The Dell XPS Desktop is a great Windows PC for work — and some play, too

The Dell XPS Desktop also comes loaded with a disc drive — yes, those still exist. While I don’t know many folks who still rely on physical discs these days, the XPS Desktop’s optional DVD-RW drive could be useful to music producers or video editors who want to have a hard backup of their work. Just note that there’s no Blu-ray option for those who want to play or transfer higher-end video content.

Simple, tool-free upgradability has been a hallmark of Dell’s recent PC towers, and I’m happy to see that remains the case on the latest Dell XPS Desktop. After removing a single thumbscrew in the rear, the desktop’s side panel popped off with a quick pull of a lever, giving me instant, easy access to all of the components inside. You can swap out the system’s graphics card, storage drives and memory without the need for any tools, with just a few screws keeping you from the processor. It’s the same foolproof setup found in Dell’s gaming rigs like the Alienware Aurora R13, and means that you can upgrade your computer with newer, faster components over time without being an expert PC builder.

My XPS Desktop unit is far from the most tricked-out PC, but it still managed to provide more than enough power for my daily workload. Bouncing between apps, multitasking between two monitors and opening up countless Chrome tabs felt smooth and instant on Dell’s tower, which came loaded with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of memory.

That smooth everyday performance is largely in line with my personal custom-built desktop and the 14-inch MacBook Pro I use daily. But the XPS Desktop really shined on our benchmark tests, where it proved highly capable of handling visually intensive tasks — and holding up to some very strong competition.

On Geekbench 5, which we run to get a general sense of processing performance, the XPS Desktop turned in a strong 10,861. That’s better than the majority of Windows gaming desktops we tested, and not far behind the Mac Studio and its ridiculously fast M1 Max processor.

Dell XPS Desktop

Apple Mac Studio

Alienware Aurora R13

Processor and graphics Intel Core i5-12600K, Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti Apple M1 Max (32-core) Intel Core i7-12700K, Nvidia RTX 3080 Geekbench 5 (multi-core) 10,861 12,792 15,272 Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, max settings) 143 fps 88 fps 185 fps
Dell’s tower also doubles as a reliable gaming PC, thanks to a dedicated Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti graphics card that’s well-equipped to run modern games at 1080p with all the visual bells and whistles cranked up. The XPS Tower was able to run the realistic, cinematic action of Shadow of the Tomb Raider at an average of 143 frames per second (fps), which translates to incredibly smooth gaming and trounces the 88 fps we got from the Mac Studio. Both of those numbers are well above the minimum 60 fps that we consider optimal for a great gaming experience, but the XPS Tower’s added graphics muscle makes it the better machine for playing games — and, in some cases, doing demanding visual work such as 3D rendering.

It’s also worth noting that this impressive performance came from a $1,762 configuration of Dell’s desktop with relatively modest specs. Those who want even more power can configure the machine with up to a blazing Intel Core i9 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, as much as 2TB of hard drive or SSD storage and the top-of-the-line Nvidia RTX 3090 graphics card for hardcore 4K gaming or intensive content creation. Those upgrades can quickly balloon the XPS Desktop’s price to the high $3,000s, but that’s largely in line with what you’ll pay for similarly powerful PCs.

While the XPS Desktop has a certain retro charm that makes me nostalgic for the family PC that sat in my living room a few decades ago, that also makes it clunky-looking by modern desktop standards. Its boxy, perforated silver-and-white design (there’s also a black option) isn’t nearly as egregious-looking as the cheese-grater-esque Mac Pro, but it’s far from the most attractive computer I’ve used recently.

And while the XPS Desktop didn’t eat up too much desk space at 16.8 by 15.4 by 6.8 inches, I was turned off by its size after having just used the Mac Studio, which is similarly powerful and small enough to sneak under my monitor. The PC also weighs a hefty 17 pounds, so lugging it from room to room will take some muscle. Dell made the latest XPS Desktop larger than its predecessor to allow for better airflow, but that also means a bigger chassis that’s not ideal for those tight on space.

The larger, more thermally-efficient design allowed the XPS Desktop to stay relatively quiet during everyday multitasking, but Dell’s PC can still get loud under a heavy load. The desktop’s fans became audible when running PC games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Dirt 5 — not to the point where it was completely obnoxious, but distracting enough to make me reach for my noise-canceling headphones.

