Dell has added the 14-inch XPS model to their lineup at an event at the Makati Shangri-La . The XPS 14 brings a slightly more beefier machine to the fore that’s armed with a lot more oomph than the smaller, 13-inch version.
Externally, you’re looking at an aluminum body that’s similar to the 13, and a bigger 14-inch HD 1600 x 900 resolution screen. There’s two configurations available when it comes to processor speed: a 3rd generation Core i5-3317U processor running at 2.6GHz, and a 3rd generation Core i7-3517U running at 3.0GHz. For memory, you’re looking at 4GB of DDR3 for the Core i5 version, and 8GB of DDR3 for the Core i7 version. Both versions will run with Intel’s Rapid Cache technology (HDD for storage and a SSD for faster boot up times) with the Core i5 version of the 14Z getting a 32GB SSD drive and a 500GB HDD. The Core i7 version will get a 128GB SSD drive and a 500GB HDD. Both devices will run an NVIDIA GeForce GT630M graphics, along with Intel’s own HD Graphics 4000.
The device felt extremely well made during our brief time with it, and felt very well made. The backlit keyboard was spaced evenly, and had good travel which made it a pleasure to type on.
The glass trackpad felt extremely smooth as well, though we don’t have enough time with the unit to say if the trackpad is better than most of the ultrabooks out there today. It is a shame though that the display is not a true HD display – the display only goes up to 1600 x 900 which is frankly, a bit disappointing, considering the price that you are paying for it. We also noticed that the XPS 14 is a bit heavy – it’s not massive per se, but it’s definitely one of the heaviest ultrabooks we’ve managed to handle. Dell has specified that the XPS 14 is around 4 lbs.
Speaking of price, the XPS 14 starts at Php 68,990 for the Core i5 version and goes up to Php 79,990 for the Core i7 version.