The Dell XPS is a high-end line of gaming computers sold by Dell. The "Xtreme Performance System", or XPS, dates back to 1993.
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Development
In early 1993 it was agreed by Dell's staff that it needed to create products to serve the rapidly growing consumer PC market. In September 1993, the first two XPS computers were announced, marketed under the Dimension product name. These models sported newer technology than what Dell's competition offered at that time.[1] These computers were featured in the cover article in the October 1993 issue of PC Computing. The XPS continued to adopt the latest PC technologies available while ensuring low prices for consumers. By 2001, Dell had begun shifting toward numbered PC titles, beginning with the Dimension 4100 to replace the Dimension XPS-T. The last Dimension XPS products produced were Dimension XPS-B's which used the last of the Pentium IIIs, which ran at speeds in excess of 1 GHz, and used RDRAM. They were phased out with the introduction of the Dimension 8100, which was the first Dell desktop to use a Pentium 4. It was also the first desktop by Dell to not be beige (it was silver and midnight gray).
Current status
Dell refrained from using the XPS name for several years, until a new series was introduced in 2004, reviving the old title. Dell at the time was looking to expand its market once again, and was looking to take away market share from Voodoo PC, Falcon Northwest, and Alienware. In 2006 it was announced that Dell had purchased Alienware. During the Gen 1, Dell marketed high-end Dimensions and Inspirons as XPS computers, while keeping the low-end Dimensions and Inspirons as their current models. Beginning in the second generation, the XPS line has marketed as a separate entity from the Dimension and Inspiron lines.
Included items with the current XPS systems
Current (as of December 2007) XPS computers come standard with Intel Core 2 Duo processors (Core 2 Quad for the XPS 420, 720 and 720 H2C), a 15-month anti-virus subscription, and Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium. The XPS notebooks come standard with TrueLife screens and Dell's "Dell Media Direct" that allows the computer to have, as Dell puts it, "Instant-On Functionality".
Generations
Since Dell revamped the XPS series in 2005, there have been six generations of systems. Each new generation brings significant upgrades to system components, but rarely chassis design updates.
Current XPS desktops
XPS 210 - A small-form-factor case that is 67% smaller than the XPS 410. It does not use full-size PCI slots. The XPS 200 is aimed at being a low-impact machine, meaning it blends in better with the room's features. It is more of a multimedia computer than an actual gaming machine, despite the XPS name. The main difference between the XPS 210 and its predecessor, the XPS 200, is the upgrade to the Intel Core 2 Duo processor line. This makes the XPS 210 faster than the XPS 200. XPS 420 - Just announced, and now available to buy. It will feature the similar components as the XPS 410, but it will now have a different case design and new features. This is Dell's media based computer featuring the Dell Xcelerator, and a LCD screen in the case, running Windows Vista SideShow. XPS 720 - This is the same as the XPS 720 H2C, except it does not have the "dual-stage radiator cooling technology." It comes in two versions, the Red Special Edition is the same as the Black normal one, except it has a 1 KW Power Supply. XPS 720 H2C - The new computer has included a dual-stage radiator cooling technology, and a motherboard capable of overclocking its quad core intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700. The H2C comes standard with dual nVidia GeForce 8800GTX cards running in SLI at a price of $6,780. The XPS 720 H2C uses slightly higher quality parts than the other XPS classes and is currently one of the most powerful and one of the fastest pre-built systems that an individual can purchase by a significant margin. Hampering its overall performance however, are the locations of the PCIe 16x slots. In an ideal SLI configuration, the 16x slots must be close enough to allow the SLI Bridge to connect both video cards. In the case of the XPS 720 motherboard, however, the closest slot to the first 16x (that next to the processor) is an 8x; the second 16x is at the far edge of the board. XPS One - Released on November 19, 2007, thought of by many as an iMac clone[1]. With only a single cord, a wireless keyboard and mouse and internal wireless card built right in, the XPS One is designed for minimal fuss and maximum cordless connectivity. Specs of the machine include a 20-inch 1,680 x 1050 display, up to a 2.66GHz E6550 Core 2 Duo processor, integrated or ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2400 graphics, up to 4GB of RAM, four-flavor WiFi (802.11 a/b/g/n) plus Bluetooth, 2 DIMM slots (667/800 MHz), a slot-load DVD-R or Bluray, a TV tuner card, a 2 MP integrated camera, and a 200W power supply.[2] [3]
Previous XPS desktops