If you’re looking for a Windows desktop that can be outfitted to handle heavy creative workflows and immersive PC gaming alike — and one that can be upgraded with newer parts over time — the Dell XPS Desktop is an excellent choice.

Those who want to live in the Apple ecosystem and are seeking something smaller should check out the Mac Studio, which sacrifices upgradability for a tiny design that barely takes up desk space. There’s also the Corsair One, which is more compact than the XPS but also more expensive, as well as the Alienware Aurora R13, which has the same core specs and features as Dell’s desktop but within a bigger, flashier and gamer-focused design. But if style and space aren’t a concern, Dell’s all-business desktop delivers excellent performance and expandability for the money.

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This Dell laptop is $230 today — Why you should buy it

If you’ve been checking out laptop deals looking for a bargain, we’ve found one. One of the best Dell laptop deals for anyone on a tight budget, including students or someone who just needs a laptop to use occasionally, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is just $230 right now from Dell. Normally priced at $300, you save $70, which really adds up with this kind of cheap deal. Let’s take a look at why it’s worth your time.

We’ll level with you — the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 isn’t one of the best laptops around when money is no object. However, if you need to keep costs down, you’re in luck. Thanks to it being made by one of the best laptop brands, you get to enjoy a well-made machine without having to spend a fortune. Essentially, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is perfectly aimed at students of all ages. In an increasingly digital world, even your kids need a laptop to be able to study and it’s likely you don’t want to spend a fortune (or tempt them with a high-end gaming laptop).

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 has all the basics. There’s an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of memory, 128GB of SSD storage, plus a great screen. Thanks to all the best Dell laptops typically taking into account the minor details that soon add up, the 15.6-inch HD screen offers up anti-glare properties, narrow borders, as well as Dell’s Comfort View Low Blue Light Software Solution to cut down on harmful blue light emissions. That means your kids (or you) can use the laptop for much longer without worrying about eye strain.

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 also looks out for your wrists. It has a lift hinge that raises the laptop to a more ergonomic angle so you get to type in more comfort than with the average laptop. The keycaps involved are 6.4% larger than before, plus there’s a large touchpad so it’s easy to use this laptop for extended periods of time.

Designed with comfort and ease in mind while keeping costs low, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a perfect entry-point device. Reminding us all that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a Windows-based laptop, you’ll be impressed at how much easier it makes work or study. Normally priced at $300, it’s down to just $230 for a limited time only, saving you $70 in the process.

Dell has pushed out a rare deal on its sleek Alienware x15 gaming laptop. To make this deal even sweeter, there’s an extra $100 off Dell coupon code that stacks with the $1,050 off instant discount. The Alienware x15 is a newer, thinner, and lighter redesign of the m15. In fact, it’s the thinnest Alienware laptop ever and competes in build quality, dimensions, and performance to other high-end ultra-thin laptops like the Razer Blade.

Use code: 100OFF1499

Alienware x15 15″ Intel Core i7-11800H RTX 3070 Ultra-Thin Laptop with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

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42% off $2,749.99

See on Dell Home
This is the lowest price we’ve seen for an Alienware x15 laptop with an RTX 3070 GPU. In fact, currently this is the least expensive Alienware x15 on Dell’s site right now, and that’s even compared to the RTX 3060 base model. This particular config comes well equipped with an 11th gen Intel Core i7-11800H CPU, RTX 3070 GPU with a TDP rating of 110W (with dynamic boost), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The RTX 3070 has a lower TDP rating that that found on the m15 (150W with dynamic boost) in order to keep thermals manageable, but the x15 is still fully capable of powering through pretty much any game at 60+fps on the laptop’s 1080p display. It should perform about as well as the previous generation’s fastest model, the RTX 2080 SUPER mobile, and that’s very impressive considering the x15’s 0.63” thickness.

Traditional desktop computers still have a lot of value these days, especially at a time when working from home is the norm for many. Compared to a laptop, they can generally be outfitted with added power, and more crucially, can be upgraded with better components over time to keep up with your needs.

