Dell XPS 13

Dell XPS 13

Dell, as the leading laptop manufacturer, has returned to its position in 2019 and this year it is on the list of the best manufacturers of the Dell XPS 13. This laptop has finally focused on the design flaws of the web camera, while extending its battery life to a rather large extent compared to the previous year models.

But not only with the new features of the webcam and the battery, the Dell XPS 13 continues to be one of the best laptops on the market. The new XPS 13 sits amongst high-end laptops, which have changed dramatically in recent years. So take into account Asus and Huawei's rapid offer, the XPS 13 place among the leaders has changed.

The average market price for the Dell XPS 13 is € 900 for the initial configuration. This price includes the 8th generation Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB 2.133MHz DDR3 memory and 128GB PCIe SSD, 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) InfinityEdge display.

The business class configuration offers the eighth generation quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB memory and 2TB PCIe SSD - all with 4K (3840 x 2160) and touch screen. The price of such a model is approximately € 2,700.

The Dell XPS 13 in any configuration is available in three colors: silver-black, rose gold-white and brand new in white.

In the European Union, Dell XPS 13 prices start at 2,000 euros for the Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB memory and 256GB SSD and 4K touchscreen. In other countries, prices may vary.

The Dell XPS 13 has many different configurations, while the US has the most comprehensive configuration available. However, this does not change the fact that the Dell XPS 13 is still competitive with its similar competitors - except for the leading Huawei MateBook X Pro, especially in the highest price and technical category.

At first glance, the Dell XPS 13 looks identical to last year's model. However, this year, Dell has just finally solved the most striking lack of laptop design: the webcam is finally above the display.

The manufacturer is proud of its new 2.25 mm webcam, developed over two years, which is not only small enough to fit above the display, but uses a 720p widescreen sensor connected to four microphones to activate Cortana or Alexa remotely.

The laptop is as thin and light as last year's model, with 0.46 inches (11.6 mm) and 2.7 pounds (1.23 kg), respectively. The Dell XPS 13 also features an anodized aluminum screen cover and backing, along with woven carbon fiber material.

The keyboard itself is as sophisticated and attractive as before, and the glass-coated touchpad is fantastic as ever. This is one of those things that are really not damaged and there is no need to change it for something else because the technology is relatively safe.

The port layout is with two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, one USB-C 3.1 port, a microSD card slot and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. It is one step ahead of many competing models of laptop manufacturers, and many use only USB-C 3.1 instead of Thunderbolt 3.

The display has also remained unchanged and is as bright and rich as ever. Full HD and 4K touch sensitive screen options; The edges of the corners around the display are of course almost invisible.

Especially in the 4K model, we've got 100% sRGB color rendering using Dell CinemaColor tools to make them brilliant. They complement some popping HDR configurations and 400 nits brightness. The 4K panel is much more contrasting.

Much of the computer experts suggested that there wasn't much to change in the XPS 13 design at all.

The 2019 XPS 13 model is slightly better than last year's model in almost all categories, especially during battery life. Much of the component is almost identical to last year's model and better.

For example, the internal processor is the latest 8th generation Intel processor for Intel Whiskey Lake Core i7-8565U compared to last year's Kaby Lake R Core i7-8550U. Both processors operate on the same frequency, but the latest model is more efficient in the same power category and hence slightly stronger.

This can be seen in PCMark 8 Geekench 4 (Single-Core) results, while video performance improvements are at best negligible. Like last year's model, this model uses the same cooling system.

Dell had planned to use the XPS 13 4K battery for up to 12 hours using the MobileMark 2014 benchmark. At the same time, the Full HD version works for up to 21 hours per test.

However, our tests showed a significant increase in battery life compared to the previous year's model, especially with video card loading. The Dell XPS 13 worked for almost three hours longer than the previous model for this type of test.

The battery will also last longer, judging by the results of this laptop PCMark 8 battery test. In this test, we saw that the 2019 XPS 13 works 21 minutes longer than the 2018 model, which is 8% more.

