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Review Dell XPS 10 Tablet

Marathon Tablet. After Asus, Microsoft and Samsung, the spotlight now shines on Dell's Windows RT tablet PC. The XPS 10 proves to be a long-lasting performer which makes traditional notebooks look outdated, especially in terms of battery life. However, the offered performance comes at a high price.

For the original German review, see here.

Windows 7 is little fun to use on a touchscreen as it was not optimized for such a device. Since October 2012, the Windows 8 release, which is designed for touchscreens, presents users with a fusion of a desktop and a tablet interface. The new interface is dubbed "Modern UI". The old Start Menu has been replaced by large, colorful tabs. In accordance with the current tablet and Smartphone trend, programs are now called "Apps". Despite all the radical changes, every version of Windows 8, including Windows  RT, which is optimized for devices with ARM processors, has two beating hearts: the new Windows 8 Modern UI and the classic Windows 7 desktop (minus the Start Menu). These two interfaces are interlaced tightly together so that the user can quickly switch between them at any time.

The Microsoft Surface RT showed the world what Windows RT is capable of and provided a guideline for the competition. Now, the market is rapidly filling with tablets running on Microsoft's latest OS: the Asus VivoTab RT TF600, Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510, etc. The Dell XPS 10 belongs in these ranks and we will explore what it has to offer in our test.

The Surface RT and the VivoTab RT TF600 run on the Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor. In contrast, the Dell XPS 10 and the Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510 use the ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core System-on-a-Chip (SoC) with a clock speed of 1.5 GHz and integrated Adreno 225 graphics unit. Dell equips our test model with 2 GB RAM and a 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen (multi-touch ready) with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Our test model is the best configuration available, offering 64 GB storage space and a keyboard dock. This configuration costs 749 Euros (~$1002). The tablet and keyboard dock together weigh 1,310 grams, but alone, the tablet is quite light at 635 grams. The XPS 10 has a 2 MP webcam on the front and a 5 MP camera on the back. It is also equipped with the latest wireless technologies.

Case

The 10.1-inch touchscreen of the Dell XPS 10 is surrounded by a 2.5 cm border.
The rubber back ensures good grip.
A keyboard dock transforms the XPS 10 into a proper notebook.

The case of the Dell XPS 10 looks high-quality. Its monochrome coloring is suitable for a business device. A 2.5 cm synthetic border (glossy black) adorns the screen. Furthermore, this border is enclosed by silver lining. With this look, the tablet would serve as a nice digital picture frame.

A seamless glass surface protects the display and borders. It does not offer any resistance to the finger, which makes input easier. The back of our test model is made of dark synthetic material, which offers good grip thanks to its rubber surface. The Dell tablet offers appeal and a nice feel. It left us with a good impression.

The Dell logo, Windows RT caption and a 5 MP digital camera with auto-focus can be found on the back of the tablet. There are no maintenance flaps, which means that the 2-cell Lithium-Ion battery (28 Wh capacity) cannot be removed.

Minus its dock, the XPS 10 weighs 635 grams. This makes it tangibly heavier than the Asus VivoTab RT TF600 (525 grams) and slightly lighter than the Microsoft Surface RT (676 grams). One-handed use over a longer period of time will tire the user. The keyboard dock adds 945 grams to the scale, bringing the total weight up to 1,310 grams. Our test model measures 274.7 x 177.3 x 9.2 mm - similar to the Microsoft Surface RT (274.6 x 172 x 9.3 mm). This makes both tablets bigger than the Asus VivoTab RT TF600 (263 x 171 x 8.3 mm). Despite being slim (9.2 mm), the Dell XPS 10 is quite sturdy (although it makes creaking noises when bent).

The bottom edge of the device boasts the power outlet, the Micro USB port and two recesses. These allow the keyboard dock to attach itself to the tablet. When attached, the primary power outlet is blocked, but the user can still charge or run the tablet from a power socket thanks to the secondary power outlet on the left side of the keyboard dock.

