Dell XPS 12Price: Rs 90,490
Specs: Windows 8, 12.5-inch LED FullHD touch display, Intel Core i5-3317U, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Intel HD graphics 4000, 12.48" (W).79" (H) 8.43" (D), 1.54 kg
It is a
Windows 8 convertible , but there is little doubt that the Dell XPS 12 is an Ultrabook in real life. But yes, this slim, sleek laptop can transforms into a tablet, though a bulky one for regular use. As with other XPS devices, this one too is strongly built with a stylish aluminum and carbon finish. It is hard to miss the machined aluminum frame that runs around both sides of the device. Around the 12.5-inch FullHD WLED screen, it acts as a hinge for the display to rotate around. Do a 360-degree turn of the display and close the Ultrabook to find yourself staring at a tablet.
It would be a bit difficult to hold and use this tablet like you would an iPad or Android device, but you can definitely use it to work on a surface device or to collaborate on work over a coffee table. Still, the XPS 12 has a touchscreen that is really sprightly and responsive. Plus, being a FullHD screen it is much easier to flip through the Windows mosaic. And the Corning Gorilla Glass makes everything look real solid.
We guess most people would continue using the device as an Ultrabook, one with Windows 8 and touch. At that, there are few equals for this device. With a third generation Intel Core 15 processor inside, this device is up to most productivity tasks. It passed our regular processing tests with flying colours. We were a bit disappointed that our review unit had a 128GB SSD. There is another version with 256GB and a Core i7 processor.
The keyboard is impressive and has a good curved feel about it along with comfortable travel. The trackpad is good too, though you won't have to use it much with the touchscreen. Don't be surprised if you see touch devices like this drop the track in a year or so. The sound is really impressive thanks to the two strip-like speakers on the sides.
A major design change we noticed was the toggle power switch on the left edge, just above the volume controls. There are two USB 3.0 port on the left, plus a mini-display port. We think they should have put an HDMI there too.
Buy the XPS 12 if you need an Ultrabook that is versatile enough to be up to the demands of this era of convergence. We suspect it is among the first few of many powerful Ultrabooks that will bring you touch in innovative ways. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but then it is doesn't sacrifice power at the altar of design.
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