Computer manufacturers are all rushing to release laptops with the latest 3D technology after the start of the 3D craze that began back in 2010.
Dell’s addition to the mix is an updated version of the XPS 17, one of its top end entertainment machines. PC Site takes a closer look.
What we like best
The Dell XPS 17 means business. Its comes with an impressive NVIDIA GeForce GT 445M graphics card with up to 3 Gb of graphics memory, which makes this a laptop for gaming and intense video playback.
The 3D aspect of this laptop is slight different to its competitors. Instead of a 3D display on the machine itself, the Dell XPS 17 offers NVIDIA 3DTV Play technology, which allows users to leverage the processing power of the GeForce chip to create a 3D movie or gaming experience on your big screen at home.
All you do is connect your laptop to a 3D enabled TV and it will project your 3D movies photo slideshows and 3D games, just using an HDMI cable. Simple! The Dell XPS even comes with a Blu-ray drive option, so you can really maximise on quality.
The Dell XPS also has the nice little comforts that make using the laptop a pleasure, such as a numerical keypad and a multi-gesture trackpad. On top of that Dell has kitted the XPS 17 out with JBL speakers which give out excellent sound thanks to the 12W subwoofer.
What we like least
The display on this machine is not all that impressive with only a 1600 x 900 pixel resolution.
This is pretty standard, and would be fine for most users, but on a laptop that boasts 3D technology you would expect Dell to step up on the display.
The Dell XPS 17 is also on the heavy side, weighing up to 3.6Kg with the 9-cell battery, making it a no-go for those who are looking for a portable entertainment machine – this is more of a desktop replacement.
To sum it up, the Dell XPS 17 is an impressive entertainment laptop with unconventional 3D technology. It has a few flaws in the weight and display resolution but its graphics capabilities and processing power do make up for it.
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Processor Speed
Up to 1.73 GHz
Processor
Up to Intel Core i7 Processor
RAM
Up to 16 Gb RAM
Screen Size
17.3 inch
1600 x 900 pixel resolution
HD + WLED
Graphics
Up to NVIDIA GeForce GT 445M with 3 Gb graphics memory
Hard Drive Storage
Up to 1.5 Tb 7200 RPM
Battery
Up to 9-cell Lithium Ion
Multimedia
Integrated 2.0 MP webcam
Built in microphone
JBL speakers
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
9-in-1 card reader
8x DVD+/-RW (standard)
Optional Blu-ray drive
Optional integrated TV tuner
Ports
2 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0
1 x eSATA/USB combo
1 x Mini DisplayPort
1 x Ethernet
1 x HDMI
Weight & Size
414.9mm (W) x 32.8 - 38.5mm (H) x 287.3mm (D)
3.6Kg (with 9-cell battery)
Connectivity
Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 802.11 a/g/n
Bluetooth Internal 3.0 mini-card
Operating System
Genuine Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
The Dell XPS 17 is one of Dell’s first laptops to offer integrated NVIDIA 3DTV Play technology which gives users a new way to experience 3D entertainment through their laptop.
Dell XPS 17
The Dell XPS 17 allows you to use the power of its impressive NVIDIA GeForce GT 445M graphics card and create a cinematic 3D performance on your home TV.
With the option for a Blu-ray Disc drive and the JBL speakers, the Dell XPS 17 offers users a complete entertainment experience and it is as simple as hooking up your laptop to you 3D enabled TV using an HDMI cable.
The Dell XPS 17 is a desktop replacement that offers quality processing power in its Intel Core i7 processor and up to 1.5 Tb of storage, so you can work as hard as you play.
If you want to find out more about this new 3D enable laptop then read the PC Site Dell XPS 17 review.
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