Connectivity

Of the promised 64 GB, 53 GB remains free on our test model. The Windows Disk Management provides some answers: three of the four partitions are hidden EFI systems or recovery partitions and cannot be used by the user for storage. The remaining 53 GB is whittled down to 42 GB by the preinstalled Windows RT OS (requires 11 GB). If the space does not suffice, a Micro SD slot offers expansion options.

Ports

The Dell XPS 10 may not have a fancy assortment of ports, but it does offer basic connectivity. The tablet PC has a slot for Micro SD cards (supports SDXC), a 3.5 mm audio jack, as well as ports for Mini-USB and power outlet/docking port. Due to the slim measurements of the tablet, USB devices can only be connected using the Micro USB 2.0 adapter (included in delivery). The buyers who purchase the optional keyboard dock will also have full-sized USB 2.0 port on both sides. The packaging includes a Micro HDMI adapter, which can be connected to the right side of the keyboard dock.

Bottom edge: the speakers are placed at the left and right edges. Keyboard dock connections can be found further inwards. Right below the Windows key, we have the power outlet/docking port and slightly to its right, a Micro-USB interface.
Left: Headphone jack and volume rocker.
Right: No ports.
Top: The On/Off button and to the right, the Micro-SD slot.

Software

Windows RT is an ARM-optimized OS. Users of the older versions of the Windows OS are presented with the next step in the evolution of the OS: a fusion of the standard desktop and the new tab interface, specifically designed for the touchscreen. Similar to the other mobile operating systems (Apple and Google), Windows RT can only run programs from the Windows Store, which currently has meager offerings. The x86 programs which are compatible with Windows 8 and its predecessors cannot run on Windows RT. This limitation is not noticeable at first as Windows RT feels and looks just like Windows 8. Thankfully, files compatible with Windows, can be freely used in or traded with Windows RT and other versions of Windows. In our test, the tablet PC worked without issues with various peripheral devices like mice, keyboard, USB sticks and external hard drives.

Besides the standard Windows RT Apps, Dell has preinstalled Skype and Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote 2013). The integrated camera App allows the user to control the front webcam or the rear 5 MP camera, but the settings are limited: the rear camera only offers brightness, contrast, focal distance and exposure adjustments, whereas the webcam only offers brightness, contrast and exposure settings.

Communication & GPS

Two microphones are placed on the tablet - each right next to the front and rear camera. In addition, the tablet boasts the latest wireless technologies like Bluetooth 4.0 and WLAN standards 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz networks). It also offers an A-GPS sensor (Assisted Global Positioning System). All wireless communication modules offer good connectivity.

Cameras & Multimedia

Dell indulges in the megapixels race by giving the XPS 10 a 5 MP rear camera. On the front, the tablet sports a 2 MP webcam. The webcam is only suited for snapshots, but also serves well in video chats (via Skype or other programs). The 5 MP camera can take decent photos, granted good lighting. A flash or light is not included. Poor lighting will make for distorted pictures. The 5 MP camera also has weak video performance: the picture sharpness has to constantly be adjusted while recording, which makes it unsuitable for movies. However, the webcam has no focus problems.

Rear camera: 5 MP
Rear camera: 5 MP
Front camera: 2 MP
Front camera: 2 MP
Reference camera: Canon Ixus 115 HS, 8 MP
Reference camera: Canon Ixus 115 HS, 8 MP

Accessories

The delivery includes keyboard, power adapter and Micro-USB and Micro-HDMI adapters.

The Dell XPS 10 delivery includes few accessories. The package includes the keyboard dock, a Mini USB and a Mini HDMI cable, the power adapter and a Quick Start guide for the tablet PC and how to dock the keyboard. As the battery of the XPS 10 is not removable, the online shop does not offer any larger versions. It does offer other useful items, such as, protective covers, bags, Micro SD cards and even an Anti-Glare coating for the glossy display.

