Dell XPS 13 (9370) Worth The Money or Better Alternatives?

AdamFury on 30/07/2018 - 13:51

Hi OzBargainers.

Looking for some advice as I am looking to pick up a new a new laptop preferably 13 inch and it will be something I hold onto for a while so looking to buy something decent.

I have been considering the latest model Dell XPS 13 which has the latest i7 processor, 16GB RAM and a 512GB drive. I am having trouble finding any significant 'bargains' for this machine at this current point in time with the best price on eBay being $2,499.00 and the PENNY5 discount bringing it to $2,374.05. Direct through Dell I can get it for $2,340.80 using available offers and coupons.

So I essentially have two questions.

A) Is there somewhere I can get a better price on this machine other than the two options I've presented?

B) Is there a better alternative I should be considering altogether? I don't want to be caught being too narrow minded for something I'd like to keep for years to come.

The reasons I am drawn towards the XPS 13 are;

  • Trusted brand and great support experiences had by peers.
  • Build quality
  • Weight and size
  • General performance
  • Battery life
  • 16GB of RAM for futureproofing purposes (i7 processor and 512GB drive for the same reason also)
  • USB C compatibility and charging
  • 4K Display and touch screen (However this is not essential, just an acceptable quality display)

Thanks in advance and feel free to let me know if there's anything I have missed out on here.

Adam.

Find Me A Bargain 13.3inch Computer Dell Laptop Ultrabook

Comments

  • nubix on 30/07/2018 - 14:00
    +2

    XPS 13, X1 Carbon, Macbook Pro. Can't go wrong with any of them IMO

    • AdamFury on 30/07/2018 - 14:02

      Thanks nubix. Looking to go for a Windows based machine but I'll definitely take a look at the X1 Carbon.

    • shortblack9 on 31/07/2018 - 10:35

      You can go wrong with a Macbook Pro… they have keyboard issues. Check into it before buying, don't be caught with one of the faulty versions.
      PS. I own an older Macbook Pro and have been keeping an eye out for a replacement. I will likely not go with Mac with my next system.

  • AlgoTrading on 30/07/2018 - 14:15
    +1

    I tried the keyboard of my bro's 9360 and was glad that I got the X1C6 instead…

    • AdamFury on 30/07/2018 - 14:22

      Thanks for the feedback. What was it about the keyboard that turned you away?

      • AlgoTrading on 30/07/2018 - 15:39
        +1

        Very shallow travel. It felt like tapping on keys rather than pressing on keys. I'd strongly recommend trying it out at JB before your purchase. X1C6's keyboard doesn't feel as good as a mechanical keyboard but the travel and feedback are probably best out of all laptops out there.

        My X1C6 was issue-free but over at Reddit there's been a lot of QC problems for both X1C6 and XPS.

  • HighAndDry on 30/07/2018 - 14:16
    +1

    Personally I like the XPS13 for its combo of good specs, XPS build quality, and Dell support. There is a kind-of known issue where it might freeze on the Dell logo, but it's uncommon and Dell knows of it so they've been dealing with it no questions asked basically.

    • AdamFury on 30/07/2018 - 14:23

      Thanks for the info. That's definitely what is drawing me in also. A college of mine has been using dell machines for years and told me the one experience they had with support was an extremely positive one.

      • HighAndDry on 30/07/2018 - 14:40
        +4

        Yup. Dell is actually my go-to when I'm asked for recommendations by family or friends, because not only are they generally more reliable, it also saves me having to serve as IT support.

        Things to keep in mind:

        • If you get the new XPS with the crazy 4K(higher?) display, it'll have slightly worse battery life than if you got a normal 1080p display or the old XPS (the older one is slightly thicker with slightly more battery life I think). Personally the 4K display looks amazing.

        • The RAM is soldered on, so if you get the 16GB model, no upgrading to 32GB later on. But the price diff from 16GB models to 32GB models is…. steep, to say the least. That affects future-proofing more than anything else, because without a dedicated GPU, I can't think of too many things that you'd be using the XPS for that'll need 32GB RAM anyway.