The newest Dell XPS Desktop, while not the sexiest or smallest computer, delivers big on these two benefits. It can handle serious creative workloads and immersive 4K gaming, thanks to support for the latest Intel processors and Nvidia and AMD graphics cards. More importantly, you’ll barely have to touch any tools to open it up, meaning even non-techie users will be able to upgrade it should they find themselves needing more storage, memory or graphics muscle.

This all adds up to a great desktop machine for content creators and PC gamers alike, though its bulky (and occasionally loud) design might not be a fit for everyone. Wondering if the XPS Desktop deserves a spot in your home office? Here’s what I think after spending a few days working and playing on it.

A great Windows PC for creating and gaming

The Dell XPS Desktop’s strong overall performance and easy upgradability make it a great choice for those who do demanding creative work or want to play the latest PC games.

Lots of ports — and a disc drive!
As someone who’s constantly switching out accessories for both work and play, I appreciate a PC with lots of easily accessible ports, and the XPS Desktop delivers those in spades. Dell’s desktop features three USB 3 Type-A ports, a USB 3 Type-C port, an SD card slot and a headset jack right up front, which allowed me to hook up a mouse, microphone, webcam and a charging cable for my phone without having to reach around to the back of the computer.

Once you do make your way behind the PC, you’ll find a standard selection of ports that includes two USB 3 Type-A ports, two USB 2 Type-A ports, a USB 3 Type-C, an Ethernet jack and a full suite of audio ports for your sound system. Our review unit’s Nvidia GeForce 3060 Ti graphics card packs three DisplayPort connections as well as an HDMI port, giving you plenty of options for connecting to one or more screens.

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The Differences Between the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus

The iPhone X is a new smartphone from Apple, the eleventh version of the popular line. Available for pre-order on October 27, it was released on November 3rd. The new name commemorates the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. This smartphone is a perfect combination of beauty and functionality. This smartphone also offers a dual camera system, Face ID, and a software bezel. Here are the main differences between these two models.

Face ID

Apple’s introduction of Face ID has sparked a debate over privacy and security. While Face ID is statistically better than Touch ID and shows fewer false positives, the technology does still suffer from issues with separating identical twins. Although Apple has employed several security features and only one proof-of-concept attempt, privacy advocates are concerned about third-party app developers’ access to users’ facial data. The question will continue to remain unanswered for the foreseeable future.

If you have a physical disability, you can disable Face ID temporarily by selecting the “require attention” accessibility option. This will prevent the camera from being able to identify whether the user is looking at the phone. This feature dims the display and reduces the volume of alerts when the user is looking at the device. If you’re unable to turn off Require Attention, Face ID can still authenticate you.

If the camera can’t identify you, try retrying the process. To do this, hold the iPhone X so that your face fits into the frame. Then tilt the phone up or down slightly so the camera has a clear view of your face. Then, repeat the process with your other hand and tap the “Done” button. Once you’ve completed this process, you can go back to using Face ID and make it your main phone unlocking method.

To fix the problem, you can go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. You will need to set up Face ID again. Follow the instructions on the screen. Make sure to enter the password you entered earlier. This is a good way to avoid the issue. Just remember that this is a temporary solution until the fix is implemented. If you want to keep using Face ID on your iPhone X, you should be sure to update your device regularly.

Face ID is an excellent facial recognition system. This feature is particularly useful when the lighting is poor. Face ID also works well in low-light environments and is capable of unlocking the iPhone X. It is compatible with all popular apps, including those that use Touch ID. Besides, Face ID allows you to configure which apps have access to your face and which don’t. This is the main reason that Apple is promoting Face ID over Touch ID.

Dual cameras
Apple has made the dual cameras on the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus available to users. However, the main drawback of the dual camera is the lack of features such as 2x optical zoom, portrait mode blur, and lighting effects. But other companies have found other ways to make use of the feature. One new app brings these features to the forefront of the iPhone. Read on to discover more. Listed below are some of the main differences between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X cameras.

iPhone X’s dual camera setup offers enhanced photo and video capture. Portrait Mode blurs the background by detecting distance, while Portrait Lighting changes the lighting around the subject’s face to create a flattering effect. The iPhone X’s cameras also offer 4K video recording at 60 frames per second or 240 frames per second. Slow-motion mode allows users to record videos in slow-motion. The iPhone X is available in 64-GB and 256GB versions.

