Last month, at CES 2011 we unveiled details on some machines we expected to bring to market. One of those machines was the XPS 17 laptop. Starting today, you can order it with the latest processor technology from Intel and a true HD display. Like its bigger brother, the XPS 15 is also getting upgraded processors and Intel chipsets. The new XPS 17 is available today in North America, Latin America and Europe. The XPS 15 is launching today in the United States, and will be rolled out in additional countries in the coming weeks.
Before I get into the fun details, one thing to make clear is that all configurations of the new XPS 15 and 17 laptops all feature updated hardware from Intel that is not affected by the chipset issue.
So, what’s new in these laptops? 1) Latest second-generation Intel Core processors. Both support a range of i3, i5 and i7 dual core and quad-core options. 2) New GPU options and 3) on the XPS 17, a new panel that brings 3D capability with a 1920 x 1080 screen. These new features translate into increased performance compared to the previous versions.
The XPS 15 can accommodate up to 8GB RAM. The XPS 17 3D version can add up to 16GB RAM. Bottom line, either of these machine will be perfect for high-end computing tasks. Whether you are a gamer, or a high-end photographer or someone who does a lot of video editing stuff, these machines can handle it. Both also offer full support of Dell Stage software that’s designed to give you easy access to all your music, photos and videos.
One of the most frequent requests from customers interested in the XPS 17 was for us to offer a higher resolution display. That’s why XPS 17 customers can now opt for a 1920 x 1080 option. In addition to the higher resolution, it also adds great 3D performance to the mix. That means you can enjoy nearly 500 3D gaming titles, or watch Blu-ray titles in stunning 3D playback. When paired with the new 3GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 555 GPU, this laptop offers new levels of performance in 2D and especially 3D gaming, and beyond.
Both these updated systems keep the original features I blogged about that make these XPS laptops so cool—NVIDIA’s Optimus technology to give you extra GPU power when you need it, awesome audio via JBL speakers and Waves MAXXAudio 3, Skype-certified webcams that can stream in 720p HD, plus standard USB 3.0 on both machines.
Here are some specs both XPS 15 and XPS 17 customers can look forward to:
- Support for a range of Sandy Bridge or Huron River CPU options: i3/i5/i7 Dual core and Quad core
- The i7 version now supports Optimus, unless configured with the optional 3D FHD panel on the XPS 17– this uses the discrete GPU full time
- Both support the full Stage experience on all panels
- Both offer a wide WLED display (1920 x 1080 resolution) option
- The i7 Quad core supports WiDi and can stream up to 1080p on both systems
- Both feature the chiclet keyboard design
- XPS 15: Starting weight with 6-cell battery = 5.96 pounds
- XPS 17: Starting weight with 6-cell battery = 7.41 pounds
- XPS 15: available with up to the NVIDIA GT 540M mobile graphics with 2GB RAM
- XPS 17: available with up to the NVIDIA 555M mobile graphics with 3GB RAM
- Both laptops offer all the other great enhancements the XPS line offers, like a Skype HD certified webcam, JBL speakers and Waves Maxx audio and USB 3.0