comes to transportation.”
Readers-Testers Pro ultrabook XPS 13.
Appropriate autonomy
Taking your PC everywhere is one thing. However, the battery must be powerful enough to allow it to be used fully for a day away from any power outlet! Again, the tests are conclusive. “No compromises have been made on the battery which endures a day’s work without issue, and then some. Perfect when you spend a lot of time like me in a TGV”, explains William. Same observation for Stéphanie who even carried out precise tests beyond purely office tasks. “Regarding autonomy, for word processing and reading email, nothing to complain about. It lasts for 12 hours without a problem, the equivalent of a day’s work in the field. To really test its battery life, I watched streaming videos over wifi and it lasted 5 hours, which is really a good performance compared to other devices I’m used to using.” For his part, Lucas appreciates the fact of being able to recharge the PC with its USB Type-C socket: “It is really easy to recharge it everywhere.” Good point also for the battery level indicator on the side which “is also very valuable, it allows you to know if a recharge is necessary, without having to start the computer”.
screen on top
The XPS 13 features an edge-to-edge 4K Ultra HD+ touchscreen that takes up almost the entire surface of the chassis; a maximization of space that won over our testers. Lucas just finds that the more stretched cinema form factor isn’t always practical for work, but that’s the common lot of all ultraportables of this size. We also asked them to evaluate the performance of the screen in all circumstances. Verdict for Guillaume: “You can work in the dark and especially in full sun — ideal when you live in Marseille!” For Stéphanie too, the famous test of use outdoors and in the sun is conclusive. “The screen brightness is very nice, it’s not glossy and bright enough even in bright light conditions. For me, who often works outdoors, it’s very pleasant. Very good image definition as well.” On the other hand, our testers are divided on the tactile aspect. “The touch is sensitive, but with a little practice, everything is fine”, explains Stephanie. William adds: “Touchscreen it is, but Dell didn’t choose to focus on this aspect. It is thus impossible to use the PC in tablet mode, but it is not really useful either.”
Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook Pro Readers-Testers.
Responsive and practical
Guillaume appreciates the connectivity with which the XPS 13 is equipped, although yielding “in the fashion of current minimalism”. It welcomes the presence on the sides of the microSD card reader, the audio jack and the three USB-C ports capable of extending the display to an external monitor. Stéphanie appreciates the speed at start-up: “The XPS 13 boots up fast and automatically connects to the already assigned network. If the wifi drops, it quickly reconnects on its own.”
For Stephanie and Lucas, the new version of Windows 11 brings improvements. “The Windows interface is fluid and intelligible. The eleventh iteration gains a lot in terms of aesthetics compared to the previous version and also seems to have gained in speed of execution”, says Lucas. Stéphanie appreciates the fluidity during use and explains: “The PC assumes very well the opening of several software at the same time. The Office suite with pivot tables at the same time as the ERP and the mailboxes do not cause any slowdowns! I work with an online ERP which can result in a bit of a slow response time and I have seen a marked improvement using the XPS 13.”
Verdict!
For William, “this Dell XPS 13 has been designed for versatile use, for efficient use anywhere and in any situation”. Same opinion for Stephanie who “can’t find many faults with this beautiful machine. Only downside, I had to buy a USB Type-C adapter to be able to transfer my files and connect the printer, because it was not supplied with the PC”. Finally, Lucas is also generally satisfied and particularly points out the possibility of easily transporting the computer: “The Dell XPS 13 is very light, which is a real plus in terms of transport.”