XPS 1000B - A gaming system that came out in 2000. It usually contained an Intel Pentium 3, 128 MB of RAM, and a 64 MB Graphics Card. Later models included a DVD drive. XPS 710 - The formal flagship model of the XPS series that features the new Intel Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processors, as well as Core 2 Quad processors. Other features include dual nVidia GeForce 7950 GX2 in Quad SLI mode, 7200RPM SATA hard drive, dual-channel DDR2 RAM and for the first time in an XPS desktop, a unique "leaning" aluminum case. The XPS 710 uses significantly larger power supplies than the other XPS models to accommodate higher-end video cards and overclocked CPUs. It was replaced by the XPS 720. XPS 600 - The former flagship model of the XPS series that features an Intel dual-core Pentium D 950 processor, dual nVidia GeForce 7900GTX in SLI mode, 7200RPM SATA hard drive, and dual-channel DDR2 RAM. This case has not changed significantly over the past several generations, with the large aluminum plate on the front. Discontinued a few days after XPS 700 launch and succeeded by the XPS 700. XPS Gen 5 XPS Gen 4 XPS Gen 3 - Circa August 2004 - Included Pentium 4 Processor 550 with HT Technology (3.40GHz, 800 FSB), Microsoft Windows XP Professional, dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM, 7200 RPM SATA hard drive, Sound Blaster Audigy², and Logitech MX500 Optical Mouse. The video card was the then-brand new ATI Radeon X800XT (PCIe x16). XPS 410 - The former intermediate model of the XPS series and bigger brother to the Dimension E510. It features a base configuration of an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and a 2.4GHz Core 2 Quad is also available as an option. Other base options include the NVIDIA GeForce 7300LE, 7200RPM SATA-300 hard drive, and dual-channel DDR2 RAM. The case is nearly identical to that of the Dimension E510, with an additional 3.5" drive bay being added. The case is physically taller because of this. The power supply is also slightly more powerful than the Dimension E510 (375W vs 305W, respectively). The XPS 410 replaced the XPS 400. It was replaced by the XPS 420. XPS 400 - This model was available during late 2005 and the first half of 2006. It was replaced by the XPS 410, which is nearly identical with the exception of an optional Intel Core 2 Duo processor and slightly different audio and video card options. XPS 200 - This model was available from late 2005 to the end of the 3rd quarter of 2006. It was replaced by the XPS 210, which is nearly identical to its predecessor. The main exception in this case is the upgrade to an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and other minor adjustments.
Current XPS laptops
XPS M1730 - The newest version higher-end mobile XPS computer available in grey, white, blue, or red chassis that features a 17" widescreen, Intel Core 2 Duo processors, dual NVIDIA GeForce 8700M video cards, two 7200 RPM SATA hard drives available in RAID, and up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM. The M1730 does offer unique user- and software-changeable LED lighting in the touchpad, fan outlets/inlets, as well as the lid and speaker grills, also including BluRay Disc Drive in some models. The system was marketed to gamers. It was physically redesigned with a completely new chassis. New with this latest version is a built in AGEIA physics card to improve 3D performance, the option for 64GB solid state drives, a back lit keyboard including a number pad, and a miniature gaming LCD display above the keyboard. The M1730 has been criticized for its looks, increase in weight and size compared to previous models, and for having only marginal performance gains in select games. The last complaint is likely due to Nvidia having not yet released a mobile version of the 8800M video card. When a new card is released by Nvidia, Dell has said it will be incorporated into the M1730, though at a cost for those who previously purchased the system. XPS M1710 - The higher-end mobile XPS computer available in black or red that features a 17" widescreen, Intel Core 2 Duo processors, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900GS or 7950GTX video cards, 7200 RPM SATA hard drive, and DDR2 SDRAM. The Inspiron E1705/9400 offers similar features, notably the Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processors, 17" screen, and the NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900GS for a lesser price (about $1000 less than the M1710). The M1710 does offer unique user- and software-changeable LED lighting in the touchpad and fan outlets/inlets, as well as the lid, also including BluRay Disc Drive in some models. The system was marketed to gamers. It was physically identical to the Inspiron 9400. This computer was later replaced by the current XPS M1730. The M1710 has been featured in a number of television series and movies including;Stargate SG-1 being used by Samantha Carter up until the end of season 10, Smallville (TV series) being used by Lex Luthor and in CSI:NY by the character Adam Ross. XPS M1530 - This 15.4" laptop is available as of 28 November 2007, featuring Intel's Santa Rosa platform. The XPS M1530 is almost identical in design to the XPS M1330 except a bit thicker and heavier with an 15.4" screen. It can be configured with Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processors up to T7800 (2.6 GHz), up to 4 Gb DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, up to 320GB 5400rpm hard drive or an optional 64GB Solid State Drive, and can be configured with Nvidia Geforce 8400M GS or 8600M GT graphic processing units. Intel's TurboMemory is also optional along with wireless draft-n (802.11n). The XPS M1530 includes a biometric fingerprint reader and a 2MP webcam. The system is expected to weigh approximately 2.4 kg, dependant upon configuration. XPS M1330 - This high end laptop, released on June 26, 2007, features the Intel Centrino's Fourth Generation Santa Rosa platform. It features a 13.3" screen either with CCFL or WLED. The WLED version will have a 0.3 Mega pixel camera, as opposed to the 2MP camera with the original CCFL screen. Moreover, XPS 1330 also features a biometric fingerprint reader, which was usually found in business class laptops like the latitude series. The XPS 1330, with the WLED screen is thinner and brighter than the previous XPS 1210 version. The XPS M1330 also offers the NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GS graphics card as an option.