Warranty

Dell provides a short 12 month warranty for the XPS 10. However, to compensate, they provide fast "Pick-up and Repair" service in case of damage. The online shop offers an extension of the warranty to 2 years (80 Euros, ~$107) or 3 years (170 Euros, ~$227). Cautious users can also purchase "Accident Damage Service" (95 Euros, ~$127, for 1 year), which will then ensure the tablet PC against spills, drops or power surges.

Input Devices and Interface

The Dell XPS 10 is fun to use, even in the absence of the keyboard dock or an external USB mouse. Of course, this is to be expected from a tablet PC. Still, we are surprised by how precisely the test model reacted to input and how quickly the commands were executed.

The credit for the success goes to the new Metro UI interface (or Modern UI) of Windows RT and the glass surface of the XPS 10, which provides no resistance to the gliding finger. Everything works smoothly and quickly: whether clicking on small objects, swiping to call up menus, or zooming in and out of Google Maps, the XPS 10 provides a pleasant experience.

The OS makes typing short texts easy. As soon as the user clicks on an input field, Windows RT blends in a virtual keyboard (from below) which takes up half the screen. The keys are large and provide visual (light up shortly) and acoustical feedback (brief sound).

Not to worry, the virtual keyboard does not cover any text input fields. Those are automatically shifted. For example, in the Metro UI, Internet Explorer has its input field at the bottom of the screen and once the virtual keyboard appears, the field is "shifted" to the middle of the screen. The mechanical volume rocker and power/standby keys offer a nice pressure point and work well.

Exit the Metro UI and you are greeted by the classic Windows desktop. Sadly, this signals the end of easy touchscreen input, as although finger input is still quite precise, the smaller symbols are frustratingly easy to miss. We recommend using the delivered keyboard dock or purchasing it for 170 Euros (~$227), if you wish to use the classic desktop for longer periods of time.

The keyboard dock is easy to attach. The tablet is simply seated on the mounts of the keyboard and an audible click confirms the dock is attached. An adjacent slider permits the removal of the tablet from the dock. The keyboard keys have a nice pressure point and offer sufficient feedback thanks to their slight rubber surface. The function keys are practical - they allow the user to alter the display brightness and volume or call up the search function of Windows RT.

Keyboard
The test model included the docking keyboard, which costs 170 Euros (~$227) separately.
Keyboard
Left: USB-2.0 port, Adapter for power outlet and battery status display.
Keyboard
Right: Mini-HDMI interface, USB-2.0 interface
Keyboard
Back: the two dock connectors are placed outwards. In the middle, we have the docking connector and above, to the right, the lock to remove the keyboard from the tablet.

Display

The Dell XPS 10 uses a 10.1-inch HD display with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Sadly, this is just the "small" High-Definition resolution of 720p, but the 16:9 format makes up for that. This format makes movies a delight on the tablet as, unlike the Apple iPad 4, the Dell XPS 10 does not add distracting black borders on the side of the video. A glass layer protects the screen of the XPS 10.

The brightness of the tablet PC is impressive: 356.2 cd/m². The even distribution of brightness is a nice extra. The gap between the darkest regions of the screen (bottom middle - 340 cd/m²) and the brightest (middle left - 377 cd/m²) is a mere 37 cd/m². This translates to a good illumination of 90%. The Microsoft Surface RT has slightly lower brightness (331 cd/m²) whereas the Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510 is brighter (368.7 cd/m²). The Asus VivoTab RT TF600 has the other three tablets beat with its brightness of 424.7 cd/m².

342
cd/m²
363
cd/m²
376
cd/m²
377
cd/m²
350
cd/m²
355
cd/m²
352
cd/m²
340
cd/m²
351
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
capacitive tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 377 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 356.2 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 90 %
Center on Battery: 352 cd/m²
Contrast: 714:1 (Black: 0.49 cd/m²)

Multimedia content like games, pictures or videos are displayed in good quality on the XPS 10 thanks to the good black value and high contrast. The black value of the test model measures 0.49 cd/m² (Asus VivoTab RT TF600: 0.52 cd/m², Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510: 0.46 cd/m², Microsoft Surface RT: 0.33 cd/m²) and the contrast is 714:1 (Asus VivoTab RT TF600: 869:1 , Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510: 826:1, Microsoft Surface RT: 1079:1).