Both iPhone XS Max have dual cameras, but the iPhone YS are better for portraits. The iPhone XS has a larger OLED screen, while the iPhone YS has an LCD screen. Both models are waterproof, but the XR has more color options. In addition to these differences, the iPhone XS share similar camera specs.

Apple’s iPhone X is set to launch on November 3, 2017. With the dual cameras, the iPhone aims to take the crown of smartphone camera. But it has some tough competition to beat. It will be up against the OnePlus 5 and LG V30, the cinematic Samsung Galaxy Note 8, and the Google Pixel 2.

The iPhone X’s camera also offers a telephoto lens and optical image stabilization. The iPhone 8 Plus’s telephoto lens lacks these features. But the camera is still a major drawback. The iPhone X’s camera will help you take sharper photos, and the XR will save battery life. However, the iPhone XR has a bigger screen, and its battery will last longer.

Software bezels
Apple’s new iPhone X features software bezels in place of physical ones. The bezels have long been a controversial design feature, but Apple’s latest model is the latest example of how it’s going beyond its competitors. The iPhone X is a huge leap forward for the iPhone line, which has been around for three generations. Apple is also known for sticking with its design decisions. The headphone jack and 30-pin cable are two examples of past design decisions that Apple made.

The iPhone X has an OLED display, but it’s still cheaper than the OLED screen used in the iPhone 7. Because of the monopoly of supply, Samsung is the only supplier of OLED displays on the iPhone X. Apple’s pricing reflects the increased price of these screens. Regardless of how the display is used, it must be designed to fit within the new dimensions of the screen. Otherwise, bezels will obscure content.

Some analysts are predicting that the iPhone X will feature a black bezel. The iPhone X has a larger screen than the iPhone 8 Plus, but it’s slightly bigger. By removing the bezel, manufacturers can pack in a larger screen while reducing the overall size. Obviously, this means a smaller phone that’s easier to hold. But how will the bezels actually fit?

The most common design features of the iPhone X are its asymmetrical and symmetrical layouts. The asymmetrical layout features different insets on the left and right edges. In addition to this, the iPhone X also features a notch at the top of the screen, which houses the front camera, speaker, and sensors. The notch makes the layout of apps unusual. While some designers have tried to hide the sensor housing with a black bar, it makes the layout feel too small and inconsistent with other apps.

Apple’s newest designs come with new features, and are expected to change the mobile market. It will likely affect the Android ecosystem, and more are sure to follow. And Apple’s bezel-less iPhone will undoubtedly impact the rest of the mobile market. The Android ecosystem has already introduced a number of low-bezel phones, and more will be on the way. It’s hard to predict what the future holds for this technology, but Apple’s vision of the iPhone X is a game changer.

Price
Apple is expected to drop the price of the iPhone X by about $300 when the device launches in September, a date that’s historically been a good time for the company to introduce new smartphones. However, this year’s iPhone X might be priced too high for some consumers. Apple has a long history of raising its flagship prices, and analysts worry that the high price will slow demand. However, this may also help Apple retain existing customers and attract new ones. In addition, a cheaper LCD variant might be the perfect option for consumers who don’t care about the OLED display or are unwilling to shell out so much money.

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The iPhone X has been the most expensive iPhone in the history of the Apple company, and it continues to be. At launch, it cost US$999, and it’s possible to get an even better deal if you purchase it overseas. This is because local taxes may make it more expensive to purchase the device in a foreign country. However, it’s also possible to get a used version of the iPhone X for a fraction of the price.

Despite the high cost, the iPhone X has many unique features and is the trend setter for Android phone makers. Its edge-to-edge OLED panel is one of the biggest factors driving the price up. Also, lack of carrier subsidies in the US could hamper the iPhone “supercycle” and result in lower sales. Apple has recently hit an incredible $800 billion valuation, and that is a price that has been difficult to compete with. Apple will also face tough competition in the next few years from the Samsung Galaxy S8, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, and possibly Google’s Pixel 2.

While Apple is pushing for affordability with its latest iPhone, the price of iPhone X can vary greatly depending on its features and storage capacity. The 64GB version of the iPhone X is available for $799 and the 256GB model goes for $1,149. Swappa, a price comparison site, also allows users to shop around for the cheapest iPhone X by comparing the prices of the iPhone X from a variety of sellers.