Dell XPS Line Gets Upgrade, Goes Ultra

Dell is expanding the popular XPS line with two new models, the Dell XPS 14 Ultrabook and the Dell XPS 15 notebook.

The larger siblings to the , the new 14-inch ultrabook and 15-inch notebook share several features, most notably third-generation Intel Core processors and several Intel technologies normally seen only in ultrabooks, like Intel Rapid Start.

The Dell XPS 14 gets redesigned to meet Intel's ultrabook specifications, and comes in two different configurations. The XPS 14 ultrabook features a bright, 14-inch display with edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass, 1,600-by-900 resolution, and an Intel third-generation processor—either a Core i5-3317U (1.7GHz) standard or the optional Core i7-3517U (1.9GHz). A 500GB hard drive provides storage space while a 32GB cache of solid-state memory provides enough speed for Intel's Rapid Start and Smart Response technology, which offer speedy start and wake times, and optimized caching of frequently used files and applications for faster access.

For more, check out PCMag's full review of the .

The Dell XPS 14 premium configuration is equipped with integrated mobile broadband, and has a stylish black leather back, which improves connectivity since it won't interfere with the built-in WWAN antennas. Along with WWAN connectivity, Dell is offering its own mobile broadband service, Dell NetReady, which offers anywhere, anytime connectivity with session-based payments, letting you pay as you go without the hassle of contracts.

For more, check out PCMag's full review of the .

The Dell XPS 15 keeps the traditional notebook form factor, but it's still slim. The lid is milled from a single block of aluminum, with edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass and a 15.6-inch 1,920-by-1,080 display. Powered by either a third-generation Intel Core i5-3210M processor or quad-core i7-3612QM, the Dell XPS 15 also packs up to 16GB of RAM and discrete Nvidia graphics processing—either the GeForce GT 630M with 1GB of dedicated memory, or the Nvidia GeForce GT 640M with 2GB of memory.

Like the Dell XPS 14 ultrabook, the XPS 15 pairs a mechanical hard drive (500GB, 750GB, or 1TB available) with a flash memory cache (32GB to 128GB SSD) for near instant boot and wake times and Intel's Smart Response caching. An optional, slot-loading Blu-ray disc drive adds HD movie watching, while the XPS 15 comes standard with 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and WiDi 2.0 for wirelessly streaming HD content to your HDTV.

The Dell XPS 14 ultrabook and Dell XPS 15 notebook have several enterprise-focused features available, such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for integrated security, and services such as Dell ProSupport for remote and on-site technical support, and pre-shipping configuration services.

The Dell XPS 14 will start at $1,099 and is available today across the United States. The Dell XPS 15 is available now, with a starting price of $1,299.