Asus ROG Strix XG35VQ

Asus ROG Strix XG35VQ

In the current large market for PC monitors, it is difficult to know what is most important to consider when purchasing it. There are so many options to choose from many technologies and different functions.

Especially for gaming monitors. Do you need a 144 Hz monitor frequency, perhaps even at 240Hz? Is adaptive synchronization essential, and is it G-Sync or FreeSync? Is HDR a mandatory feature? And what can we say about screen size, aspect ratio, resolution and curvature? There are many things to consider and it really is !.

In this context, the Asus ROG Strix XG35VQ is specific. It is not the largest and largest gaming monitor that can be obtained by measuring 35 inches. It is not the highest resolution gaming screen available with 3440 vsi 1440 pixels or 100 Hz frequency. It is not HDR certified. For example, the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and the Acer Predator X27 combine 4K with 144Hz and HDR,.

Here we might think that Asus focuses on things that are really important to games and have included them in a high quality package. Think of it as a modern gaming monitor, built up to the most important elements, and you will have a good idea of ​​what Asus ROG Strix XG35VQ offers as a competitive offer. The problem is that it is offered at a fairly high price. But will it actually give us what we want?

Despite the fact that ROG Strix XG35VQ has been available for some time, it still fluctuates in the price range of € 760. It is expensive compared to other 34-inch and 35-inch wide-angle monitors for players such as the LG 34UC79G.

XG35VQ has a lot of chips from Asus ROG block. This means it is elegant and well-assembled, but only slightly different in design than other ASUS models.

For example, LED lighting with LEDs that design the Asus logo on the desktop, such as under the monitor stand, are not suitable for experienced gamers, but have contributed to a fairly high price.

This means that the model's growth in the market is very stable and adapted to market demand. This also applies to the technology proposed in general. In this case, Asus has chosen a VA LCD panel that clearly displays image quality elements such as contrast and color saturation.

The fact that Asus is only 4ms XG35VQ reaction time is probably the function of this VA panel. Asus offers 1ms capability using Extreme Low Motion Blur technology, but it requires relatively extreme measures to compensate for the relative slowness of the screen itself.

It may not be a huge surprise that the frequency is only 100 Hz, taking into account the VA panel technology. It is worth increasing the 60 Hz standard not only for game monitors.

However, in this group of 144 Hz and even 240Hz gaming monitors it looks a bit weak. This means that you will receive an adaptive screen frequency in the form of AMD FreeSync technology.

In addition, thanks to Nvidia's recent enhancements to unlock the full features of the FreeSync video card, you can safely purchase the XG35VQ knowing that its frequency will function with any graphics card you own, either Nvidia or AMD. I did not want to say the same thing if Asus indicates the perfect compatibility of XG35VQ with Nvidia using only G-Sync technology.

The 4K resolution is theoretically high. But it puts a lot of load on your graphics subsystem. By increasing some pixels on the screen, you can play without problems without buying a video card for 700euro.

There is no HDR certificate and no USB C connection. This is undoubtedly not the best solution to add a screen to the latest gaming laptops.

As long as it is not an HDR certified monitor, the direct visual effect of Asus ROG Strix XG35VQ is at least similar to the lower end of the HDR spectrum, such as panels with DisplayHDR 400 certification.

The 35-inch VA screen is good thanks to its strong contrast and saturated colors.

Of course, we have seen better screens than XG35VQ. By default and factory calibration, both black and white are known to be absorbed. Also, the viewing angle will not compete for better IPS than VA-based monitors.

These little things have a relatively small impact on the real work with the computer, but if it is a game, then, while working in Windows, you can't think about it. Indeed, in a subjective expression, the XG35VQ 100 Hz frequency gives you most of this typical smooth-screen display, which is typically the case with 144Hz and faster screens. Yes, it is possible to see the difference between 100 Hz and 144 Hz, but it is a relatively fine difference.

Asus has encoded five pixel transmission levels in XG35VQ and in the available OSD menu. Press the button up and you will see a slightly ugly cropped area. Set it around halfway and the result will be fast, especially considering the VA basics.

The XG35VQ FreeSync functionality worked directly from the computer with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 testable video card.

