In the ever-evolving world of laptops, Dell’s XPS series has remained a beacon of excellence and innovation. The latest iteration, the Dell XPS (9720), builds upon its predecessors’ success, promising an unparalleled combination of power, style, and functionality. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deep into the XPS 17 (9720), examining its design, performance, display quality, battery life, and more. Whether you’re a creative professional or a tech enthusiast, this article will help you decide if the Dell XPS 17 (9720) is the right laptop for you.
Design and Build Quality
- Unboxing and First Impressions
The Dell XPS 17 (9720) arrives in a sleek, minimalist box, setting the tone for what’s to come. Upon unboxing, you’ll be greeted with the laptop’s stunning exterior. The XPS 17 sports Dell’s iconic, high-quality build. The aluminum chassis exudes a premium feel and is remarkably durable.
- Thin Bezels and InfinityEdge Display
One of the most striking features of the XPS 17 (9720) is its nearly borderless 17-inch display. The InfinityEdge design maximizes screen real estate, making it perfect for multimedia and productivity. The thin bezels create an immersive visual experience.
- Compact for a 17-Inch Laptop
Despite its generous screen size, the XPS 17 is surprisingly compact. It’s thinner and lighter than most 15-inch laptops, making it highly portable. This is ideal for those who need a large display without sacrificing portability.
- Keyboard and Trackpad
The backlit keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with ample key travel. The trackpad is spacious and responsive, featuring precision drivers for smooth navigation.
Performance and Specifications
- Processor Power
At the heart of the XPS 17 (9720) is an Intel Core i9 processor, ensuring exceptional performance. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, running complex simulations, or multitasking with resource-intensive applications, this laptop can handle it all with ease.
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- Ample RAM and Storage
With up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and high-speed NVMe SSDs, the XPS 17 guarantees seamless multitasking and rapid data access. It’s a productivity powerhouse, allowing you to tackle even the most demanding tasks.
- Dedicated Graphics for Creative Work
The laptop features NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series graphics, which significantly enhances its capabilities for graphic-intensive tasks, like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
- Operating System
The XPS 17 (9720) comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, taking advantage of the latest software advancements. This ensures a smooth and modern computing experience.
Display Quality
- 4K UHD+ Display
The XPS 17 boasts a stunning 4K UHD+ display, with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. The display is exceptionally sharp and vibrant, making it perfect for content creators and those who appreciate high-quality visuals.
- Color Accuracy and HDR Support
With 100% Adobe RGB color coverage and HDR support, the XPS 17 ensures that your work and entertainment look their best. Colors are accurate, and the contrast is excellent, enhancing your viewing experience.
- Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision support takes the display quality to the next level, offering lifelike visuals with enhanced brightness, contrast, and color.
- Touchscreen Capabilities
The touchscreen feature adds versatility to your tasks, allowing for intuitive interaction with the laptop. This is particularly useful for artists, designers, and anyone who prefers a hands-on approach.
Battery Life
- All-Day Productivity
Despite its powerful components, the XPS 17 (9720) offers impressive battery life. You can easily get a full day’s work done without needing to constantly search for a power outlet.
- Advanced Power Management
Dell has included power management features that help optimize battery life further. You can customize power profiles to balance performance and battery longevity.
- Rapid Charging
When it’s time to recharge, the laptop’s rapid charging feature ensures you get back to work quickly. A short charge can provide hours of use, which is especially convenient for professionals on the go.
Connectivity and Ports
- Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C
The XPS 17 (9720) is well-equipped with Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ports, offering high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity options.
- HDMI and SD Card Slot
For content creators, the inclusion of an HDMI port and an SD card slot is a significant advantage. This simplifies the process of transferring and displaying multimedia content.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
The laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and stable wireless connections. This is essential for online collaboration and networking.
Audio Quality
- Stereo Speakers
The XPS 17 features stereo speakers, delivering clear and immersive sound. The Waves MaxxAudio Pro enhancement software allows you to customize the audio to your preference.
- Headphone Jack
For those who demand high-quality audio, the laptop includes a headphone jack, providing a premium listening experience.
Cooling and Thermals
- Innovative Thermal Design
Dell’s innovative thermal management ensures that the laptop remains cool and performs optimally under heavy workloads. The dual fans and advanced heat dissipation technology keep the XPS 17 running smoothly.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation
Even during intense tasks, the laptop remains surprisingly quiet. You won’t be disturbed by excessive fan noise, which is crucial for a productive work environment.
Software and User Experience
- Dell Optimizer
Dell Optimizer is a smart AI-driven software that optimizes system performance based on your usage patterns. It enhances the overall user experience by making the laptop more responsive and efficient.
- Bloatware-Free
The XPS 17 comes with minimal bloatware, ensuring that your system resources are not wasted on unnecessary software.
- Security Features
The laptop offers robust security features, including facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, and encryption options to protect your data.
Pricing and Configurations
- Premium Pricing
As expected with premium laptops, the XPS 17 (9720) is on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, the features and performance justify the investment.
- Customizable Options
Dell offers various configurations and customization options, allowing you to choose the specifications that best suit your needs and budget.
- Warranty and Support
Dell provides excellent customer support and warranty options, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional performance with Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA RTX graphics.
- Stunning 4K UHD+ display with Dolby Vision and touch capabilities.
- Long-lasting battery life and rapid charging.
- Premium build quality and portability.
- Innovative thermal management for quiet and efficient operation.
- Comprehensive connectivity options.
Cons:
- Premium pricing may not be suitable for all budgets.
- Limited upgrade options after purchase.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 17 (9720) continues the legacy of the XPS series, offering a remarkable combination of power, style, and functionality. Its premium build quality, exceptional performance, and stunning display make it a top choice for professionals, content creators, and tech enthusiasts. While the price tag may be on the higher side, the value it provides is undeniable. If you’re in the market for a high-performance laptop that excels in every aspect, the Dell XPS 17 (9720) is a worthy investment that will redefine your computing experience.
In a world where laptops are a crucial part of our daily lives, the Dell XPS 17 (9720) stands as a testament to what is possible when craftsmanship, innovation, and power come together in perfect harmony.