Dell XPS

Dell Windows 8 new system is a convertible one trying to be two devices in one. However, it may not be a winning combination.

Windows 8 laptop and tablet hybrid design, we never watched shaken some of the best touchscreen technology with emphasis on the results of a new, yet.

With this mind, it was a bit surprising when Dell announced that its new 12.5-inch Ultrabook, Dell XPS 12 convertible, another shape - the device will be handling. But a few eyebrows were raised when we learned that the screen - swivel design from 2010, Dell Inspiron book has a surplus.

Dell XPS 12 is one of the first new Windows 8 convertibles  to appear on the market. It has a beautiful 12.5. Display adequate power under the hood, a number of clever design touches. If you need this kind of double duty device, you will see that it will go well - with a few exceptions.

XPS Ultrabook standard equipment. I tested the unit has an Intel Core i5-3427 clocked at 1.7Ghz and 4GB RAM along with a 128GB SSD, it says that on the Dell website for $ 1,199.99. Other configurations are available with 8GB, Core i7 processor and / or a SSD 256GB hard drive. Top-line model, which has all these features, retails for $ 1,699.99.

Flipping the box
What sets apart from other XPS 12 Ultrabooks its "convertible" feature - the ability to work as a tablet and a traditional notebook. This is achieved with a very clever design and well-executed. The display is located in the frame and flips 180 degrees on hinges so you can face away from the keyboard. Fold down the screen on the keyboard body, and you're left with the tablet. The design is simple, clean and very nice.


Dell XPS 12
The screen itself is a real stand out and be the best part of the XPS 12 Gorilla Glass protected from the sport, a 1920 x 1080 resolution and is very bright and colorful, like a traditional large screen and touch screen.

The performance was fast, and I had no delays and launch applications management, watching videos and listening to music. Speakers are suitable volume.

The system comes with basic connection: two USB 3.0 ports (one on PoverShare, which lets you charge USB devices connected, even when it is off or sleeping XPS), Mini DisplayPort to connect to an external display and headphones. There is no Ethernet port or an SD card slot.

For those who want to check the battery backup is not a nice feature: Press the small button on the right side of the system and a series of tiny bright lights let you know how much power is left.

As an Ultrabook, however, XPS weighs 3.35 pounds on MacBook Air with 13.3-in. screen, for example, weighs about a pound less at £ 2.96, and 13.3-in. Asus Zenbook UKS31A weighs 3.08 lb touch, despite its large screen size.

Keyboard and trackpad
When you use the notebook as KSPS12, you will spend more time with your keyboard and trackpad, and you'll find them mixed bag. Keyboard feels a bit cramped, and those with large hands may take some time to get used to. But the buttons spring back as you touch them, you keyboard typing easy. The keys are backlit, so it's easy to use in low light conditions. All in all, this is a solid keyboard for Ultrabook.

I ran into trouble with the trackpad, though. Once, when I had to move out, the cursor tends to cause Herk-intermittent demand. I sometimes have problems with Windows 8 Charms Bar that appears when I move the cursor to the upper right hand corner of the screen. And sometimes, Charms bar appears when I move the mouse cursor in the middle of the screen Start - for no apparent reason. At first I also found that I had to tap twice harder than expected for it to register with the device, when I'm used to, though, things improved.

Trackpad work better when using Windows 8 multitouch gestures. Zooming in and out was smooth, and the majority of Windows 8 gestures Switch worked so well.