Dell XPS 12 user reviews

Pros Light, fast, touch-screen, tablet function

Cons Trackpad doesn't work at times when I tap it to hit a button or place a cursor

Summary I looked around at several reviews before I bought this product, and thought I'd share my experience with you in case there was any confusion with the different, quick reviews from various websites.

First of all, I'll just say that this is a very nice computer, but of course you're paying a premium price for a touchscreen ultrabook with Windows 8.

Tablet Function: There seems to be a lot of criticism of the tablet function of the computer. You should understand that this is primarily a laptop with an added tablet function. Three pounds might not sound like much, but to try and hold it in an upright position for any length of time will tire your wrists quickly. Since it's a laptop, I would suggest that you just use it that way, and you still get the same angle without the wrist strain. If you would use it as a tablet, I would suggest laying it flat. So once again, if you're looking for a light tablet, you're looking in the wrong place. This is a laptop (with all the power and functionality of a laptop) that has an added bonus function of being able to used as a tablet.

The touch screen: this is one reason that I wanted to buy this computer. Right now, it's one of the few computers that takes advantage of Windows 8 touch technology, and I'm glad that I decided to couple a touch screen computer with Windows 8. The touch technology really makes it a joy to use in a lot of ways, just like your touch phone.

Windows 8: For the most part, Windows 8 works well. There are some little glitches, but for the most part I like it. It takes a little getting used to, but worth it. Some things seem a little more work than usual (like toggling between different documents) but in other ways it is much simpler. For a brand new OS, Dell seems to have integrated it well.

Ports: Since this is an ultrabook, it does not have all the things you would have on a heavier laptop. There is no DVD drive, SD card reader, etc., and I knew this going in. I will say, it can be a hindrance at times (like when I want to upload some photos from a camera or install software from a CD) but I guess there are workarounds for this. Again, just know this going in.

Power: It's fast. For example, I was transferring files from an old computer to this one via a flash drive, and it was so much faster. The SSD makes startup a joy.

Screen: It's good, clear and bright.

Heat: I guess I haven't run too much intensive stuff on it (perhaps Netflix being the most taxing) but it does not seem to heat up much at all.

Power usage: Just surfing the 'net, and doing some word processing, etc. the battery will usually last me almost a whole day.

Problems: My one gripe with this computer would be the track pad / mouse. Tapping the pad to get the cursor to rest in a position in a document or webpage can be frustrating at times. I don't know if this is a hardware or driver issue, but it definitely takes away from the experience of the computer when I have to tape four or five times to get the cursor to come to rest in the place that I want it to (and yes, I've adjusted the settings)

Service: I will say that Dell service is very good if you report to them that you have any type of problem with your new computer.

Overall: I really like the computer. The trackpad is my only really gripe. Like I said, it's a nice computer, but it's also expensive too. You have to decide if a light, touch screen, part-tablet, with a fast processor is what you want for this price.