New DELL XPS 15z

The new model in the XPS series is yet the most amazing laptop of it's generation.

For years, Dell's been teasing supermodel-thin laptops, each one flawed out of the gate: too pricey, too underpowered, and with underwhelming battery life. This time Dell stated that we'd get something different: a laptop without compromise. Recently, Round Rock killed off the Adamo and nixed the XPS 14, and then rumors started to spin -- a spiritual successor would be the slimmest 15.6-inch notebook we'd ever seen, be crafted from "special materials" and yet cost less than $1,000. Dell even stated that it would have an "innovative new form factor" of some sort.
When you see the XPS 15z your first thought is likely to be about how much it resembles the old titanium MacBook. Its rounded corners, silver metal finish and slot-loading DVD drive all remind us of the Apple machine. Open the XPS up and start using it and not only is the resemblance not as close as you first thought, but your attention will be on other things, like the fantastic screen.
The case is anodised aluminium with a matte finish that looks good and shrugs off fingerprints. It's a full metal case too, no plastic undercarriage here with even the generous palm rest finished in magnesium. Apart from an unobtrusive matte black plastic screen surround, the slightly darker grey metal covers the whole interior and dips down to form the keyboard tray.

The screen is set slightly forward from the rear edge, giving the same suggestion of a shelf as in the previous XPS model, but there are no lights or controls trapped behind the screen. The speakers on either side of the keyboard have an unusual grill perforation that looks familiar from the Adamo. While the silver-grey keytops match the grooved circular hinge that runs most of the way across the case. One of the grooves is the charging light; little touches like that show a real attention to detail. The design is understated and the build quality is fantastic; barely any flex even when you twist the screen, no flex at all on the keyboard. And despite the all-metal chassis and serious spec, the XPS 15z is thin for a 15.6-inch laptop at under 25mm although, its weight is nothing remarkable at 2.54kg.
Every XPS 15z includes Stage software, an easy-to-use interface that keeps your favorite music, videos, photos and applications within reach.
The spacious work area and backlit chiclet keyboard on XPS 15z make it easy to work and play comfortably around the clock.