Outdoors use
Outdoors use

The stylish and robust glass surface of the Dell tablet is plagued by fingerprints and smudges. The screen is very reflective - a flaw shared by many other tablets and smartphones. Despite the good values, the Dell XPS 10 can not compensate fully for these flaws. It is still suitable for outdoors use as long as the user avoids direct sunlight or wide viewing angles (strong reflections).

As is typical for an IPS display, the viewing angles are great. The colors remain stable even at wide angles and the contrast is great.

Viewing angles of the Dell XPS 10 Tablet
Viewing angles of the Dell XPS 10 Tablet

Performance

The Dell XPS 10 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus SoC (APQ8060A - codenamed "Krait"), which offers two processing cores, both of which run at 1.5 GHz. The SoC employs the Adreno 225 chip for graphics processing. The Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510 also uses this SoC and Windows RT. Many devices use the Nvidia Tegra 3 processor (like the Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510, the Lenovo IdeaTab S2110A, the Asus VivoTab RT TF600 and Microsoft Surface RT), which boasts twice as many cores, but in our test, the Snapdragon S4 Plus holds its own against the Nvidia SoC. 

As the Dell XPS can only run programs from the Windows Store, and most of our benchmarks are not available there yet, we were limited to browser benchmarks using Internet Explorer 10: Browsermark 2.0, Google V8 and SunSpider 0.9.1.

These benchmarks show that the Dell XPS 10 offers similar performance to the Asus VivoTab RT TF600, Microsoft Surface RT and Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510. A nice bonus was the score of 1,903 points in Browsermark 2.0, which puts the Dell tablet well ahead of the rest of the competition and in the vicinity of the Apple iPad 4. Although the performance of the Dell XPS 10 is average when described in numbers, we do not have any complaints. The test model reacts well while surfing and loads websites without any significant delay.

Browsermark - --- (sort by value)
Dell XPS 10 Tablet
Adreno 225, S4 Plus APQ8060A, 64 GB SSD
1903 points
Asus Vivo Tab RT TF600
GeForce ULP (Tegra 3), 3, 32 GB SSD
1043 points -45%
Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510
Adreno 225, S4 Plus APQ8060A, 32 GB SSD
1459 points -23%
Apple iPad 4
SGX554MP4, A6x, 32 GB SSD
2495 (2479min - 2507max) points +31%
Google V8 Ver. 7 - Google V8 Ver. 7 Score (sort by value)
Dell XPS 10 Tablet
Adreno 225, S4 Plus APQ8060A, 64 GB SSD
804 Points
Asus Vivo Tab RT TF600
GeForce ULP (Tegra 3), 3, 32 GB SSD
745 Points -7%
Microsoft Surface RT
GeForce ULP (Tegra 3), 3, 32 GB SSD
796 Points -1%
Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510
Adreno 225, S4 Plus APQ8060A, 32 GB SSD
785 Points -2%
Lenovo IdeaTab S2110A
Adreno 225, S4 Plus APQ8060A, 16 GB SSD
1321 Points +64%
Apple iPad 4
SGX554MP4, A6x, 32 GB SSD
1661 Points +107%
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Mali-400 MP4, 4412 Quad, 16 GB SSD
1954 Points +143%
Sunspider - 0.9.1 Total Score (sort by value)
Dell XPS 10 Tablet
Adreno 225, S4 Plus APQ8060A, 64 GB SSD
942 ms *
Asus Vivo Tab RT TF600
GeForce ULP (Tegra 3), 3, 32 GB SSD
1013 ms * -8%
Microsoft Surface RT
GeForce ULP (Tegra 3), 3, 32 GB SSD
998 ms * -6%
Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510
Adreno 225, S4 Plus APQ8060A, 32 GB SSD
997 ms * -6%
Lenovo IdeaTab S2110A
Adreno 225, S4 Plus APQ8060A, 16 GB SSD
1951 ms * -107%
Apple iPad 4
SGX554MP4, A6x, 32 GB SSD
895 ms * +5%
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Mali-400 MP4, 4412 Quad, 16 GB SSD
1236 ms * -31%

