Dell XPS 13 (2015) Review Is It Good for Business

Dell XPS 13 (2015) Review Is It Good for geschftslebenThe Dell XPS 13 (2015) earns 4.5 stars out of 5. Ive always thought that a 13-inch (33 centimeters) laptop screen strikes the best balance between portability and productivity. Still, using a 13-incher on the go can make you long for a mora portable 11-inch (28 cm) notebook.BUY Dell XPS 13 on Dell.comNow you dont have to compromise. Dells new XPS 13 notebook packs a 13-inch anzeigegert into a laptop thats about the size of the average 11-inch system. It accomplished that feat by nearly eliminating the bezel around the screen, providing a display that practically stretches from one corner to the other. The result is the smallest 13-inch laptop Ive ever laid my hands on and thats a huge positiv for commuters and geschftlicher umgang travelers.Plus, you get a speedy processor, an excellent tastatur and a large, responsive trackpad. There are a few issues, particularly the terrible webcam placement, which could make video conferencing awkward. But overall, the new XPS 13 is one of the fruchtwein impressive, and eye-catching, geschftsleben notebooks on the market.DesignAnyone who packs their laptop into a crowded bag for their work commute will appreciate the XPS 13s small size. With a footprint of 11.98 x 7.88 inches (30.4 x 20 cm), and a height that tapers from 0.33-0.6 inches (0.84-1.5 cm), Dells notebook is quite a bit smaller than competing 13-inch systems. For comparison, Apples 11-inch MacBook Air is just a tad smaller at 11.8 x 7.56 x 0.11-0.68 inches (30 x 19 x 0.28-1.7 cm). According to Dell, the new XPS 13 is 23 percent smaller than the larger 13-inch MacBook Air.The XPS 13 achieves those dimensions thanks to a razor-thin 0.2-inch (0.5 cm) bezel around the display the average 13-inch notebook has a bezel measuring a half-inch (1.3 cm) or more. notlage only does the thin bezel reduce the overall size of the laptop, but it also gives you a picture that seems ready spill off the edges of the display, making for a futuristic effect. Youve never seen a laptop quite like this one.But while the XPS 13 might be the smallest 13-inch laptop available, its not quite the lightest. At 2.8 lbs. (1.3 kilograms), its a bit heavier than the Lenovo joga 3 (2.6 lbs., 1.2 kg), though its lighter than the 3-lb. (1.4 kg) Air. Thats something to consider if you want a work machine thats easy to lug around, but behauptung are all lightweight systems.anzeigeLaptop displays dont get much better than this. ur review unit sports a super-sharp, 13-inch display with a quad-HD resolution of 3,200 x 1,800 pixels (cheaper configurations are available with lower-res screens, discussed below). ur unit also came with an optional touch screen, which is handy for navigating around Windows 8.1 but not necessary.Text on the display is crisp, and scales perfectly in pinch-to-zoom applications like Microsoft bro 365 and Internet Explorer. Meanwhile, colors are saturated and blacks are very d ark.But does a 13-inch display offer enough screen space for work? The high resolution helps a lot, but geschftsleben users who perform screen-intensive tasks like editing spreadsheets might feel a bit crowded. Thats the price you pay for a notebook this portable.Keyboard and touchpadThe XPS 13s keyboard isnt bad, but competing notebooks have better keyboards. Thats fruchtweinly due to this keyboards relatively shallow depth key travel on the XPS 13 is just 1.2 mm which makes extended typing sessions a bit less comfortable. In comparison, the Yoga 3 Pros keys have 1.5mm of travel and the Elitebook Folio 1020s have 1.65mm, so they provide a bit more feedback and a more satisfying typing experience. I found myself missing keys more often on the XPS 13 than I did on those systems.The touchpad on the XPS 13 is excellent, however. For starters, its quite large for a notebook this small, measuring 4.1 x 2.3 inches (10.4 x 5.8 cm). Mousing around felt very responsive, and gestures like t wo-finger scrolling and pinch-to-zoom worked flawlessly.PortsOur review unit came with a generous 128GB of speedy SSD storage, but I was still glad to see a full-size SD card slot on the side of the XPS 13. With the right card, you can more than ersatzdarsteller the notebooks storage. Thats a positiv for geschftliches miteinander users who need to store large files on the go.Additionally, there are two USB 3.0 ports and a miniDisplayPort. The latter could come in handy for linking