Dell XPS (Xtreme Performance System)

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The Dell XPS is a high-end line of gaming computers sold by Dell. The "Xtreme Performance System", or XPS, dates back to 1993. At this time, Dell was more focused on corporate clients rather than consumers. It should also be noted that Gateway during that period was the number one high-end PC manufacturer.

1 Rise of the XPS
2 Current status
3 Included items with the current XPS systems
4 Criticism
5 Generations
6 External links

[edit] Rise of the XPS

In early 1993 it was agreed by Dell's staff that it needed to create products to serve the rapid-growing consumer PC market. In September 1993, the first two XPS computers were announced. These models sported technology that was more modern than what Dell's competition currently offered at that time. Because of this, these computers were 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.

[edit] Current status

Despite the XPS's loss of publicity and promotion, the series was revamped in 2005. 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. Ironically, 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.

[edit] Included items with the current XPS systems

Current XPS computers come standard with Intel Core 2 Duo processors, a 15-month anti-virus subscription, and Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition. The XPS notebooks come standard with TrueLife screens and Dell's "MediaDirect" that allows the computer to have, as Dell puts it "Instant-On Functionality."

[edit] Criticism

While the original XPS name meant the components used were high-end and well-suited for gaming, this is no longer the case. For example, both the XPS 200 and XPS M140 are limited to low-end graphics cards (Intel Integrated or low-end ATI or NVIDIA). These restrictions make both models unsuitable for any graphics-demanding application or task.

Rather than release totally new hardware, Dell simply rebadged Dimension systems as XPS computers. For example, the XPS 200 is the replacement for the Dimension 5100c, and is also sold as a 5150c. Also, the XPS 410 is the replacement for the Dimension 9150, and is also sold as the Dimension 9200.

Upon request (not available through the website) Dell notebooks can be ordered without any software pre-installed and Dell will issue a so-called Windows refund, typically a discount or refund towards the "Windows inclusive" price or a merchandise credit.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Generations

Since Dell revamped the XPS series in 2005, there have been six generations of systems. The first generation series, especially the XPS laptops, were marked as powerhouse systems. Each new generation brings significant upgrades to system components, but rarely chassis design updates.

[edit] 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 410 - The 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. Other base options include the ATI Radeon X300 video card, 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 XPS 410 replaced the XPS 400.

XPS 710 - The new 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, an aluminum case.

[edit] Previous XPS desktops

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 few days after XPS 700 launch and succeeded by XPS 700.

XPS Gen 3 - Circa October 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 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.

[edit] Current XPS laptops

XPS M2010 - The new flagship XPS laptop available in black that features a unique case that resembles a desktop and has a 20.1" widescreen. The XPS M2010 originally came with an Intel Core-Duo T2500, T2600, or T2700 dual-core processor but now since Intel released their new Core 2 Duo line the M2010 comes with a T7200 (2.0 GHz), T7400 (2.16 GHz), or the T7600 (2.33 GHz), ATI Mobility Radeon X1800, 7200 RPM SATA hard drive, and between 2 GB and 4 GB of DDR2 SDRAM. Dell's aim in building this model was to blur the lines between laptops and desktops. It also has an integrated 1.3 Megapixel camera, a DVD-R RW/CD-R RW burner and comes with a one-year waranty.

XPS M1710 - The higher-end mobile XPS computer available in black or red that features a 17" widescreen, Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processors, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900GS or 7900GTX 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).

XPS M1210 - A high performance ultra-portable (12.1" screen) notebook featuring a new case design, Intel Core 2 Duo processor technology, a dedicated video card (NVIDIA 7400 Go) and an optional integrated web camera (1.3 mega-pixel). This notebook is considered one of the fastest and most powerful in its size and weight class due to its use of the Core 2 Duo CPU, discrete nVidia 7400 graphics processor, and its internal optical drive. Also has WWAN (wireless wide area networking) features supporting 3G broadband services.

[edit] Previous XPS laptops

XPS M140 - The lower end model XPS computer that has a chassis almost identical to an Inspirion 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 graphics card. This model has been replaced by the E1405, a 14.1" laptop physically similar the M140. It features a core duo processor and Intel's 945 chipset. It is no longer classified as an XPS laptop.

Inspiron XPS - The first XPS laptop, this computer was a very heavy computer starting at 9.06 pounds without power supply (which added an addition 2.5 pounds). It was offered wither either a 3.4 GHz Pentium 4 desktop processor, or the Pentium 3.4 Extreme Edition, 1920x1200 15.4" LCD, and fancy sound system. Earlier models came with an ATI Radeon 9700 mobility, and later models with the 9800 mobility. 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. The system was marketed to gamers. This computer was later replaced by the Inspiron XPS Gen 2 and ultimately the current XPS M1710.

[edit] 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 D Extreme Edition dual-core 955 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 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-killowatt power supply.

In November of 2006, the company announced the XPS 710.