Dell’s brand new lineup of XPS ultrabooks couldn’t be more exciting: the latest ultralight models from the American manufacturer feature the same essential elements that have distinguished the XPS series from competition in the last years. Read more about the Dell XPS 9360-3591SLV!
Review
The model I’ll be talking about today, the 13-inch Dell XPS9360-3591SLV, makes no exception. With sleek design lines, refined and sturdy construction materials, and with numbers to back up its status as leader of the ultra portable market, this Windows 10 laptop is a healthy alternative to Apple’s similar line of models.
Performance
This laptop sits in the middle between the cheapest XPS model available and the most expensive one, but closer to the former when it comes to actual dollars. However, performance-wise, I don’t think the difference in price justifies the increase in computing power. At least not for the average user.
So, the Dell XPS9360-1718SLV comes equipped with the latest generation of Intel processors, namely Kaby Lake. It has a dual core Intel Core i5-7200U processor, a standard choice for such a notebook. This CPU has a base frequency of 2.5 GHz, turbo frequency goes to 3.1 GHz, has 3 megabytes of cache and a thermal design power of 15 Watts. More importantly, it belongs to the slightly improved 7th generation of Intel processors, which will make the Dell more future proof in the long run, should you decide to buy one while it’s barely released.
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Standard system memory is rated at 8 gigabytes of LPDDR3-1866MHz RAM, which is not user upgradeable. Since this is an ultrabook, the memory sticks are likely soldered to the mother board, so if you need more memory inside your XPS notebook, you should check the more expensive version, which comes with 16 gigs.
However, for an average usage scenario, I can’t imagine needing more than 8GB of RAM to browse the internet, edit documents and so on. However, if video editing, photography, virtual machines, and so on are your thing, you may want to check the model I’ve mentioned in the last paragraph.
The storage capacity on the Dell XPS9360-3591SLV is great for a ultralight laptop. It comes with a 256-gigabyte solid state drive that will not only hold entire photo collections, but also run incredibly fast, so that programs open in seconds and whatever tasks you may throw at it produce instant results.
Display
The Dell XPS9360-3591SLV has a 13.3-inch screen with an exceptional IZGO2 IPS display. Not only is the touch display brighter than usual (400-nit), but the contrast ratio and high color gamut recommend it to be used in photo editing and design. Also, you’ll be amazed by the QHD+ resolution this panel produces: 3200 x 1800, or double the amount of vertical and horizontal pixels compared to a traditional FHD display. This, in turn, produces a pixel density of 276 ppi, close to modern smartphones – and we know how much of a crystal clear display they have.
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You obviously won’t be able to “game” on it, save for some online MMOs and such. This is not a gaming laptop, but rather a professional piece of equipment necessary for industry experts on the go. It doesn’t have a dedicated video card, instead featuring the latest generation in integrated Intel cards: the Intel HD Graphics 620. You’ll be able to stream FHD and 4K content without seeing any stutter whatsoever, but any heavy duty tasks such as complex 3D renders will be noticeably slower.
Interface Options
Interface freaks will be delighted to learn that the new Dell XPS9360-3591SLV features enough sensible options to connect all your devices. Probably the best one is the Thunderbolt 3 reversible port, which is compatible to USB-C and a number of other useful expansion options.
- 2 x USB3.0 ports
- 1 x Thunderbolt 3 port
- Supports: Thunderbolt 3, USB3.1, USB-A, VGA, HDMI, Ethernet
- 1 x Audio Combo Jack
- 1 x SD/XC/HC Card Reader
- 1 x Noble Lock Slot
Networking
As expected, the Dell XPS9360-3591SLV has a 802.11ac 2×2 wireless card, namely the Killer 1535 with built-in Bluetooth 4.1 technology. Also, an Ethernet connection is available via the Thunderbolt 3 port using a compatible adapter.
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Features and Design
As is tradition with the XPS series, build materials are of the highest quality. The frame is machine cut from a single aluminum block to ensure maximum durability and the palm rest is made from carbon fiber, a lighter alternative to aluminum that also keeps your palms cooler when typing away at the backlit keyboard.
Design hasn’t changed much since the previous model; the same refined edges are present, neutral color tones on the outside and black on the inside persist. A very important and prominent feature of the XPS series is its InfinityEdge technology: a slim, almost nonexistent screen bezel maximizes screen real estate, while keeping the overall measurements minimal.
Portability and Battery Life
These are the two areas where the Dell XPS9360-3591SLV really, really shines (maybe alongside the amazingly vivid display).
When it comes to portability, this is a king in the world of 13″ ultrabooks. Not only is it smaller than most competitors (7.9″ x 11.98″ x 0.3-0.6″) thanks to that crazy thin bezel, but it’s also considerably lighter: the touchscreen model weighs only 2.9 pounds. Add the fact that it’s insanely durable and you get a trusty travel companion, perfect for long distance flights and ideal for digital nomads, experts and professionals who work in the field and not only. It’s also a stunner, perfect for design students and hip co-working spaces.
Battery life is also impressive, to say the least. You’ll easily get 12-13 hours of light to moderate use (think Excel, sending emails, browsing the Internet, streaming video content) and 6 to 7 hours of medium to intense use (running virtual machines, editing photos or videos, handling of large data sets, etc). These stats can only cement it’s ultra-portable reputation and make it a great choice for whoever needs form and function in the same package.
Final Words
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I think the Dell XPS9360-3591SLV is a fantastic laptop, one of the best looking and best performing ultrabooks out there at the moment. It’s lightweight, has tons of battery life reserves, the display is one of the most impressive in the industry and the hardware choices are more than adequate for such a device that was priced at around $1350 at the time of this review. Sure, it’s pricy, but this will likely be the best ultrabook you’ll experience.
