The long awaited Dell XPS 15 L521X is finally here with its thin looks and metallic design. The L521X is clad in a machined aluminum magnesium alloy case and is a mere 0.91-inches thick. It’s weight of 5.79 pounds is a little on the heavy side, but remember it’s made of all metal to so it’s durable. The screen on this model is Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution and uses edge to edge Gorilla Glass for protection.
The L521X starts off with a price of $1,299 via Dell.com and with those specs you get a speedy Intel Core i5-3610M processor, Intel HD 4000 graphics, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB 5400RPM HD with 32GB mSATA SSD. You can also upgrade to an Intel Core i7-3610QM processor and Nvidia GT 640M graphics but pricing jumps to $1,699 for that model. If you want a 512GB SSD and the Core i7 and Nvidia graphics, pricing goes up to $1,999. In terms of ports, the XPS L521X comes with 3x USB 3.0, 1x mini-DP, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ-45, SD card slot, and a headset jack . You also get a 1.3MP web camera and glass touchpad with multi-touch capabilities to round out the offering.
The full specs for the XPS L521X are below:
- Screen: 350-nit, 1920×1080 display with Edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass
- Processor: Intel Core i5-3610M or Intel Core i7-3612QM processors
- Graphics: Integrated Intel HD 4000 Graphics, optional NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M 1GB
- Memory: 6GB to 16GB DDR3 SDRIM
- Storage: 500GB HDD + 32GB mSATA SSD standard, up to 512GB SSD
- Keyboard: Backlit, spill-resistant, chiclet keyboard
- Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW Slot-loading drive, optional Blu-ray
- Battery: 65WHr, 9-cell Li-Poly battery (non-removable)
- Wireless: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 802.11a/g/n + Bluetooth 4.03
- Ports: 3x USB 3.0, 1x mini-DP, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ-45, SD card slot, headset jack
- Web Camera: Built-in webcam: 1.3MP with dual microphone array
- Dimensions: Height 0.91″ (23.2mm) / Width: 14.6″ (371mm) / Depth 9.8″ (249mm)
- Weight: 5.79 pounds
Hi! When you get to review this laptop could you compare it with the HP Envy 15t 3200? Thanks!
I’m a big fan of the new 15. It’s gorgeous, solid, and well-priced. It’s just a bit too heavy, though, if I’m being honest.
Though I think those who were used to the XPS being a potential gaming notebook might be disappointed that Dell has shifted to emphasizing style over performance. The XPS 15 really isn’t the best option for a 15″ gaming notebook, in fact it’s a whole lot more expensive than more powerful alternatives from HP and Lenovo (dv6t Quad or IdeaPad Y580). But hey, it is more stylish.
how can the new dell possibly be well priced??? at the same price point you could get a hp or customize a computer far more powerful
In my opinion, the Dell is better built, too, which rarely gets enough play unless people are talking about the ThinkPads. And the HP is half an inch thicker.
If Dell could have shaved a pound off of this, it would have a lot better case for being around. As it is, they have basically no excuse for not offering the 650M.
You’re right, though, this isn’t a gaming notebook, and it’s gamers than seem to be annoyed at it. They’ve got many better options. This is more obviously a competitor to computers like the Apple MacBook Pro or the HP Envy.
Have to agree I might have to go with a HP instead- its just more for the buck. I was also thinking about a tablet, but those things are crap even the the top of the line android tablet can’t best the gs3.
Hi Andrew Baxter,
The new XPS 17 L721x (with 17” screen, updated with the new Intel Ivy Bridge processors) was supposed to follow the new XPS 15 (L521x) that you are talking about.
Its release is being delayed, and there are rumors that the new XPS 17 L721x will not see the light of day, and that the replacement for the L702x is going to be the Inspiron 17R Special Edition.
Any news/leak on that?
I can’t say I’ve heard anything regarding the XPS 17, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re skipping the 17-inch model for the XPS. They’re not as focused on consumer laptops these days and are probably trying to trim back their portfolio a bit. I’m sure Dell is thinking enthusiasts will just need to look to Alienware for a 17-inch performance / premium laptop. The 15-inch category sells better so that’ll always get more focus.