Dell XPS 15z lap top

 

The basics

While MacBook Pro users have enjoyed a high quality aluminium body on their laptops for years, Windows users have often ended up with cheaper machines finished in plastic. That doesn't have to be the case, however, with the Dell XPS 15z offering a semi-affordable metal-clad alternative.

The good

The Dell XPS 15z is a 15.4-inch machine, finished in magnesium and aluminium. The chassis measures under an inch in depth, and it's thinner than lots of rival laptops. It's tactile and robust, although you'll find several different metals in place – rather than the MacBook Pro's uni-body design. That said, the XPS 15z really is a nice laptop to use and to look at.  Surprisingly for a semi-portable machine, the Dell XPS 15z is available with a Full HD screen. With a 1980 x 1080-pixel resolution, it's a lot sharper than most of its rivals, and you'll have more space onscreen to work or multi-task with.  Performance is also impressive, with the XPS 15z offering an Intel Core i7 processor and a huge 8GB of memory in high-end models. There's also a powerful nVidia GeForce GT 525M graphics card in place, so you'll have no trouble at all playing the latest games or editing videos.

The bad

The fact the XPS 15z uses different types of metals creates a slightly unbalanced feel to the design, although there's no disputing the quality. We also found the 15z was slightly noisy in use, although never distractingly so.

The bottom line

Finished entirely in metal, the Dell XPS 15z has few proper rivals. The HP Envy 15 and Apple MacBook Pro both spring to mind, and the Dell undercuts both when it comes to specification. If you're in the market for a high quality PC, the XPS 15z is well worth a look.