Timing is everything in the PC business, and the Dell XPS 15 9500, an overdue refresh to the company’s high-end workhorse, arrives just in time for it to be truly considered the “MacBook Pro killer” it’s always aspired to be.
Yes, we know “MacBook Pro killer” is overused Internet clickbait. But with Apple’s decision to throw in the towel on x86-based laptops, anyone buying a Mac today is basically volunteering to stand on the deck of the Titanic and wave as the last lifeboats pull away (go.pcworld.com/lfbt).
Some laptop refreshes can be fairly minor. For the XPS 15 9500 ($2,254 at Dell. com;go.pcworld.com/22dl), it’s a complete redesign of a laptop that’s changed little since 2015, when it first adopted its “InfinityEdge” bezels.
On this model, gone is the 16:9 display aspect ratio that was prevalent for some years—fine for watching YouTube, not so great for productivity. In its place is a 16:10 aspect ratio, 15.6-inch panel running 4K+ with HDR400 and Dolby Vision support. The result is a stunning all-screen look that is likely to set the style for other laptop makers to emulate.
The left side of the XPS 15 9500 features (from left to right) a Noble lock port and two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
The right side of the XPS 15 9500 gives you (left to right) a USB-C port with DisplayPort and USB Power Delivery charging, as well as a UHS-III card reader and headset jack.
SPECS
This story is from the August 2020 edition of PCWorld.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2020 edition of PCWorld.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Private Internet Access: A low-price, high-value VPN for everyone
This veteran VPN shows it can still hang with the best.
Hands-on: Kensington's first Thunderbolt 5 dock is built for the future
Thunderbolt 5 is here...but you'll need more than just this well-built Kensington dock to take advantage of it.
Tested: Intel's Lunar Lake chip wants you to forget Qualcomm laptops exist
Great battery life, mediocre performance, surprisingly decent gaming: That is how Intel's Lunar Lake chip stacks up.
7 laptop habits that coax the most out of your battery
Don't send your laptop into an early grave.
WordPad is gone from Windows 11. Here's how to bring it back
With the arrival of Windows 11 version 24H2, WordPad is officially gone. Want to keep using it? You're in luck.
Hackers know your social security number. Here's how to stay safe
Thanks to a multitude of data leaks, your most sensitive information is now easily accessible to the world.
20 insanely useful Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts I use every day
After so many years, I'm still discovering new keyboard shortcuts.
WHAT THE HECK IS AN NPU, ANYWAY? HERE'S AN EXPLAINER ON AI CHIPS
ALL PCS WILL SOON HAVE NEURAL PROCESSING UNITS. HERE'S WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU IN SIMPLE TERMS.
WINDOWS 11'S 2024 UPDAATE: 5 BIG CHANGES I REALLY LIKE (AND MORE)
WINDOWS 11'S ANNUAL UPDATE IS ROLLING OUT OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
Hackers are using AI-generated code for malware attacks
Two separate attacks have been spotted using code that was probably written by artificial intelligence.