Dell XPS 13 Developer version Experience

Dell has launched a developer version of the XPS 13 notebook in its official website, with a hardware configuration that is consistent with the Windows version, using the Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB memory and 256GB SSD, and running the Ubuntu 12.04 LTS operating system. In addition, the 1080P screen has some new features, the gamut from the original 45% to 72%, to provide a richer detail performance. The price has not changed, for 1549 U.S. dollars (about 9700 yuan), the following a look at foreign scientific and technological media trial evaluation content.

Main Features:

· Running the Ubuntu system

· 13.3-inch 1080P screen

· 256 GB SSD Solid State Drive

· Intel Core I7-3537U Processor

· Suggested Retail price 1549 USD (about 9700 RMB)

Appearance design and characteristics

We've never seen a good laptop in the market for a perfect Linux system until the Dell XPS 13 developer version is available. It continues the various configuration features of the Windows Super Extreme, including slim lightweight fuselage, longer endurance, excellent processor configuration and high speed solid-state drives, and the overall price is acceptable.

The Dell XPS 13 developer version is designed and well built with an aluminum top cover and Corning Gorilla Glass panel to protect the 13.3-inch 1080P screen with less than 1.36 kg weight, portability and durability. Thanks to the Ubuntu system, Dell is equipped with a dedicated package, but most of the software currently upgrades support the latest Ubuntu 13.04 system, but the notebook has a built-in system version of 12.04.

If you've never used a desktop Linux system, you'll find Ubuntu is nothing special, you can download and install any software, and during my use, The Dell XPS 13 developer version can also be turned on properly, with no problems. However, the fuselage interface is small, only two USB interface (a 3.0, a 2.0) and DisplayPort interface, no way to add too many peripherals.

The Dell XPS 13 developer version of the Geekbench software runs at a score of about 5500 points, although it is still good compared to the 6600 points of Apple MacBook Air and a slight gap in the tens of some core i7 models. In addition, the machine can reach about 7 hours of continuous use, for this size notebook is ideal.

On the whole, the Dell XPS 13 developer version was a great experience, and I was able to adapt to the system fairly quickly, seamlessly build a usage environment, and start my work a few hours later: writing, editing photos, and posting them online. However, the lack of an SD card reader is somewhat frustrating and can only be used with an external USB card reader. I use GIMP software to modify picture size, vim software to edit articles, and use cloud services to access documents and social applications on the web, and the overall experience is not as bad as other systems. In addition, Dell provides a one-year support service for the XPS 13 Developer Edition, including telephone support and onsite repair services, making the machine more secure.

Applicable crowd

First, if you are a designer, the Dell XPS 13 developer version may not be the best choice. To be fair, the machine has a surprisingly lightweight fuselage, but no SD card slots, and data connectivity is not very good. Of course, you can only do some CSS or HTML design work on the web, but the less-than-Ubuntu image-editing software will not bring a good experience.

If you're an entrepreneur, The Dell XPS 13 developer version might be a good choice, because Ubuntu makes it look cool. Although you may not be accustomed to using libreoffice software to process stability and software at first, the performance of your notebook is sufficient for you to run multiple tables smoothly at the same time. In addition, there are many seamless links to the cloud services, Dell also provides it with a strong cloud launcher software. Most importantly, you will feel unique, rather than using a common MacBook Air or a Windows 8 laptop to start a business like anyone else.

Finally, if you are a programmer, the strong performance of the Dell XPS 13 developer and the openness of the Ubuntu system also provide a good experience. It provides developers with some optimization settings, such as the addition of profile tools, the "clone" of the laptop's workspace, and the ease with which other programmers can share tool settings and other content.

Summarize

In total, the Dell XPS 13 developer version, although not much more hardware than the Windows version, continues to feature a range of advantages, including lightweight, portable fuselage design, and mainstream performance, laying a good foundation for a smooth running system. And the biggest feature of this machine is to carry Ubuntu system, no doubt more suitable for open systems enthusiasts and software development madman, although not mainstream but still have a certain market.