        • The new XPS has only USB-C ports, so basically price a USB-C dongle/adapter into the cost. There was a recent-ish deal for a decent one (with pass-through USB-C/Power Delivery charging - this function seems to be the pricey one) for about $40(here).

        And of course, before you buy, wherever or whatever you end up buying/from, go into an actual store and play around with the machine just so you're happy with the ergonomics, typing feel, weight, flex, looks, etc of it.

        • AdamFury on 30/07/2018 - 15:04

          That's definitely the kind of feedback I like to hear.

          I'm at IT student myself so it looks like the battery life will be more than enough for a days work and that 4K display is definitely worth the small hit IMO.

          The RAM situation is also a bit annoying but it's the main reason I'm going for the 16GB i7 verion over the 8GB i5. Should be sweet for a workstation.

          The USB-C situation is also a little bit of a pain. However I rarely connect anything to the laptop other than the charger. I seem to find myself using Google Drive now where I would have in the past used a USB flash drive. I do occasionally use HDMI though so I'll keep an eye out for an adapter. Something I can keep in my backpack if I ever need it.

          I did play around with the XPS 13 (9370) at a JBHIFI and was really impressed. I think that's what drew my interest and why I continued to pursue it as an option.

          Thanks for all your insight. Very much appreciated.

        • macrocephalic on 30/07/2018 - 17:11
          +1

          I have the slightly older Dell Latitude 7275 (tablet+keyboard) with USB-C only ports. I bought a USB+HDMI dongle from ebay for about $17 and it works perfectly. It doesn't have pass through charging, but it doesn't matter as there are two ports next to each other. Having to remember to take it with you is slightly annoying though. Once or twice I have gotten caught out taking it places and not being able to plug in things when I get there.

        • englfc on 30/07/2018 - 21:58

          If you buy from Dell they provide an adaptor for free (Dell Adapter USB-C to USB-A 3.0 (White)) to use with your flash drives. Not sure about from other stores.

        • awelch on 31/07/2018 - 10:12

          I have had my 15" 9370 model for 2 months now, using it every day at work. I agree with everything HighAndDry said and here are a couple of other things you might want to be aware of before you buy:

          • The webcam position below the screen is a terrible angle. I usually have monitors + webcam but occasionally I work from home and it can feel a bit embarrassing to get on a call with a client. I assume it is the same on 13?
          • No dedicated home/end keys, you have to use Fn + left/right. This is a bit annoying for me as I write code
          • The 15 is a smaller form-factor than other 15" on the market. Mine fits into a sleeve designed for a 13"

          Overall, it's a great machine which I really enjoy using. I would happily get the 13" for my wife if the price was right

        • FattyHope on 31/07/2018 - 12:20

          @awelch: 15" 9370? do you mean 9570 or? I'm confused reading your comment.

        • awelch on 31/07/2018 - 19:38

          @JayJayAU: yes, sorry I meant 9570

  • bpop99 on 30/07/2018 - 14:57
    +1

    Just my 2 cents worth - i bought the XPS 13 9360 last year. The charger from that unit has gone broke and the screen is nowhere near as nice as the mac - both very disappointing as its not that hard to get these 2 right. That said, those 2 items would have changed for the 9370, so this may be still a good option. The build quality of the XPSs are great though - its fairly sturdy yet about 100grams lighter than the Macbook Pro 13". Also, keys for the XPS are defo nicer than the Macbook.

    • AdamFury on 30/07/2018 - 15:06

      Thanks for the info. Yeah the 9370 uses USB C charging so would have a different charger and also easy to find replacements for as well. The display is a 4K gloss touch screen so probably a little different as well. Good to hear about the build quality, weight and typing though. Thanks again for the feedback.

