The Dell XPS 17 (9710) is the latest addition to Dell’s XPS series and is considered a remarkable breakthrough in the realm of laptop technology. Aimed primarily at creators and power users who require a high-performance device that matches the portability of a laptop, it boasts an array of features and specifications to cater to a range of uses. This article will delve into the comprehensive analysis of the XPS 17, shedding light on its specifications, performance, features, and how it stacks up against its competitors.
Contents
History of Dell XPS series
Dell’s XPS (Xtreme Performance System) line has been a trusted series in the laptop market for decades. Originally introduced in 1990, the XPS series was designed to embody the best in PC technology. Over the years, the series has evolved significantly, with each iteration pushing the boundaries of performance and design.
| Year | Key Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Introduction of the XPS series |
| 2001 | Launch of the first XPS laptop |
| 2005 | Separation into two lines: for gaming and for performance |
| 2007 | Rebranding of the gaming line to Alienware |
| 2010 | XPS 13, the smallest 13-inch laptop, launched |
| 2020 | Launch of XPS 17 after a decade’s hiatus |
Specifications of Dell XPS 17
The Dell XPS 17 is a showcase of top-tier hardware and refined design, balancing both power and portability.
1 Display
The Dell XPS 17 comes with a 17-inch display, offering two resolution options: Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) and UHD+ (3840 x 2400). The InfinityEdge touch display provides a nearly borderless viewing experience, and the 500-nit panel delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, crucial for video editing and graphic design tasks.
2 Processor
Depending on your choice, the Dell XPS 17 can be equipped with various 10th or 11th Gen Intel Core processors. This flexibility allows the laptop to cater to different user needs, from basic productivity tasks to intense computational workloads.
3 RAM and Storage
You can configure the Dell XPS 17 with up to 64GB DDR4 RAM and up to 4TB PCIe SSD for storage. Such massive storage and memory options are a boon for professionals dealing with large files and demanding applications.
4 Graphics
The Dell XPS 17 comes with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or 3060 graphics options. These GPUs, along with the powerful processors, make the laptop an excellent choice for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. They also support Ray Tracing and DLSS, technologies that further enhance the laptop’s graphics performance.
5 Battery Life
One of the key selling points of the Dell XPS 17 is its battery life. Depending on the use case, the laptop’s 97WHr battery can last up to 14 hours on a single charge. This makes it an excellent companion for those who work on the go.
6 Ports and Connectivity
The Dell XPS 17 features a total of four Thunderbolt 4 ports (with power delivery), a full-size SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. For wireless connectivity, it offers Killer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 17-inch, Full HD+ or UHD+, InfinityEdge Touch Display |
| Processor | 10th/11th Gen Intel Core options |
| RAM | Up to 64GB DDR4 |
| Storage | Up to 4TB PCIe SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050/3060 |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours |
| Ports | 4 Thunderbolt 4, SD Card Reader, 3.5mm Audio Jack |
Performance and User Experience
1 Everyday Use
With its impressive specs, the Dell XPS 17 performs exceptionally well in daily tasks. From browsing with multiple tabs open to running productivity software like Microsoft Office, the laptop handles it all smoothly. The high-resolution display makes watching videos and browsing photos a delight.
2 Gaming and Media Creation
The Dell XPS 17, with its powerful processor and GPU, is well-equipped to handle gaming and media creation tasks. It can run most modern games smoothly at medium to high settings. For creators, video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro runs without hiccups, and the high-resolution display ensures accurate color representation.
Software and Features
1 Pre-installed Software
The Dell XPS 17 comes with Windows 10 Home or Pro, providing familiar navigation and built-in security features. Additionally, Dell includes a suite of applications such as Dell Power Manager, which lets you customize your power settings for optimal performance and battery use.
2 Special Features
The XPS 17 includes several notable features. The Waves MaxxAudio Pro boosts volume and clarifies every tone, enhancing your audio experience. The laptop also comes with a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button for easy and secure access.
Comparisons with Competing Models
1 Dell XPS 17 vs MacBook Pro
The Dell XPS 17 and the Apple MacBook Pro are both top-tier laptops targeted towards power users. The MacBook Pro comes with Apple’s M1 chip, which delivers impressive performance, but the XPS 17’s configurability with different Intel processors and NVIDIA GPUs offers more options to the user.
| Category | Dell XPS 17 | MacBook Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 10th/11th Gen Intel Core options | M1 Chip |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050/3060 | 8-core GPU |
| Display | 17″ Full HD+ or UHD+ | 16″ Retina Display |
| RAM | Up to 64GB DDR4 | Up to 16GB |
| Storage | Up to 4TB PCIe SSD | Up to 2TB SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Price | Varies based on configuration | Starts at $2399 |
2 Dell XPS 17 vs Lenovo Yoga
The Lenovo Yoga series is another competitor, with the Yoga 9i being a standout model. The Yoga 9i comes with a unique rotating soundbar hinge, and it’s also a 2-in-1 device, but the XPS 17 offers a larger display and more powerful specifications.
| Category | Dell XPS 17 | Lenovo Yoga 9i |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 10th/11th Gen Intel Core options | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050/3060 | Integrated Intel Graphics |
| Display | 17″ Full HD+ or UHD+ | 14″ Full HD or UHD |
| RAM | Up to 64GB DDR4 | Up to 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | Up to 4TB PCIe SSD | Up to 1TB PCIe SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Price | Varies based on configuration | Starts at $1349 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning 17-inch display with optional 4K resolution
- Robust performance with Intel 10th/11th Gen processors
- NVIDIA RTX graphics
- Up to 14 hours of battery life
- Minimalistic, high-quality design
Cons:
- Can get hot under heavy load
- No HDMI or USB-A ports
- High-end configurations can be expensive
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 17 is a high-performance laptop that offers a compelling mix of power, portability, and aesthetics. It’s equipped to handle everything from everyday tasks to intense computational workloads, making it an excellent choice for power users. With its stunning display, robust build quality, and impressive battery life, it’s a standout laptop in its category. While it comes with a steep price tag, the XPS 17 delivers on its promise of performance and quality, making it a worthy investment for those in need of a powerhouse portable machine.
