Photograph: Marc Simon
Dell's new gaming notebook series, the Inspiron XPS, combines top-tier Intel desktop processing oomph, via the 3.4-GHz Pentium 4 Extreme Edition chip, with a 128MB ATI Radeon 9700 graphics chip for smooth video and game playback. It will cost you a hefty $4349, but that includes access to a special queue of tech support reps with gaming know-how. For an additional fee, a Dell technician will come to you to install graphics upgrades.
Our shipping unit performed well, scoring 125 on PC WorldBench 4 (not a specific gaming test). That wasn't quite enough to beat a Voodoo Envy M:855 gaming laptop with a 134 score at a resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels, but the XPS was on a par with 1.7-GHz and 1.6-GHz Pentium M systems we have tested. The XPS's high native resolution of 1920 by 1200 probably slowed performance; a lower resolution likely would up the score. (See more test results involving the P4 EE.)
This laptop carries pretty much everything a traveling gamer would want, including 1GB of RAM, a 60GB hard disk, a 15.4-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, and a 4X/4X/8X DVD+R/RW and 16X/10X/24X CD-RW combination drive in a modular bay.
You also get external controls for sound and the optical drive, as well as one FireWire port, four USB 2.0 ports, an ethernet port, a 56-kbps modem port, a PC Card slot, and built-in Wi-Fi.
Game images were smooth. The stereo sound, complete with a subwoofer, produced good bass and above-average notebook audio.
Like those on most gaming laptops, the XPS's 12-cell battery died young (after 1 hour, 44 minutes). The XPS weighs 11.8 pounds with AC adapter.
Still, its top-notch video and good sound will please deep-pocketed gaming fans.
Street price: $4349
A fine but pricey performer with smooth video and game play.
Current prices (if available)
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