      • badonde on 30/07/2018 - 15:07
        +1

        9360 also charges via Dell charger or USB C

  • knightslay2 on 30/07/2018 - 15:49
    +1

    I'd mention to also check out the Hp Elitebook 830 G5or Hp Elitebook 840 G5. Hp's Elitebook and Probook series laptops are business grade laptops like the Lenovo Thinkpad. I'd also look into Dell's Latitude and Vostro series as well since they are business grade laptops. They cost a little bit more with lower specifications compared to the consumer grade products but most business grade laptops easily upgradable e.g. ram or SSD and often built better. I would like to know what the OP's uses are?

    • AdamFury on 30/07/2018 - 17:40

      Thanks for your recommendations I'll be sure to check them out and definitely appreciate the feedback. I am an IT / Business student which is primarily what it will be used for so tasks can be as simple as word processing, spreadsheets, programming, video editing, web development and database building.

  • FattyHope on 30/07/2018 - 17:08
    +1

    I saw a bunch of XPS 13 reviews, apparently the wifi card is really really bad, so it's worth switching it out to another wifi card

    • AdamFury on 30/07/2018 - 17:40

      Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to check that out!

      • FattyHope on 30/07/2018 - 19:00
        +1

        Check your private messages :)

        • IamaCam on 31/07/2018 - 15:23

          @JayJayAU
          Me too please? I was thinking of buying this but prefer the 9360 for USB-A, but they only come with 8gb options and i5.

        • englfc on 31/07/2018 - 19:27

          @IamaCam:

          Just to remind everyone that Dell provides an adaptor for free (Dell Adapter USB-C to USB-A 3.0). Also, there is now a cashback of 12% (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/394166), though I'm not sure if using the 5% code (5OFF1399) invalidates any cashback claim.

        • FattyHope on 01/08/2018 - 11:32

          @IamaCam: I can't send you a message for some reason, can you please send me a private message?

        • IamaCam on 03/08/2018 - 10:31

          @JayJayAU:

          I don't know how to! Can't seem to see a tab on your profile. I'm a noob on using ozb! Ha not sure why you can't send me a message either.!

        • IamaCam on 03/08/2018 - 10:32

          @englfc: yes I missed out on this one too! :( Was thinking of the 9370 but I may have a message waiting for me from [@JayJayAU]

        • IamaCam on 03/08/2018 - 10:59

          @englfc:
          Any idea if CR works with the Dell outlet store at all? Is it possible to navigate?

          Was considering picking up a 9360 with 8gb ram and user upgrading for a refurbished unit since the 9370 is soldered…?

        • FattyHope on 03/08/2018 - 13:59

          @IamaCam:http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/products/quickship/au/en/xps_notebook?c=au&l=en&s=dfo, I was waiting for you to comment back but most XPS 13's (9360 & 9370) under 2k. There's 4 XPS 13 (9360) and 2 XPS 13 (9370), hope you find the laptop you want!

        • 1bug on 03/08/2018 - 14:19

          @IamaCam:

          Any idea if CR works with the Dell outlet store at all?

          No, "Cashback is not available via the Dell Outlet Store"

  • 1bug on 01/08/2018 - 01:01
    +1

    If you want something larger, there's an XPS 15 (9560) with GTX 1050 for $2,169 (AS NEW) on the Dell Outlet (Bundle #: DFO-5LBVNQ2XL)
    http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/product…

    7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core Processor (6M cache, up to 3.8 GHz)
    16GB DDR4 at 2400MHz (2x8GB)
    512GB PCIe Solid State Drive
    Windows 10 Home 64bit English
    Killer 1535 802.11ac 2x2 WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1
    15.6" 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge touch display
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with 4GB GDDR5
    130w Power Adapter
    97WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery (integrated)
    Internal US International Qwerty Backlit Keyboard
    1 Year Warranty

    XPS 15 (9560) Ports:

    • Two USB 3.0 ports with PowerShare
    • One Thunderbolt 3 port with Power delivery (USB-C)
    • One HDMI port
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