Dell launches 14-, 15-, and 17-inch XPS notebooks

By Geoff Duncan Published October 21, 2010

Computer maker Dell is breathing new life into its premium XPS notebook line, introducing a series of new XPS notebooks available with 14-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch displays. The systems all ship with Nvidia’s 3DTV Play software that enables users to watch 3D Blu-ray movies and play 3D games (at least on an separate Nvidia-compatible 3DTV) and sport Nvidia Optimus technology for transparent switching between dedicated and power-sipping integrated graphics. The systems also feature JBL speakers with integrated Waves MaxxAudio technology, and claim to have the first integrated webcams that can handle high-definition video streaming, making them the first notebooks to be “Skype-certified.”

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“The XPS brand has always been the standard-bearer for outstanding performance from Dell, and the new line of laptops is no exception,” said Dell consumer VP Sam Burd, in a statement. “No laptop PCs have ever sounded or looked so great.”

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The new multimedia-focused Dell XPS systems feature Nvidia GeForce 400M graphics (with aforementioned 3DTV Play and Optimus support plus 1 GB to 3 GB of video memory), options for Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors, and a wide variety of configuration options, including integrated Blu-ray drives, up to 640 GB hard drives, a 9-in-1 media card reader, 802.11a/b/n or a/b/g/n Wi-Fi options, Bluetooth and GPS options, gigabit Ethernet, Mini DisplayPort and HDMI 1.4 output, and a TV tuner option. The 14- and 15-inch models max out at 8 GB of RAM but tha 17-inch unit can be cranked all the way to 16 GB. Music fans will appreciate that the 15-inch and 17-inch models sport 12-watt subwoofers, and folks who need to make their computers more individualized will want to check out more than 200 original cover designs available through Dell’s Design Studio.

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The new XPS notebooks are available today through Dell’s Web site, with various configurations rolling out to retailers in different regions. Base prices for systems with Core i5 processors and 4 GB of RAM start at $899 for the 15-inch model, $849 for the 15-inch model, and $949 for the 17-inch system.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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