DELL INSPIRON XPS 15/03/2005

FIRST LOOK REVIEW

In recent years, computer games have become big business and if sales topping £20Bn worldwide in 2004, it regularly generates more money than Hollywood. Therefore, it comes as little surprise that Dell is aiming its new laptop directly at this market. The Dell Inspiron XPS takes a few of the lessons learnt from its desktop XPS, as well as the first generation version of the laptop. The result is a far more impressive story. We were given a hands-on exclusive look at the new gaming machine prior to its release.

Following the new white and silver look of its recent releases, the Inspiron XPS is a striking laptop. The 17-inch panel sports a WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels) resolution and is the first TrueLife screen that Dell has introduced. Using the same anti-glare technology as found in laptop panels from Sony and Fujitsu Siemens, TrueLife offers improved contrast and the fastest refresh rates possible in a mobile format.

The real winning solution in the XPS is the use of the nVidia GeForce Go 6800 Ultra graphics card, which Dell has initially under exclusive contract. With 256MB of DDRIII memory running at 533MHz supporting the core speed of 450MHz, the 6800 Ultra is the mobile version of the NV40 that was made available on the desktop PC less than a year ago. With 3Dmark 03 scores in excess of 12000, there is no doubting the performance of this GPU, making it the fastest card currently available.

Dell has added a number of gamer orientated modifications. Users can add a hint of personal colour to the XPS as lights shoots out from the front, fan and air vent grills of the machine. With up to 16 colours to choose from, mixing the mood of your laptop is easy. What Dell is calling a "personalisation shield" is a Perspex panel that clips onto the lid that users can slot images into, adding that personal touch.

When it comes to the base specification of the Inspiron XPS, Dell has managed to shave off nearly 1kg from the original version, with the unit weighing in at 3.9kg. Powered by the latest Intel Pentium M processors and 915PM chipset, the XPS has cutting-edge credentials. Gigabit Ethernet for faster LAN gaming also comes as standard.

Dell also offers specialised support for the XPS, with the focus on gamers supporting gamers. Overall, we were impressed with the Dell Inspiron XPS. With its gaming focus and matching price tag, there is little to stop Dell from dominating the gaming market for the foreseeable future. Pricing starts at £1579 (inc. VAT).

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