Dell XPS 14z-L412z
Specifications
Price comparison
Average of 6 scores (from 13 reviews)
Reviews for the Dell XPS 14z-L412z
Source: Tech2.in.com Archive.org version
The XPS 14 Ultrabook is quite expensive and prices start at Rs.79,100 for the base model. The one thing that really annoys me is that Dell got away with the ‘Ultrabook’ sticker for the XPS 14, when it’s plainly not. Apart from using a ULV CPU and lacking a DVD drive, the two main traits that define an Ultrabook–light weight and slimness, are simply missing. As a notebook, it has an excellent design and build but it falls short on connectivity as you only get two USB ports, which is not forgivable when you design such a thick notebook. Just like the Dell Adamo, the XPS 14 is stuck uncomfortably between two different notebook categories, leaving it in limbo. It’s simply too expensive as a regular notebook and too heavy and fat to be an Ultrabook.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/25/2012
Rating: Total score: 65%
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
Dell's XPS 14z could be accused of looking rather like a MacBook Pro. If this was a deliberate ploy, it’s also a risky one, as few laptops can stand comparison with the MacBook Pro's design, build and feature set and still walk away with their reputations intact. Fortunately, the Dell XPS 14z is one that almost can. In all, there's a lot of laptop on offer here for under £1000, despite our mixed feelings about the display. A fine looking, sturdy and fast laptop with an attractive price tag, we've no hesitation in recommending it.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/16/2012
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Small Business Computing Archive.org version
The Dell XPS 14z sports above-average specifications and is well-positioned as a desktop replacement with a reasonable starting price of $799.99. Dell’s efforts to position it as a premium notebook also shows in terms of terms of its sleek styling and comfortable backlit keyboard and trackpad. On the down side, Dell has positioned the XPS 14z such that you cannot add the 256GB SSD option separately; the SSD is only available with the top-end configuration priced at a much heftier price tag of $1,499.99. This is a pity as we are sure that some users would prefer a smaller SSD over a beefier processor option. Nevertheless, we think the XPS 14z a solid business performer in an elegant package.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/01/2012
Source: Notebooks.com Archive.org version
This isn’t the only system from Dell with Waves MaxxAudio included, the Dell XPS 15z which I reviewed last year also impressed. If you are looking for a great audio experience on your notebook, I highly recommend the Dell XPS 14z, and suggest checking out other Dell systems with similar setups.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/30/2012
Source: Digital Versus Archive.org version
While clearly not able to fight on equal terms with the MacBook Pro when it comes to battery life and screen quality, the Dell XPS 14z offers similar performance, high-quality speakers and a good finish for much less cash. Plus, 4 hrs 20 mins of video playback is pretty good. All in all, Dell has come out with a decent product.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/30/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
In some ways, it's a little hard to tell what market this laptop is aimed at. It's a powerful enough machine for home use. The problem is, an i7 with more memory would be the minimum spec needed for a high-end setup for video editing and gaming. And if you think if it more as a day-to-day machine, for users with more modest requirements, the price is perhaps a little high - starting at £800, going up to over £1000 with an SSD. But there is plenty to like about this laptop. It's powerful enough for most things, and despite being a little weighty, it's still perfectly portable and a nice machine to get out in Starbucks.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/30/2011
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Hardware Canucks Archive.org version
The XPS series from Dell has had a long history of delivering good performance at mass market prices and the 14z continues this tradition. Even though it has been parachuted into a highly competitive market segment at a time when Ultrabooks and Macs tend to grab the headlines, this is one thin and light notebook that can more than hold its own.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/12/2011
Source: Hot Hardware Archive.org version
Dell's XPS 14z is a solid little machine, and it'll certainly serve its customers well, but it's just a little too pricey with some of its shortcomings. Gamers will want more than a lowly GT520M, and bargain hunters will demand a lower price from a 14" machine. In a way, the XPS 14z stuck between a rock and a hard place, though it's well-built, a pleasure to use and very easy on the eyes.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/09/2011
Foreign Reviews
Source: ITespresso DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/08/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: HardwareLuxx DE→EN Archive.org version
Positive: workmanship, colourful display, backlite keyboard, battery runtime; negative: few and bad positioned connections, display is mirroring and has low contrast
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/08/2011
Source: 01Net FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/12/2012
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Sohoa VN Express VN→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/10/2012
Source: The Hikaku JA→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/17/2012
Comment
Series:
The dell XPS 14Z was released at a time in which the utrabooks were said to replace current laptops. Yet it manages to slot itself perfectly into the regular, high-end laptop category. The XPS itself is a premium category under Dell for its regular home users. Hence there is nothing less in this laptop’s specs. The XPS 14Z comes with Intel’s i5 or i7 processor and can be fitted with 8gb of RAM. It’s also quite thin for a full featured laptop and has a unique design allowing the space at the sides of the screen to be very minimal. This means that the 14 inch laptop is actually 14 inch.
With a very long battery life, a backlit keyboard, a very good display and a slot in DVD drive, the Dell XPS 14Z beats many other laptops which are in the same price range both in functionality and styling. The only problem with the 14Z is the lack of available ports. It comes with one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 port. Also, the HDMI port has been replaced with the newer Display-Port. It is harder to connect to a external monitor via the display port unless you’re using one of Dell’s professional monitors. Otherwise, you will be forced to get a DP-HDMI converter which is quite rare.
Intel HD Graphics 3000: Integrated graphics card in the Intel Sandy Bridge processors (Core ix-2xxx). The HD 3000 is the faster (internally GT2 called) version with 12 Execution Units (EUs).
Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
2430M: Dual-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge architecture with an integrated graphics card and dual-channel DDR3 memory controller. The CPU is clocked at 2.4 GHz (Turbo Boost 2.7-3 GHz) and the GPU at 650 (1200 MHz Turbo).» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
14.00":
There are hardly any tablets in this display size range anymore. For subnotebooks, on the other hand, it is the standard format.
The advantage of subnotebooks is that the entire laptop can be small and therefore easily portable. The smaller display also has the advantage of requiring less power, which further improves battery life and thus mobility. The disadvantage is that reading texts is more strenuous on the eyes. High resolutions are more likely to be found in standard laptops.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Dell: Dell is a U.S. manufacturer (based in Texas) of computer hardware founded in 1984 and is one of the largest international manufacturers in terms of both market share and notebook models. Its product line includes desktops, notebooks, storage systems, monitors, servers, printers, consumer electronics and peripherals. Dell offers laptops that are suitable for various applications, such as business laptops, gaming laptops, ultra portables and workstations. Dell's business laptops from the Latitude and Precision series are an option for professional users and businesses.
In 2023, Dell had an approximate 17% market share of global PC sales, ranking #3 after Lenovo and HP.
For gaming enthusiasts, Dell's Alienware brand is for gaming notebooks.
75.83%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.