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Dell XPS 13 Plus (9320) Review: A Bold Leap Forward,But is It For Everyone?
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The Dell XPS line has long been a benchmark for premium Windows laptops,and the XPS 13 Plus (9320) continues that tradition with a radical redesign that ditches convention for a sleek,minimalist aesthetic. But dose this bold new direction translate to a better user experience? We’ve spent time with the XPS 13 Plus to find out if its futuristic design lives up to the hype.
A Strikingly Minimalist Design
Dell has clearly aimed for a futuristic look with the XPS 13 Plus, and they’ve certainly succeeded. The moment you open the lid, your greeted by a seamless, edge-to-edge display with incredibly thin bezels.The keyboard is also a departure, featuring a zero-lattice design with larger, flat keys that extend to the edges.
Beneath the keyboard, you’ll find a new, invisible haptic touchpad. This touch-sensitive area is integrated directly into the palm rest, creating a clean, uninterrupted surface. It’s a design choice that’s both visually striking and undeniably modern.
What We loved:
Fantastic Battery Life: One of the standout features of the XPS 13 Plus is its extraordinary battery life.You can easily get through a full workday of moderate use without needing to reach for the charger,making it a reliable companion for those on the go.
Stunning Display: The InfinityEdge display is as gorgeous as ever, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. Whether you’re working on spreadsheets or streaming your favorite shows, the visual experience is truly immersive.
Powerful Performance: Underneath its sleek exterior, the XPS 13 Plus packs a punch.It handles everyday tasks with ease and can even manage more demanding workloads, thanks to its capable Intel processors.
Premium build Quality: As expected from the XPS line, the build quality is exceptional. The aluminum chassis feels robust and luxurious, exuding a sense of premium craftsmanship.
What Could Be Improved:
The Screen is Starting to Show Its Age: While still stunning, the 16:10 aspect ratio, while good, isn’t the latest. Competitors are pushing further with taller displays, offering more vertical screen real estate for productivity.
Small port Selection: The minimalist design comes at a cost, and that cost is ports. You’ll find only two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, meaning you’ll likely need a dongle or hub for connecting older peripherals.
* More fun Colors Would Be Nice: While the Graphite and Platinum finishes are elegant, a splash of color could add some personality to this or else understated design.
The Futuristic Touchpad: love It or Leave it?
The integrated haptic touchpad is perhaps the most polarizing aspect of the XPS 13 Plus. It’s a bold move by Dell, and it certainly contributes to the laptop’s clean aesthetic. When you tap or swipe,you get a subtle haptic feedback that mimics a physical click.
However, it takes some getting used to. The lack of a physical boundary can make it harder to locate the touchpad by feel alone, and some users might miss the tactile confirmation of a conventional click. It’s a feature that definitely divides opinion, and your mileage may vary.
Keyboard Comfort and Functionality
The new zero-lattice keyboard is another design element that aims for a cleaner look. The keys are larger and have a wider spacing then traditional laptop keyboards. This can lead to a more comfortable typing experience for some, with fewer accidental