the computer to a large monitor, television or projector for presentations.Also included along the left edge is a series of small LEDs press a small button beside them, and theyll light up to indicate how much juice yur laptop has left. Its a nifty feature that lets you check yur battery life even when your notebook is turned off.VideoconferencingThe XPS 13s biggest weakness is the placement of its front-facing camera, which could be a problem if you want to use the device for meeting remotely with colleag ues or clients. The notebooks super-thin bezel left no room for a webcam at the top of the lid, so Dell stuck it in an awkward spot near the screens bottom left corner. As a result, the part on the other end of your video calls will become well-acquainted with the underside of your jaw.And since the camera is placed near the notebooks far left edge, youll probably be off-center, too. In this image I was sitting right in front of the XPS 13 and looking straight at the screen, so you can see how awkward the angle is.On the other hand, the XPS 13 captures images that are reasonably bright and colorful, if a bit grainy. Plus, the dual side-mounted speakers deliver loud, clear audio, so youll have no trouble hearing the person on the other end of the call.wertmiger zuwachsFor such a small machine, the XPS 13 is packing some serious firepower. Its one of the first notebooks with Intels fifth-generation Core processors. Our review unit included a Core i5-5200U integrierter schaltkreis with 8GB of RAM, which provides blazing-fast performance and snappy multitasking.In our performance test, the XPS 13 outperformed HPs EliteBook Folio 1020, as well as Lenovos Yoga 3 Pro. Those notebooks run on Intels Core M processor, a power-efficient chip that doesnt require a groupie for cooling. That helps make them lighter and cooler, but a bit slower, than the XPS 13.The XPS 13 performed admirably in our OpenOffice spreadsheet test, pairing 20,000 names and addresses in just 5 minutes and 34 seconds. Thats faster than both the Yoga 3 Pro (546) and the EliteBook Folio (636).HeatThe XPS 13 has some heat issues, particularly on the bottom of the machine. The back edge near the vent got very warm, reaching temperatures of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Thats slightly beyond our comfort threshold of 95 degrees F (35 C). The rest of the notebook remained relatively cool during our stress tests, however. The high temps are something to consider if you plan to frequent ly work with the XPS 13 on your lap. On the bright side, a ridge on the bottom helps mitigate the issue by lifting the hot spots off your knees.Battery LifeFor a notebook in the ultraportable category, the XPS 13 has pretty good longevity. It ran for 7 hours and 24 minutes in our battery life test, which involves continuous Web browsing over Wi-Fi, so it should have no issues lasting through the end of the workday. It actually survived a bit longer than the category average of 7 hours and 18 minutes, as well as the Yoga 3 Pro (629) and the EliteBook Folio (649). The nontouch version of the XPS 13 should also last a bit longer than our review unit.SoftwareThe XPS 13 comes with a near-pristine installation of Windows 8.1. In fact, just two third-party apps come pre-loaded Dropbox and Skype, both of which could come in handy for mobile business users.Buyers automatically get one year of premium phone support, in case you need Dell to help you troubleshoot any hardware or software issue s.Configurationsgeschftlicher umgang users on a budget can opt for the entry-level XPS 13, which is priced at just $799. It includes an Intel Core i3-5010U processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard SSD storage. This version has a lower resolution than our review unit (1020x1080p) and lacks a touch screen.In comparison, the model we reviewed costs $1,299 with a Core i5-5200U processor, 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, as well as a 3,200 x 1,800-pixel touch display.Bottom lineThe Dell XPSs edge-to-edge display is eye-catching, but its more than just a pretty face. Thanks to its thin bezel, the notebook is also the most portable business 13-incher on the market, with a smaller footprint than competing systems. If you want a laptop that will fit on an airplane tray table with room to spare during your next business trip, this is it.Its not perfect, though. If you frequently Skype into meetings, the XPS 13s awkwardly placed webcam might be