Previous XPS laptops
XPS M1210 - A high performance ultra-portable (12.1" screen) notebook featuring a new case design, Intel Core Duo processor technology, an optional dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 7400 Go video card and an optional integrated web camera (1.3 megapixel). The M1210 also has optional WWAN (wireless wide area networking) features supporting 3G broadband services. Unlike other 12" notebook computers, the M1210 features a built-in optical drive rather than an external. This model was discontinued as of July 31st, 2007 XPS M140 - The lower end model XPS computer that has a chassis identical to an Inspiron E1405 laptop. This model features a choice of several Intel mobile processors, 14.1" widescreen and between 512mb to 2 gb of RAM. This model being more media-oriented than gaming currently does not feature a dedicated graphics card. This model has been replaced by the E1405, a 14.1" laptop physically similar the M140. It features the newer Intel Core Duo processors and Intel's 945 chipset. It is no longer classified as an XPS laptop, however. Inspiron XPS Gen 2 - This successor to the Inspiron XPS, had replaced the desktop Pentium 4 with a Pentium M processor, which provided almost the same level of performance. It featured a 17" widescreen display at the same resolution as the first generation. Due to the use of a mobile processor, this laptop was thinner and lighter than most other high performance gaming notebooks of its time. It has a design very similar to the current XPS M1710. Inspiron XPS - The first XPS laptop, this computer was a very heavy computer starting at 9.06 pounds without power supply (which added an additional 2.5 pounds). It was offered with either a 3.4 GHz Pentium 4 desktop processor, or the Pentium 3.4 Extreme Edition, 1920x1200 15.4" LCD, and subwoofer integrated into the bottom of the case. Earlier models came with an ATI Mobility Radeon 9700, and later models with the Mobility Radeon 9800. Dell promised graphics card upgradability, but only delivered the small 9700->9800 step for 9700 owners (at a $399 price tag, including technician to install it), and never delivered the promised upgrade to the 9800 owners.
Special editions
Over the life of the XPS line, Dell has introduced models which include contemporary cutting-edge features. The first example was the XPS 600 Renegade released in early 2006, which included an Intel Pentium Extreme Edition dual-core 965 processor that was overclocked at the factory from 3.73 GHz to 4.26 GHz. Despite the overclock, Dell honored Intel's warranty for the processor. The case featured an air-brush paint job completed by Mike Lavallee. Most notably, the machine was the first commercially available system to feature a Quad-SLI configuration, with four custom NVIDIA GeForce 7900GTX 512MB graphics cards. The XPS 600R had a price tag over US$10,000. The company offered an X-Men special edition XPS gaming desktop. This computer is based off of the next generation XPS desktop. No specifications on this model except that it is only available by entering the Dell X-Men contest, and that it sports an X-Men painted case. In May of 2006, the company announced the XPS 700. The XPS 700 chassis is a 56 pound, 24" x 22" x 8.5" aluminum enclosure with bright LED lights in eight selectable colors. The base configuration included high-speed SATA drives and a one-kilowatt power supply. In November of 2006, the company announced the XPS 710. Also, at CES 2007, Dell announced a few new products, including a specially painted XPS M1710, and an XPS 710 "H2C". This is a special liquid-cooled version of the XPS 710, available with quad-core factory-overclocked processors and comes standard with an NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX graphics card.
History
Desktop
- 24 November, 2007: XPS 720 currently shipping [4]
Laptop
- 5 October 2007: M1730 [5]
- 26 June 2007: M1330 announced
- 31 May 2006: M2010, M1210 announced
- 18 April 2006: M1710 announced
References
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- Dell M2010 service manual
- Dell M2010 US Business configurator - may expire/change
- Dell UK store configurator; different options available. May expire/change
- Dell XPS 410 product details as of Saturday, April 12, 2008
- Dell XPS M1730 product details as of Saturday, April 12, 2008
- Dell XPS M1330 product Details as of Saturday, April 12, 2008
- Dell XPS 720H2C product Details as of Saturday, April 12, 2008
- Dell XPS 600 Renegade Product Details. May expire/change
- Dell XPS Generation 2 FAQ. Subject to change
- Dell XPS M1710 product review by PC Magazine, December 11, 2006
- Overview of the Dell XPS One by Engadget
External links
- Dell XPS Notebooks|Dell XPS Laptops
- Dell XPS Desktops
- Dell XPS 210
- Official Dell XPS Website
- Official Dell E3 Product Page (Requires Flash)
- Dell XPS Notebook Pictures
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| Board of directors | Don Carty · Michael Dell · William H. Gray · Sallie Krawcheck · Alan Lafley · Judy Lewent · Tom Luce · Klaus Luft · Alex Mandl · Michael A. Miles · Sam Nunn |
| Desktop/Laptop Computers | OptiPlex · Dimension · Precision · XPS · Latitude · Inspiron · Vostro |
| Servers | PowerEdge · PowerVault · Dell/EMC |
| Other | Axim · Digital Jukebox (DJ) · Monitors · Dell On Call |
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