Lenovo IdeaPad 120S

In the past, it was difficult to find a valuable laptop that was cheaper than 300 euros, but Lenovo made it easier for users to experience their IdeaPad 120S. IdeaPad 120S, which combines elegant design, long battery life and performance, surpasses the price of similar notebooks. Offers great money savings. The screen is a little laid, but in this price range IdeaPad 120S is one of the best Windows laptops you can buy.

Lenovo IdeaPad 120S is available, but it is not definitely cheap. IdeaPad 120S with gray chassis and matt finish looks like it is made of aluminum. Keyboard elasticity separates IdeaPad polycarbonate and ABS plastic structure.

The Lenovo logo on the lid does not interfere with the design of the user. When you lift the IdeaPad lid, you'll find a stylish keyboard with charcoal keys, a mid-range screen, and a small Lenovo logo in the lower left corner and a matching gray touchpad. IdeaPad hinges can be folded back by almost 180 degrees, but the support function is a bit fragile after the senses - so it is better not to apply high pressure when opening. Only on the table IdeaPad easily slid across the table top.

The size of IdeaPad 120S is 13.14 x 9.25 x 0.73 inches and weighs 3.24 pounds, which is a typical size for a laptop in this category. The Lenovo IdeaPad 100S-14 (0.7 inches thick, 3.2 pounds) and HP Stream 14 (0.7 inches thick, 3.11 pounds) are slightly smaller, but the IdeaPad 120S is lighter and thinner than the Asus L402SA (0, 9 inches thick, 3.3 pounds).

For 300 euros you will not get all the imaginary catches you see on premium laptops, but IdeaPad 120S has enough ports to let you do a certain job. On the left is a patented charging port, USB 3.0 port, HDMI output and USB type C connector (which can charge the laptop). On the right is another USB port, 3.5mm audio jack and microSD card reader.

The IdeaPad 120S 14-inch screen provides 1366 x 768 resolution, so the image quality will be normal but not clear enough.

IdeaPad 120S screen was better in brightness test. This result did not exceed the average, but it is better than the indications from Lenovo IdeaPad 100S-14, Asus L402SA and HP Stream 14.

IdeaPad 120S also has a narrow viewing angle; the quality of the picture was seen to be lost every time 90 degrees left. The viewing angles are good when looking at the screen from the right and left.

IdeaPad 120S is equipped with two front speakers for normal sound. 2 x 1 watt stereo speakers play sound that is loud enough to fill a small space. Bass and electronic instruments are good to hear. Percussion and strings tools are so audible. The vocals are clear, with little distortion.

The IdeaPad 120S microphone is built into the top frame with the webcam. Voice recording is close to the truth, it is quite real, just as natural.

The keyboard on the IdeaPad 120S is slightly seated, providing only 1.2 millimeters of driving (usually 1.5 to 2 mm) on its surface.

IdeaPad 4.1 x 2.7 inch touchpad slides well, your fingers don't get caught :), it's sleek. The touchpad provides precise navigation.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 120S comes with an Intel Celeron N3350 processor, a 4GB RAM and a 64GB eMMC memory drive, which generally gives a good PC performance in the price range.

Although the IdeaPad 120S graphics test was better than its competitors, it is not suitable for games. IdeaPad 120S does not work well in a 30-second second game test, reaching only 24.5 fps.

If you need to use IdeaPad 120S all day, you should take the charger up to. But the price that is so low, fully satisfies any IdeaPad user and the battery life is sufficient.

The battery held the test for 7 hours and 43 minutes.

Lenovo IdeaPad 120S is also not particularly hot when used at normal load.

The webcam has a resolution of 0.3 megapixels, the image is weak.

All in all, if you need to use IdeaPad 120S for video calling in a professional environment, you should buy an external webcam.

With Windows 10 Home, IdeaPad 120S, Lenovo Companion checks for component errors and driver updates, and Lenovo settings allow you to change power, sound, camera, display, and touchpad control.

With several notable features - including the proper Intel Celeron N3350 CPU, USB type C support and battery life - the price for the Lenovo IdeaPad 120S is good.