a deal breaker. The notebook also has some minor hea t issues. Otherwise, mobile business users should put this device at the top of their lists.BUY Dell XPS 13 on Dell.com Brett Nuckles A former Ohio newspaper man, Brett Nuckles fled the Midwest in 2013. He now lives in Seattle, where he spends his days tinkering with smartphones, tablets and computers. He loves to think about the intersection of technology and productivity, and how to get the most out of new gadgets and apps. Hes also a big fan of vegetarian food and digital painting. In his off hours he spends most of his time drawing and painting sf/fantasy scenes on his PC with his trusty Wacom stylus in hand. Start Your Business Business Ideas Business Plans Startup Basics Startup Funding Franchising Success Stories Entrepreneurs Grow Your Business schlussverkauf absatzwirtschaft Finances Your Team Techn ology Social Media Security Build Your Career Get the Job Get Ahead Office Life Work-Life Balance Home Office Lead Your Team Leadership Women in Business Managing Strategy Personal Growth Find A Solution HR Solutions Financial Solutions Marketing Solutions Security Solutions Retail Solutions SMB Solutions About Us Contact Us mann an ihrer seite w ith Us Copyright Policy Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap 200 Fifth Avenue, Second FloorWaltham, MA 02451infobusinessnewsdaily.com Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) All Rights Reserved. Company About Us Contact Us lebensabschnittsgefhrte with Us Copyright Policy Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap N etwork Business.com BuyerZone.comDell XPS 13 (2015) Review Is It Good for BusinessThe Dell XPS 13 (2015) earns 4.5 stars out of 5. Ive always thought that a 13-inch (33 centimeters) laptop screen strikes the best balance between portability and productivity. Still, using a 13-incher on the go can make you long for a more portable 11-inch (28 cm) notebook.BUY Dell XPS 13 on Dell.comNow you dont have to compromise. Dells new XPS 13 notebook packs a 13-inch display into a laptop thats about the size of the average 11-inch system. It accomplished that feat by nearly eliminating the bezel around the screen, providing a display that practically stretches from one corner to the other. The result is the smallest 13-inch laptop Ive ever laid my hands on and thats a huge plus for commuters and business travelers.Plus, you get a speedy processor, an excellent keyboard and a large, responsive trackpad. There are a few issues, particularly the terrible webcam placement, which could make video conferencing awkward. But overall, the new XPS 13 is one of the most impressive, and eye-catching, business notebooks on the market.DesignAnyone who packs their laptop into a crowded bag for their work commute will appreciate the XPS 13s small size. With a footprint of 11.98 x 7.88 inches (30.4 x 20 cm), and a height that tapers from 0.33-0.6 inches (0.84-1.5 cm), Dells notebook is quite a bit smaller than competing 13-inch systems. For comparison, Apples 11-inch MacBook Air is just a tad smaller at 11.8 x 7.56 x 0.11-0.68 inches (30 x 19 x 0.28-1.7 cm). According to Dell, the new XPS 13 is 23 percent smaller than the larger 13-inch MacBook Air.The XPS 13 achieves those dimensions thanks to a razor-thin 0.2-inch (0.5 cm) bezel around the display the average 13-inch notebook has a bezel measuring a half-inch (1.3 cm) or more. Not only does the thin bezel reduce the overall size of the laptop, but it als o gives you a picture that seems ready spill off the edges of the display, making for a futuristic effect. Youve never seen a laptop quite like this one.But while the XPS 13 might be the smallest 13-inch laptop available, its not quite the lightest. At 2.8 lbs. (1.3 kilograms), its a bit heavier than the Lenovo Yoga 3 (2.6 lbs., 1.2 kg), though its lighter than the 3-lb. (1.4 kg) Air. Thats something to consider if you want a work machine thats easy to lug around, but these are all lightweight systems.DisplayLaptop displays dont get much better than this. Our review unit sports a super-sharp, 13-inch display with a quad-HD resolution of 3,200 x 1,800 pixels (cheaper configurations are available with lower-res screens, discussed below). Our unit also came with an optional touch screen, which is handy for navigating around Windows 8.1 but not necessary.Text on the display is crisp, and scales perfectly in pinch-to-zoom applications like Microsoft Office 365 and Internet Explorer. Mean