The MacBook Pro's Biggest Rival - DELL XPS 15 9500 & 17 9700 Laptops
0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings
Promos
Sign up for Private Internet Access VPN at geni.us The DELL XPS finally got a radical update rather than just a spec upgrade. Can it compete against the Apple Macbook for the top spot with laptops? Buy Dell XPS 15 9500 On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us Buy Dell XPS 17 9700 On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us On Best Buy (PAID LINK): shop-links.co Buy Apple Macbook Pro On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us On B&H (PAID LINK): geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. GET MERCH: lttstore.com SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com LTX EXPO: ltxexpo.com AFFILIATES & REFERRALS --------------------------------------------------- Affiliates, Sponsors & Referrals: lmg.gg Get Private Internet Access VPN at lmg.gg Get a Displate Metal Print at lmg.gg Support a Creator code LINUSMEDIAGROUP on Epic Games Store: lmg.gg Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime at lmg.gg Our Test Benches on Amazon: lmg.gg Our Production Gear: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT FOLLOW OUR OTHER CHANNELS --------------------------------------------------- Linus Tech Tips: lmg.gg TechLinked: lmg.gg Techquickie: lmg.gg LMG Clips: lmg.gg Channel Super Fun: lmg.gg Carpool Critics: lmg.gg
The video provides an in-depth first look at Dell's upgraded XPS 15 9500 and the larger XPS 17 9700, set against the Apple MacBook Pro as the main competitor. The host emphasizes the 2020 refresh as a significant architectural update rather than a simple spec bump, highlighting design language changes such as diamond-cut edges, dual aluminum shells, and a carbon fiber lid. He notes the consequence of a 16 by 10 aspect ratio on the 4K panels, which yields more vertical workspace and a more pleasing productivity experience, especially in word processing and multitasking. The host also covers essential ports including two Thunderbolt 3 controllers on each machine, USB-A, SD card slots, and a full set of I/O that aims to modernize connectivity, while pointing out practicalities like charging on either side for flexible setups. He discusses the lower-end 1080p variants lacking touch features and the pre-production status of the units, stressing that final production units may differ in minor details. The audio and display tests are presented with comparisons to the MacBook Pro, including blue light safe panels and high brightness targets up to 500 nits, while caveating that color science would require a color scientist to fully validate in real-world use. The video ends with forward-looking insights on battery life, estimated nine to ten and a half hours for the 15 and 17 respectively, and the likelihood of strong performance for professional tasks like CAD, 3D modeling, and video editing, all while acknowledging that full performance testing must wait for production hardware.
Topics · technology · laptops · hardware
Questions answered
- What are the standout design changes in the Dell XPS 15 9500 and XPS 17 9700 compared to the previous models?
- The XPS 15 9500 and XPS 17 9700 introduce diamond-cut dual aluminum chassis, a carbon fiber lid, and a shift to a 16 by 10 display with higher brightness options, resulting in more screen real estate and a modern look.
- What is the port and connectivity setup like on these new XPS models?
- Both models feature two Thunderbolt 3 controllers with four PCIe lanes each, USB-A, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack, plus the convenience of dual-sides charging on certain configurations.
- How do the keyboard and trackpad feel on the new XPS devices compare to the MacBook Pro?
- The keyboard travel on the XPS is reported to be around 1.3 millimeters, providing a solid typing experience, while the trackpad is noted as large and comfortable, offering a comparable feel to the Magic Keyboard on the MacBook Pro.
- What are the anticipated battery life and performance prospects for these laptops?
- The host estimates roughly nine hours of battery life for the 15-inch and around ten hours for the 17-inch, depending on configuration and workload, with strong performance expected in professional tasks and light to moderate gaming.