Laptop Thoughts: Dell XPS (Xtreme Performance System) 14: We're Back!

"When Dell told us of its plans to revive its tried and true XPS laptop line we were pretty darn excited. With so much brand dilution in the past few years -- there's been the Adamo XPS and the Studio XPS -- the products have noticeably strayed from providing the rock solid gaming and multimedia experience they were once known for. There's a reason XPS stands for Xtreme Performance System, right?! The new line, which includes 14-, 15-, 17-inch systems, has all the ingredients to set it back on track -- including Core i5 / i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce 400M graphics with Optimus, JBL speakers, a backlit keyboard, an HD webcam and a solid aluminum lid - but has Dell succeeded in creating a well-rounded multimedia machine?"

Always informative and amusing to read a review, followed closely by reading the comments. Dell's revived XPS line offers great specs, including a great sound system, Optimus switching graphics, an HD videocam, and, a backlit keyboard - all for $899. But, the 14-inch system only offers a 1366x768 ("low res") screen, and that set the commenters ablaze (no upgrade is offered in resolution for the 14-inch model). Many comparisons to HP's Envy 14, lots of comments about the flared back-side (donkey butt) and lack of VGA out. At 5.35-pounds, it's slightly thick and heavy, and suffers from mediocre battery life, but a 9-cell upgrade is offered for $40. I find it a positive sign that the XPS line is back.