while, colors are saturated and blacks are very dark.But does a 13-inch display offer enough screen space for work? The high resolution helps a lot, but business users who perform screen-intensive tasks like editing spreadsheets might feel a bit crowded. Thats the price you pay for a notebook this portable.Keyboard and touchpadThe XPS 13s keyboard isnt bad, but competing notebooks have better keyboards. Thats mostly due to this keyboards relatively shallow depth key travel on the XPS 13 is just 1.2 mm which makes extended typing sessions a bit less comfortable. In comparison, the Yoga 3 Pros keys have 1.5mm of travel and the Elitebook Folio 1020s have 1.65mm, so they provide a bit more feedback and a more satisfying typing experience. I found myself missing keys more often on the XPS 13 than I did on those systems.The touchpad on the XPS 13 is excellent, however. For starters, its quite large for a notebook this small, measuring 4.1 x 2.3 inches (10.4 x 5.8 cm). Mousing around fel t very responsive, and gestures like two-finger scrolling and pinch-to-zoom worked flawlessly.PortsOur review unit came with a generous 128GB of speedy SSD storage, but I was still glad to see a full-size SD card slot on the side of the XPS 13. With the right card, you can more than double the notebooks storage. Thats a plus for business users who need to store large files on the go.Additionally, there are two USB 3.0 ports and a miniDisplayPort. The latter could come in handy for linking the computer to a large monitor, television or projector for presentations.Also included along the left edge is a series of small LEDs press a small button beside them, and theyll light up to indicate how much juice your laptop has left. Its a nifty feature that lets you check your battery life even when your notebook is turned off.VideoconferencingThe XPS 13s biggest weakness is the placement of its front-facing camera, which could be a problem if you want to use the device for meeting remotely wi th colleagues or clients. The notebooks super-thin bezel left no room for a webcam at the top of the lid, so Dell stuck it in an awkward spot near the screens bottom left corner. As a result, the person on the other end of your video calls will become well-acquainted with the underside of your jaw.And since the camera is placed near the notebooks far left edge, youll probably be off-center, too. In this image I was sitting right in front of the XPS 13 and looking straight at the screen, so you can see how awkward the angle is.On the other hand, the XPS 13 captures images that are reasonably bright and colorful, if a bit grainy. Plus, the dual side-mounted speakers deliver loud, clear audio, so youll have no trouble hearing the person on the other end of the call.PerformanceFor such a small machine, the XPS 13 is packing some serious firepower. Its one of the first notebooks with Intels fifth-generation Core processors. Our review unit included a Core i5-5200U chip with 8GB of RAM, w hich provides blazing-fast performance and snappy multitasking.In our performance test, the XPS 13 outperformed HPs EliteBook Folio 1020, as well as Lenovos Yoga 3 Pro. Those notebooks run on Intels Core M processor, a power-efficient chip that doesnt require a fan for cooling. That helps make them lighter and cooler, but a bit slower, than the XPS 13.The XPS 13 performed admirably in our OpenOffice spreadsheet test, pairing 20,000 names and addresses in just 5 minutes and 34 seconds. Thats faster than both the Yoga 3 Pro (546) and the EliteBook Folio (636).HeatThe XPS 13 has some heat issues, particularly on the bottom of the machine. The back edge near the vent got very warm, reaching temperatures of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Thats slightly beyond our comfort threshold of 95 degrees F (35 C). The rest of the notebook remained relatively cool during our stress tests, however. The high temps are something to consider if you plan to frequently work with the X PS 13 on your lap. On the bright side, a ridge on the bottom helps mitigate the issue by lifting the hot spots off your knees.Battery LifeFor a notebook in the ultraportable category, the XPS 13 has pretty good longevity. It ran for 7 hours and 24 minutes in our battery life test, which involves continuous Web browsing over Wi-Fi, so it should have no issues lasting through the end of the workday. It actually survived a bit longer than the category average of 7 hours and 18 minutes, as well as the Yoga 3 