Dell XPS 15z user reviews

Pros Fast, great graphics, looks nice, back lit keyboard, you can sort of pretend you own a Mac

Cons slot load DVD (had trouble with this before on an XPS m1330), funny-looking hinge beneath the interior screen, fans a bit noisy but with a high-performance laptop, I guess you have to expect this, especially when they have to get rid of the heat.

Summary I received a 720p screen but had ordered a 1080p. After calling support Dell offered $130 back to compensate. I accepted, but with a week left on my 21 day return window I'm not sure I'm keeping it. To be fair the 720p screen is crystal clear and certainly more than enough for my computing needs (i don't watch DVDs on a laptop), but it's the principle. That wrong order-filling left me wondering about Dell once again after I had all kinds of previous trouble with an xps m1330 motherboard failures a couple years ago, (even though Dell finally did ship me a new XPS 15 (1080 screen) replacement for that fiasco.) I don't know, I'm coming to the conclusion that no matter what you buy nowadays, no matter what manufacturer (yes even the great Apple) you're never going to be 100% happy -- you can always find a flaw in performance or design somewhere. Maybe the best idea is just provide the parts and we can build our own laptop of our dreams. I will update this post on my decision to keep or not to keep...

Updated on Aug 26, 2011

I decided to keep the xps 15z with the 750p screen. Dell refunded my card a total of $145 so I figure they made a good faith gesture for the order blunder. In my case since I don't like to watch movies on laptops, use them only for work, this screen is more than adequate, and my second monitor at my workstation is a 1080 anyway. So far I feel this is an exceptionally good laptop, especially for the price. It's very responsive and I like keyboard, even though others here don't. It's like driving a new car -- you just have to get used to it. I highly recommend this laptop if you want the performance and look of a MacPro for two-thirds the cost. Of course, if having that apple logo on the lid is more important to you and putting out the bucks is no big deal, well, I can't help you there.

Pros 1080p resolution - a must.
sleek
battery life ~5-6 hours doing light work
quiet

Cons keyboard - could be much better

Summary If they keyboard was more like a thinkpad keyboard, this would get 5 star. It's easy to get used to, but not having certain dedicated buttons like home is a little weird.

Pros Thin, compact, lightweight and powerful. This may be advertised as a gaming laptop but it features all of the requirements of a full blown professional work station.

Cons NONE to date!

Those of you have read or posted negative comments, have you researched any of your issues? Doesn't support Windows 7? I'm running it now... Wireless card doesn't work? I'm using it now...

Summary This is an outstanding example of what Dell has in store for the next generation. Simply put, a computer is only as smart as the person operating it. This machine has met and exceeded EVERY expectation I had. +1 Dell!

Pros Excellent bright display. Lovely to use touch pad. Beautiful design. Light and very thin.

Cons The silver trim that lines the laptop will probably come off very soon. It is cheap and badly put together. The very front of my laptop has actually come away from the case, it is one day old... The keyboard could have a better feel, a bit plastic.

Summary While the build quality is questionable, it is not a factor in deciding whether or not to buy it. it is a BRILLIANT laptop and I am very pleased with it. I could not recommend it enough. And don't be put off by reviewers complaining about heat and noise etc. It is simply not true!