* ... smaller is better

All Full HD trailers used for test were run by the Windows RT video player flawlessly. The playback quality of the display is amazing, especially thanks to the 16:9 format. No stutters or other issues cropped up during our test.

Gaming Performance

Despite the meager App offering in the Windows Store, a few games are available. We tested the XPS 10 with Angry Birds Star Wars, Pinball FX2 and Cut the Rope. These games require decent CPU and GPU performance. The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Dual-Core SoC performs great: all games are run fluidly and without issues. The precise touchscreen makes controls easy. Due to the relatively heavy weight of 635 grams, the user should either use the keyboard dock or their lap for longer gaming sessions.

Angry Birds - Star Wars ran fluidly on the Dell XPS 10.
Classic games like Cut the Rope also run without issues.
Many games, like Pinball FX2, can be tested for free.

Emissions

Temperatures

The temperature emissions of the Dell XPS 10 stay within comfortable limits. Even at full load for more than an hour, the tablet PC hits a max 36 °C on the surface. The average temperature lies at 32 °C, which means the Dell tablet ranges from cool to slightly hot.

While idle, the tablet reaches a max of 33 °C on the top and has an average temperature of 27 °C.

Max. Load
 33.4 °C
92 F
33.1 °C
92 F
29.3 °C
85 F
 
 30.3 °C
87 F
30.2 °C
86 F
29.2 °C
85 F
 
 32.1 °C
90 F
36 °C
97 F
34.6 °C
94 F
 
Maximum: 36 °C = 97 F
Average: 32 °C = 90 F
30.3 °C
87 F
31.6 °C
89 F
29.4 °C
85 F
31 °C
88 F
29.3 °C
85 F
28.1 °C
83 F
35.8 °C
96 F
31.5 °C
89 F
28.2 °C
83 F
Maximum: 35.8 °C = 96 F
Average: 30.6 °C = 87 F
Power Supply (max.)  42 °C = 108 F | Room Temperature 24 °C = 75 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 30 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Tablet.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F, ranging from 20.7 to 53.2 °C for the class Tablet.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 35.8 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 33.3 °C / 92 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.4 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 30 °C / 86 F.

Speakers

The stereo speakers offer good quality for music, games and videos but they quickly hit their limits: no bass, middle notes are only individually audible and high tones dominate the output. The speakers are fine for background playback, but for better audio quality we recommend headphones (not included in delivery).

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The Lithium-Ion battery of the XPS 10 has a capacity of 28 Wh - more than enough. While idle, the tablet PC consumes between 2.7 - 3.9 W (depending on the settings). At medium or high load, the power consumption rises to 4.1 - 6.4 W. All-in-all, the XPS 10 is more conservative than the Microsoft Surface RT, which requires 7.6 - 10.6 W at load. Even the Asus VivoTab RT TF600 sucks 7.6 to 10.6 W from the battery at load. The Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510 is the closest: idle (2.3 - 5.8 W) and at load (6.7 - 8.9 W).

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2.7 / 3.9 / 3.9 Watt
Load midlight 4.1 / 6.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Life

We found the battery to be impressive - the tablet runs an entire workday without requiring charging. In the Reader's test (a script runs at minimum brightness), the device lasted a 24 hours and 32 minutes - only the Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510 could last longer (26 hours and 30 minutes). In a practical surf test (brightness set to 150 cd/m²), where Internet Explorer 10 loaded a fixed series of websites, the tablet PC ran for a good 9 hours and 5 minutes.