Pro (629) and the EliteBook Folio (649). The nontouch version of the XPS 13 should also last a bit longer than our review unit.SoftwareThe XPS 13 comes with a near-pristine installation of Windows 8.1. In fact, just two third-party apps come pre-loaded Dropbox and Skype, both of which could come in handy for mobile business users.Buyers automatically get one year of premium phone support, in case you need Dell to help you troubleshoot any hardware or software issues.ConfigurationsBu siness users on a budget can opt for the entry-level XPS 13, which is priced at just $799. It includes an Intel Core i3-5010U processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard SSD storage. This version has a lower resolution than our review unit (1020x1080p) and lacks a touch screen.In comparison, the model we reviewed costs $1,299 with a Core i5-5200U processor, 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, as well as a 3,200 x 1,800-pixel touch display.Bottom lineThe Dell XPSs edge-to-edge display is eye-catching, but its more than just a pretty face. Thanks to its thin bezel, the notebook is also the most portable business 13-incher on the market, with a smaller footprint than competing systems. If you want a laptop that will fit on an airplane tray table with room to spare during your next business trip, this is it.Its not perfect, though. If you frequently Skype into meetings, the XPS 13s awkwardly placed webcam might be a deal breaker. The notebook also has some minor heat issues. Otherwise, mobile bu siness users should put this device at the top of their lists.BUY Dell XPS 13 on Dell.com Brett Nuckles A former Ohio newspaper man, Brett Nuckles fled the Midwest in 2013. He now lives in Seattle, where he spends his days tinkering with smartphones, tablets and computers. He loves to think about the intersection of technology and productivity, and how to get the most out of new gadgets and apps. Hes also a big fan of vegetarian food and digital painting. In his off hours he spends most of his time drawing and painting sci-fi/fantasy scenes on his PC with his trusty Wacom stylus in hand. Start Your Business Business Ideas Business Plans Startup Basics Startup Funding Franchising Success Stories Entrepreneurs Grow Your Business Sales Marketing Finances Your Team Technology Social Media Security Build Your Career Get the Job Get Ahead Office Life Work-Life Balance Home Office Lead Your Team Leadership Women in Business Managing Strategy Personal Growth Find A Solution HR Solutions Financial Solutions Marketing Solutions Security Solutions Retail Solutions SMB Solutions About Us Contact Us Partner with Us Copyright Policy Term s of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap 200 Fifth Avenue, Second FloorWaltham, MA 02451infobusinessnewsdaily.com Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) All Rights Reserved. Company About Us Contact Us Partner with Us Copyright Policy Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap Network Business.com BuyerZone.comDell XPS 13 (2015) Review Is It Good for BusinessThe Dell XPS 13 (2015) earns 4.5 stars out of 5. Ive always thought that a 13-inch (33 centimeters) laptop screen strikes the best balance between portability and productivity. Still, using a 13-incher on the go can make you long for a more portable 11-inch (28 cm) notebook.BUY Dell XPS 13 on Dell.comNow you dont have to compromise. Dells new XPS 13 notebook packs a 13-inch display into a laptop thats about the size of the average 11-inch system. It accomplished that feat by nearly eliminating the bezel around the screen, providing a display that practically stretches from one corner to the other. The result is the smallest 13-inch laptop Ive ever laid my hands on and thats a huge plus for commuters and business travelers.Plus, you get a speedy processor, an excellent keyboard and a large, responsive trackpad. There are a few issues, particularly the terrible webcam placement, which could make video conferencing awkward. But overall, the new XPS 13 is one of the most impressive, and eye-catching, business notebooks on the market.DesignAnyone who packs their laptop into a crowded bag for their work commute will appreciate the XPS 13s small size. With a footprint of 11.98 x 7.88 inches (30.4 x 20 cm), and a height that tapers from 0.33-0.6 inches (0.84-1.5 cm), Dells notebook is quite a bit smaller than competing 13-inch systems. For comparison, Apples 11-inch MacBook Air is just a tad smaller