DELL XPS

Curious PCMag readers have frequently asked us: "I need a laptop that looks like the Apple MacBook Pro, but loads Windows. What are my options?" Besides having an uncanny resemblance to Apple's laptop, the Dell XPS 15z (Microsoft) gets the overwhelming nod because it's fast, future-proofed, and runs a native
operating system that many aren't yet ready to leave for Apple's. Buying this particular configuration from the Microsoft Store entitles you to a few benefits like its "no bloatware" policy. More importantly, the Dell XPS 15z's price ($999 direct) amounts to a lot less than you would pay for the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Thunderbolt) ($2,199 direct, 4 stars). The Dell retains the Editors' Choice in the desktop replacement category.The Dell XPS 15z isn't an exact clone of the MacBook Pro, although the tint Dell chose for the aluminum enclosure might suggest otherwise; the two systems' silvery hues are almost an exact match. That both machines measure an inch thick and weigh 5.5 pounds makes them seem even more alike. Of course, there are some non-subtle design differences. For instance, the Dell XPS 15z leaves a bit of lip in the back and isn't as streamlined as the MacBook Pro (the lid doesn't close completely flushed against the base, for example). It also has little black feet (or shock absorbers) on its underside, so it stands noticeably taller than the MacBook Pro 15-inch.

DELL XPS

When last we reviewed the Dell XPS 15z, it came with an awe-inspiring 1,920-by-1,080 resolution, though this option is not available from Microsoft's websites; you'll have to get it from Dell.com, which just reinstated the option. Although this configuration's 15.6-inch widescreen is still a force to be reckoned with, Dell XPS have1,366-by-768 resolution is what you'd see on budget laptops. The MacBook Pro, meanwhile, ships with a higher resolution (1,440 by 900), and therefore has the better screen. The Dell XPS 15z's island-style keyboard is exquisitely made, and its scalloped keys were taken from Dell's luxury (though now-defunct) Adamo line. It's a typing experience worthy of the highest praise, in part because of the backlights that turn on and off by an ambient sensor that detects lighting conditions, a feature that's also present on the MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 15 (Sandy Bridge) ($1,785 direct, 4 stars). The Dell XPS touchpad, meanwhile, is roomy and very responsive. If you're a big fan of dedicated mouse buttons, the Dell XPS 15z has two of the softest and quietest ones in the business.
The Dell XPS 15z's feature set is comparable to, if not better than, that of the MacBook Pro 15-inch. All Dell XPS three USB ports support advanced technologies: two of them USB 3.0, the other eSATA as well as USB 2.0. The Dell XPS 15z has jacks for both HDMI and Mini DisplayPort (for a dual-monitor hookup), whereas laptops like the MacBook Pro 15-inch, HP Pavilion dv6-6170us, and Samsung RC512-S02 come with one or the other. Dell XPS legacy users won't find a VGA port or modem jack, however. The standard webcam doesn't shoot video in high definition like the ones found on the MacBook Pro 15-inch and Dell XPS 15. And although the slot-loading DVD burner is a nice aesthetic touch, Blu-ray drives aren't available yet. (You'll need to upgrade to the Dell XPS 15 to get one.) The Dell XPS have 500GB hard drive isn't as spacious as the 750GB one on the last 15z we reviewed, but it still offers plenty of storage for the typical user. Dell XPS Speaker grilles can be found on either side of the keyboard, and they face upwards so that sound blasts directly at your face. Dell XPS better-sounding system than the one the MacBook Pro uses, but lacks the subwoofer that improves bass on the Dell XPS 15.

DELL XPS

Physically, every inch of this Dell XPS 15z from the Microsoft Store is the same as if you had bought it from Dell's website; even the base price is identical. One of the benefits of buying from Microsoft is that it strips most of the third-party and proprietary software applications that Dell typically loads on its laptops. (Virus protection software is still included.) Another benefit is that the Dell XPS15z comes with 90 days of free technical support from Microsoft (not Dell) on top of the one-year manufacturer's warranty. You also have the option of turning that 90 days into a full year by upgrading to Signature Premium, a $99 add-on.
The Dell XPS 15z is a dual-core laptop, whereas the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch and HP dv6-6171us sport quad-core processors. Dell XPS Despite having two fewer cores, it was hardly a slouch in tests like Handbrake (2 minutes 2 seconds) and CineBench 11.5 (2.53). It didn't beat its quad-core counterparts in many of our benchmarks, but that you shouldn't deter you, as very few software packages will utilize more than two cores. Dell XPS 6GB of memory is a nice helping for any system, and enough to pound out decent Photoshop CS5 results (4:33 in our test). In short, it has the kind of power that video and photo professionals are looking for.
The Dell XPS 15z also has the graphics chops to take on the most intensive 3D games, thanks to the discrete Nvidia GeForce GT 525M. It cranked out above-average 3DMark 06 (8,610) scores and very good frame rates in Lost Planet 2 (36.4 frames per second, or fps), both at 1,024-by-768 resolution and medium detail settings. Dell XPS Though it wasn't as impressive as the Dell XPS 15 (9,787 in 3DMark 06, 38.2fps in Lost Planet 2) and Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (10,878 in 3DMark 06, 65.7fps in Lost Planet 2), the Dell XPS 15z can hold its own as a gaming laptop. During non-gaming-related tasks, the discrete graphics chip is automatically disabled by an Nvidia feature called Optimus, which lets the Intel integrated graphics take over to optimize battery life.

Dell XPS Specs

Type: Gaming, General Purpose, Media, Desktop Replacement
Processor Name: Intel Core i5-2410M
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Processor Speed: 2.3 GHz
RAM: 6 GB
Weight: 5.5 lb
Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Screen Size Type: widescreen
Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce GT 525M
2nd Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 3000
Storage Capacity (as Tested): 500 GB
Networking Options: 802.11n
Primary Optical Drive: DVD+R DL; courtesy by http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2390787,00.asp