The keyboard dock of the XPS 10 contains an additional battery, which has a capacity of 27 Wh. If the impressive battery life of the tablet is not enough, the keyboard dock provides more. All-in-all, the battery requires 3 hours and 35 minutes to fully charge.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
24h 32min
WiFi Surfing
9h 05min

Verdict

The Dell XPS 10 is an interesting tablet PC, which has many impressive qualities. The great workmanship of the tablet and seamlessly installed glass touchscreen will delight the user. The touchscreen is an easy-to-use input device. The optional keyboard dock and good system performance of the 10.1-inch tablet are nice extras. The long battery life grants the user a great degree of freedom, especially as the keyboard dock includes an additional battery which further extends the run time. The tablet also deserves praise for keeping temperatures at a max of 33 °C (warm) and running silently.

Although benchmarks record average performance on the Dell tablet, the tablet will not disappoint the user. In all tested Apps, the reaction time and tempo was good. Regardless whether the user is surfing the web, searching Windows Store, playing multimedia files, changing system settings or editing Word and Excel files, they will be satisfied with this tablet. On-the-go, the Dell XPS 10 is as fast as the Asus VivoTab RT TF600 or the Microsoft Surface RT.

We did not like the 5 MP camera as although it offers decent picture quality, it cannot stay focused while recording and thus ruins the joy of recording video. Be warned: the XPS 10 can only run Apps from the Windows Store and that is currently not very large. The high price (with the keyboard dock) of 749 Euros (~$1002) speaks against the purchase of the tablet, as the competition is far cheaper. However, without the keyboard dock, the tablet falls into an acceptable region - the cheapest of the 3 configurations costs 579 Euros (~$775). This places it in the same price range as the Microsoft Surface RT.

 

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In Review: Dell XPS 10 Tablet
In Review: Dell XPS 10 Tablet

Specifications

Dell XPS 10 Tablet
Processor
Graphics adapter
Memory
2048 MB 
, DDR2
Display
10.10 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, Multi-touch function, capacitive, IPS, Edge-to-edge Asahi Dragontrail high strength glass, glossy: yes
Storage
64 GB SSD, 64 GB 
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio jack, Card Reader: MicroSD, Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, AGPS (with LTE and HSPA+ configurations), Light sensor, Sensor fusion, Micro-USB-Port, HDMI via adapter
Networking
802.11a/b/g/n (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 23 x 274 x 177 ( = 0.91 x 10.79 x 6.97 in)
Battery
27 Wh Lithium-Ion, 2 cell battery, securely installed, non-removable
Operating System
Microsoft Windows RT
Camera
Webcam: Front: 2 MP 720p, Rear: 5 MP w/ autofocus
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo speakers, one microphone on the front and the back, Keyboard: Detachable keyboard dock (92% size of a regular keyboard) with dedicated Windows soft keys, trackpad for traditional input, Keyboard Light: no, USB-to-Micro-USB cable, HDMI-to-Mini-HDMI cable, fully detachable keyboard dock in a foldable design, Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
635 g ( = 22.4 oz / 1.4 pounds), Power Supply: 260 g ( = 9.17 oz / 0.57 pounds)
Price
749 Euro

 