at 11.8 x 7.56 x 0.11-0.68 inches (30 x 19 x 0.28-1.7 cm). According to Dell, the new XPS 13 is 23 percent smaller than the larger 13-inch MacBook Air.The XPS 13 achieves those dimensions thanks to a razor-thin 0.2-inch (0.5 cm) bezel around the display the average 13-inch notebook has a bezel measuring a half-inch (1.3 cm) or more. Not only does the thin bezel reduce the overall size of the laptop, but it also gives you a picture that seems ready spill off the edges of the disp lay, making for a futuristic effect. Youve never seen a laptop quite like this one.But while the XPS 13 might be the smallest 13-inch laptop available, its not quite the lightest. At 2.8 lbs. (1.3 kilograms), its a bit heavier than the Lenovo Yoga 3 (2.6 lbs., 1.2 kg), though its lighter than the 3-lb. (1.4 kg) Air. Thats something to consider if you want a work machine thats easy to lug around, but these are all lightweight systems.DisplayLaptop displays dont get much better than this. Our review unit sports a super-sharp, 13-inch display with a quad-HD resolution of 3,200 x 1,800 pixels (cheaper configurations are available with lower-res screens, discussed below). Our unit also came with an optional touch screen, which is handy for navigating around Windows 8.1 but not necessary.Text on the display is crisp, and scales perfectly in pinch-to-zoom applications like Microsoft Office 365 and Internet Explorer. Meanwhile, colors are saturated and blacks are very dark.But does a 13-inc h display offer enough screen space for work? The high resolution helps a lot, but business users who perform screen-intensive tasks like editing spreadsheets might feel a bit crowded. Thats the price you pay for a notebook this portable.Keyboard and touchpadThe XPS 13s keyboard isnt bad, but competing notebooks have better keyboards. Thats mostly due to this keyboards relatively shallow depth key travel on the XPS 13 is just 1.2 mm which makes extended typing sessions a bit less comfortable. In comparison, the Yoga 3 Pros keys have 1.5mm of travel and the Elitebook Folio 1020s have 1.65mm, so they provide a bit more feedback and a more satisfying typing experience. I found myself missing keys more often on the XPS 13 than I did on those systems.The touchpad on the XPS 13 is excellent, however. For starters, its quite large for a notebook this small, measuring 4.1 x 2.3 inches (10.4 x 5.8 cm). Mousing around felt very responsive, and gestures like two-finger scrolling and pinch-to -zoom worked flawlessly.PortsOur review unit came with a generous 128GB of speedy SSD storage, but I was still glad to see a full-size SD card slot on the side of the XPS 13. With the right card, you can more than double the notebooks storage. Thats a plus for business users who need to store large files on the go.Additionally, there are two USB 3.0 ports and a miniDisplayPort. The latter could come in handy for linking the computer to a large monitor, television or projector for presentations.Also included along the left edge is a series of small LEDs press a small button beside them, and theyll light up to indicate how much juice your laptop has left. Its a nifty feature that lets you check your battery life even when your notebook is turned off.VideoconferencingThe XPS 13s biggest weakness is the placement of its front-facing camera, which could be a problem if you want to use the device for meeting remotely with colleagues or clients. The notebooks super-thin bezel left no room for a webcam at the top of the lid, so Dell stuck it in an awkward spot near the screens bottom left corner. As a result, the person on the other end of your video calls will become well-acquainted with the underside of your jaw.And since the camera is placed near the notebooks far left edge, youll probably be off-center, too. In this image I was sitting right in front of the XPS 13 and looking straight at the screen, so you can see how awkward the angle is.On the other hand, the XPS 13 captures images that are reasonably bright and colorful, if a bit grainy. Plus, the dual side-mounted speakers deliver loud, clear audio, so youll have no trouble hearing the person on the other end of the call.PerformanceFor such a small machine, the XPS 13 is packing some serious firepower. Its one of the first notebooks with Intels fifth-generation Core processors. Our review unit included a Core i5-5200U chip with 8GB of RAM, which provides blazing-fast performance and snappy multitasking.In our performance test, the XPS 