Dell XPS 13 Touch

The latest version of the Dell XPS 13 ultrabook ($ 1,399 as tested) is slimmer than its predecessor, and offers a stunning 13.3-inch QHD detailed + In-Plane Switches (IP) screen. It was one of the first systems we've seen in the fifth-generation Intel Core i5 ultrabook-class processor, and so far, we like what we see. This is a very good choice if you are looking for the most detailed screen you can get to a system that is almost bigger than the chassis of many 11-inch laptop.

Design and Features
The XPS 13 $ 1,349.00 Dell are built from machined aluminum and the keyboard deck and palm rest is clad in carbon fiber. The screen is covered with Gorilla Glass NBT, with barely a few millimeters of the bezel around the 13.3-inch, In-Plane Switching (IPS) screen. Makes it bigger screen looks almost invisible bezel and minimizes wasted space. The 3k (QHD +), 3200 by 1800 resolution display is good to behold, and shows an incredible amount of detail when viewing Netflix and YouTube videos. On examination, even the shadow-filled scenes of skyscrapers such resistance Skyfall scene is detailed enough to see clearly. -Swipe From offscreen to bring the Windows 8.1 Charms bar is a little trickier because of the narrow bezel, but adjustable after a few tries. In summary, it is a sleeker look than even the Dell XPS 13 Touch (9333) $ 1,199.99 at Dell.

Chassis measures 0.6 by 12 by 8 inches (HWD) and weighs 2.76 pounds. That is slimmer and about a quarter-pound lighter than last year's model, and puts it right between the 11-inch Apple MacBook Air $ 854.00 on Amazon and the 13-inch MacBook Air $ 928.99 on Amazon. It is also lighter than competitors like the Acer Aspire Windows S7-392-5410 $ 1,196.47 on Amazon, and it's the same weight as Toshiba Touch Kirabook 13 i7 $ 1,869.99 at Amazon, Choice high-end ultrabook our editors. What is remarkable about this is that the system screen height is lower than other 13-inch laptop here, which means that the XPS 13 is great to work with an airline tray table in coach. Typing the chiclet-style, backlit keyboard is comfortable, as is using a variety of touchpad and 10-point touch screen.

Port selection is enough, if a bit sparse: You can get one mini DisplayPort, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SD card reader. Dell sells a $ 60 USB 3.0 adapter to add Ethernet, HDMI, USB 2.0, and VGA, but that's another box that you can not accidentally leave your desk or on the road. For wireless connectivity, with 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

The system has 8GB of memory and a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD). There may be some who want more storage to keep multiple HD video files easy to use, but 256GB is enough for most other users, especially if you have subscriptions to streaming video services such as Amazon prime and Netflix. Covered Dell XPS 13 Touch with one-year warranty, which is a bit short compared to two years to get in touch i7 Toshiba 13 (a $ 119 option on the XPS 13 Touch).