Windows RT instead of Windows 8: the Dell XPS 10 uses a special version of the new Microsoft OS customized for ARM processors.
Windows RT instead of Windows 8: the Dell XPS 10 uses a special version of the new Microsoft OS customized for ARM processors.
Windows RT can only run Apps from the Microsoft Store. The custom OS refuses to run traditional x86 programs.
Windows RT can only run Apps from the Microsoft Store. The custom OS refuses to run traditional x86 programs.
Office-on-board: Dell offers Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT preinstalled.
Office-on-board: Dell offers Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT preinstalled.
Welcome to Windows RT: the tutorial explains the new interface to the novice user.
Welcome to Windows RT: the tutorial explains the new interface to the novice user.
Identical: Windows RT looks just like Windows 8, with the exception of the RT caption.
Identical: Windows RT looks just like Windows 8, with the exception of the RT caption.
In Device Manager, only the ARM processor indicates that the tablet runs on Windows RT.
In Device Manager, only the ARM processor indicates that the tablet runs on Windows RT.
The virtual on-screen keyboard cannot replace a physical keyboard, but offers a good layout and fast reaction.
The virtual on-screen keyboard cannot replace a physical keyboard, but offers a good layout and fast reaction.
Colorful: the Windows Start Menu has served its time; the spotlight now shines on the tabs.
Colorful: the Windows Start Menu has served its time; the spotlight now shines on the tabs.
Long-lasting: in our test, it took an entire day to exhaust the 28 Wh battery of the Dell tablet.
Long-lasting: in our test, it took an entire day to exhaust the 28 Wh battery of the Dell tablet.
Meager: the Windows Store still has few programs to offer.
Meager: the Windows Store still has few programs to offer.
Dell offers the XPS 10 with 32 GB and 64 GB capacity.
Dell offers the XPS 10 with 32 GB and 64 GB capacity.
... and is prone to accumulating fingerprints.
... and is prone to accumulating fingerprints.
Slim: the 10.1-inch tablet measures 9.2 mm and weighs 635 grams.
Slim: the 10.1-inch tablet measures 9.2 mm and weighs 635 grams.
Dock connections: the bottom edge of the XPS 10 offers connections for the docking keyboard.
Dock connections: the bottom edge of the XPS 10 offers connections for the docking keyboard.
Around 3.5 hours - the time it takes to fully charge the empty battery of this tablet.
Around 3.5 hours - the time it takes to fully charge the empty battery of this tablet.
Combined with the keyboard dock, the tablet transforms into a full-blown notebook...
Combined with the keyboard dock, the tablet transforms into a full-blown notebook...
...which can be closed thanks to the fold mechanism of the keyboard.
...which can be closed thanks to the fold mechanism of the keyboard.
A 5 MP camera adorns the back of the tablet PC.
A 5 MP camera adorns the back of the tablet PC.
The XPS 10 offers a webcam (integrated in the front) for snapshots and video chats.
The XPS 10 offers a webcam (integrated in the front) for snapshots and video chats.
Replenishing the battery: the task of the power adapter.
Replenishing the battery: the task of the power adapter.
The seamless glass surface covers the entire front of the tablet PC...
The seamless glass surface covers the entire front of the tablet PC...
Deceptive: the Dell XPS 10 may not be the fastest in browser benchmarks (like Peacekeeper), but it allows the user to work comfortably.
Deceptive: the Dell XPS 10 may not be the fastest in browser benchmarks (like Peacekeeper), but it allows the user to work comfortably.

Similar Devices

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Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

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Dell Venue 10 Pro (5056) Tablet Review
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Dell Venue 11 Pro 5130-9356 Tablet Review
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Links

Price Comparison

Pros

+Precise touchscreen
+High-quality workmanship
+Nice performance
+Intuitive interface
+Good battery life
+Low temperature emissions
 

Cons

-Display only offers HD-ready resolution
-Current price
-Full-sized USB port in the dock or with adapter
-Performance has room for improvement

Shortcut

What we like

The long battery life and bright display make outdoors use a delight.

What we miss

A lighter case and better video capture quality with the 5 MP camera.

What surprises us

The precision of the touchscreen which enables fluid input.

The competition

Asus VivoTab RT TF600
Microsoft Surface RT
Samsung ATIV Tab GT-P8510

Rating

Dell XPS 10 Tablet - 08/05/2013 v3(old)
Manuel Masiero

Chassis
89%
Keyboard
67%
Pointing Device
90%
Connectivity
36%
Weight
95%
Battery
98%
Display
82%
Games Performance
35%
Application Performance
52%
Temperature
89%
Noise
100%
Add Points
89%
Average
77%
88%
Tablet - Weighted Average
Manuel Masiero, 2013-02-13 (Update: 2018-05-15)