We first checked out Dell's XPS 14z at IFA, a slightly dinkier version of its excellent XPS 15z laptop. The XPS 14z hits stores today and we've already spent a few days snuggling up and getting to know it.
While a 14-inch version of a 15-inch laptop might seem a little pointless, we were impressed by how slim and light the XPS 14z turned out. With its 23mm build and 2kg weight, it more closely resembles a 13-inch portable. The XPS 15z wasn't exactly a chubster, but commuters will want to consider this laptop first.
The slender body may seem less impressive compared to the upcoming slew of ultrabooks, including the ridiculously skinny Asus Zenbook which is just 9mm thick. However, we had no problem slipping the XPS 14z into our backpack and carrying it around all weekend.
In terms of design, almost nothing except the size has been changed from the XPS 15z. You get the same beautiful brushed metal finish, which feels as solid as it looks – we pushed and prodded every inch and found no worrying weak spots. Even the paper-thin aluminium lid is firm enough to take a pounding, so you won't need to pad your bag with bubblewrap.
An isolation-style keyboard fills the centre of the XPS 14z's chassis, bordered at both sides by the built-in speakers. We love the curved design of the keys, which gives them a futuristic appearance. They're firmly set and comfortable to type on, while typos are a rarity thanks to the gaps between each key.
The board is surprisingly well-sized too, despite not stretching the width of the laptop. The tiny arrow keys are the only casualty. As with the XPS 15z, the board is backlit for late-night sessions, and Dell also touts it as 'spill-resistant'. However, we didn't have the guts to assault it with a bottle of Evian.
We also liked the spacious touchpad, which thankfully avoids the irritating integrated mouse buttons you find on many compact laptops. Instead, the XPS 14z has two dedicated buttons underneath. The pad also supports multi-touch gesturing, as is the norm.
Our only issues with the design are the stiff lid hinges, which to be fair at least keeps the screen still when you're on rocky public transport. The screen only tilts 45 degrees back from vertical, so finding a comfortable viewing angle can be tricky when the XPS 14z is resting on your lap.
Your comments (3) Click to add a new comment
fxfang
November 1st 2011
3. After played it for two weeks, I feel really like it. The solid looking, slim, keyboard and battery life. There are also some disappointments though.
Two USB ports are not enough and too close to each other. I wind up bought a small hub immediately.
WI-FI signals is not as strong as my other Dell Laptop, and it sensitive to facing directions.
Function key access to PgUp/PgDn is major disadvantage to me. Not sure if it's just my personal preference for using them so often.
Despise those, it's overall the best one in this price range that I can find.
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alexm
October 25th 2011
2. When is TechRadar going to review the Samsung Series 7 Chronos and the Lenovo U300/ U400? I would really like to see how this stacks up against the new competition.
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bradavon
October 24th 2011
1. How dim is dim? Is it not super bright or an actual problem using it?
The fact this is slim but also has an optical drive is very appealing. I don't use it often but definitely still need a DVD Writer.
How long is battery life through normal use? That's not HD video or optical use. 200mins is fine for video but I'm more interested to know how long it lasts normally.
I'm not expecting 6-7 hours of battery, meaning I'd call it good not excellent.
Three USB ports would be an issue. I've always got a hub and hard disk plugged into mine, that means both are gone (the hard disk needs to be plugged in directly).
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