The Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) has made its mark in the tech world, showcasing a blend of style and performance. However, like any piece of technology, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s delve into the details of this laptop and see what it has to offer.
Key Highlights:
- Stylish and eye-catching design.
- OLED display with excellent color reproduction.
- High display resolution.
- Decent computing power, quiet even under load.
- Moderate battery life.
- Limited port selection with only two ports.
- Camera resolution capped at 720p.
Design and Display:
The Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) retains much of its predecessor’s futuristic design, boasting a striking appearance complemented by a high-resolution display. The laptop’s chic case and top-tier display make it more than just a workhorse for mundane tasks. Its design is sleek, with the aluminum case wrapped in elegant silver, angular with rounded corners, and can be opened comfortably with one hand.
Performance and Specs:
Under the hood, the 2023 model remains largely unchanged from its previous version. However, the latest iteration now boasts a 12-core CPU from the Raptor Lake generation, the Intel Core i7-1360P. This boost in processing power ensures smooth performance, making it a quietly run laptop with a touch-enabled display. The laptop also features an Intel Iris Xe graphics card integrated into the CPU, 32 GB LPDDR5 RAM, and an NVMe SSD with a usable capacity of 953 GB.
Connectivity and Ports:
One of the major caveats of the XPS 13 Plus is its limited connectivity options. The laptop offers only two Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 4. This might be a sticking point for users who require multiple ports for various peripherals.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
The laptop’s keyboard spans the entire width of the case, offering larger keys than most ultrabooks. This design choice facilitates fast and accurate typing. However, the arrow keys, which are not offset, can be a bit cumbersome. The touchpad, on the other hand, presents a learning curve. It’s invisible and requires some getting used to. Users might find it challenging to move the mouse pointer over longer distances due to the lack of clear boundaries on the touchpad.
Summary:
The Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) is undeniably a piece of art in the laptop world. Its design and display are top-notch, and its performance is commendable. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limited connectivity options and the learning curve associated with its touchpad. If you’re in the market for a unique laptop that stands out from the crowd and can overlook some of its shortcomings, the XPS 13 Plus might just be the device for you.