13 outperformed HPs EliteBook Folio 1020, as well as Lenovos Yoga 3 Pro. Those notebooks run on Intels Core M processor, a power-efficient chip that doesnt require a fan for cooling. That helps make them lighter and cooler, but a bit slower, than the XPS 13.The XPS 13 performed admirably in our OpenOffice spreadsheet test, pairing 20,000 names and addresses in just 5 minutes and 34 seconds. Thats faster than both the Yoga 3 Pro (546) and the EliteBook Folio (636).HeatThe XPS 13 has some heat issues, particularly on the bottom of the machine. The back edge near the vent got very warm, reaching temperatures of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Thats slightly beyond our comfort threshold of 95 degrees F (35 C). The rest of the notebook remained relatively cool during our stress tests, however. The high temps are something to consider if you plan to frequently work with the XPS 13 on your lap. On the bright side, a ridge on the bottom helps mit igate the issue by lifting the hot spots off your knees.Battery LifeFor a notebook in the ultraportable category, the XPS 13 has pretty good longevity. It ran for 7 hours and 24 minutes in our battery life test, which involves continuous Web browsing over Wi-Fi, so it should have no issues lasting through the end of the workday. It actually survived a bit longer than the category average of 7 hours and 18 minutes, as well as the Yoga 3 Pro (629) and the EliteBook Folio (649). The nontouch version of the XPS 13 should also last a bit longer than our review unit.SoftwareThe XPS 13 comes with a near-pristine installation of Windows 8.1. In fact, just two third-party apps come pre-loaded Dropbox and Skype, both of which could come in handy for mobile business users.Buyers automatically get one year of premium phone support, in case you need Dell to help you troubleshoot any hardware or software issues.ConfigurationsBusiness users on a budget can opt for the entry-level XPS 13, which is priced at just $799. It includes an Intel Core i3-5010U processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard SSD storage. This version has a lower resolution than our review unit (1020x1080p) and lacks a touch screen.In comparison, the model we reviewed costs $1,299 with a Core i5-5200U processor, 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, as well as a 3,200 x 1,800-pixel touch display.Bottom lineThe Dell XPSs edge-to-edge display is eye-catching, but its more than just a pretty face. Thanks to its thin bezel, the notebook is also the most portable business 13-incher on the market, with a smaller footprint than competing systems. If you want a laptop that will fit on an airplane tray table with room to spare during your next business trip, this is it.Its not perfect, though. If you frequently Skype into meetings, the XPS 13s awkwardly placed webcam might be a deal breaker. The notebook also has some minor heat issues. Otherwise, mobile business users should put this device at the top of their lists.BUY Dell XPS 13 on Dell.com Brett Nuckles A former Ohio newspaper man, Brett Nuckles fled the Midwest in 2013. He now lives in Seattle, where he spends his days tinkering with smartphones, tablets and computers. He loves to think about the intersection of technology and productivity, and how to get the most out of new gadgets and apps. Hes also a big fan of vegetarian food and digital painting. In his off hours he spends most of his time drawing and painting sci-fi/fantasy scenes on his PC with his trusty Wacom stylus in hand. Start Your Business Business Ideas Business Plans Startup Basics Startup Funding Franchising Success Stories Entrepreneurs Grow Your Business Sales Marketing Finances Your Team Technology Social Media Security Build Your Career Get the Job Get Ahead Office Life Work-Life Balance Home Office Lead Your Team Leadership Women in Business Managing Strategy Persona l Growth Find A Solution HR Solutions Financial Solutions Marketing Solutions Security Solutions Retail Solutions SMB Solutions About Us Contact Us Partner with Us Copyright Policy Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Perso nal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap 200 Fifth Avenue, Second FloorWaltham, MA 02451infobusinessnewsdaily.com Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) All Rights Reserved. Company About Us Contact Us Partner with Us Copyright Policy Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap Network Business.com BuyerZone.com