Dell Revamps XPS 13 and Alienware Laptops

It's time for CES and that means one thing: Product announcements. Dell has some new systems on the way, ranging from a redesigned Dell XPS 13 to two new Alienware gaming laptops, and several updated models featuring new Intel processors, Intel's RealSense camera technology, and other hardware options.


Dell XPS 13

Dell's flagship 13-inch ultrabook, the Dell XPS 13 is getting a complete makeover this year, with a ground-up redesign that shrinks down the overall size without diminishing the 13-inch display. The new design proves that a thin chassis isn't everything, with vanishingly narrow bezels around the display allowing the 13-inch screen to fit into an 11-inch laptop chassis. But portability is still a major focus, and the new design features carbon fiber and machined aluminum for a stronger, lighter chassis. The reduction in volume and weight make the Dell XPS 13 extremely portable, weighing just 2.6 pounds and measuring just 0.6 inches thick.

The basic model of the new XPS 13 comes with an full HD (1080p) display, without touch capability, but both higher resolutions (up to Quad HD+) and touch options will be available. Regardless of display type, the XPS 13 features 400-nit brightness for better visibility, as well as an all new selection of Intel's fifth-generation Broadwell processors, with up to Core i7 CPUs and up to 512GB of solid-state drive (SSD) storage.

Dell claims up to 15 hours of continuous use battery life, and also offers the Dell Power Companion, an external battery that adds up to 7 hours of juice. For the business minded, the XPS 13 can be had with an integrated TPM chip and Dell's Corporate Manageability software.

The basic model of the Dell XPS 13 comes with a fifth-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD). The new Dell XPS 13 starts at $799.

Alienware Laptops

Alienware 17Alienware, Dell's gaming brand, is also announcing new systems at CES, with the new Alienware 15 and Alienware 17 laptops. Designed for gaming on the go, the new gaming laptops are thinner and lighter than present models, with premium materials like carbon-fiber composites, aluminum, and copper for lighter weight and sturdier construction.

Both the 15- and 17-inch notebooks feature Haswell Intel Core i7 quad-core processors, AMD and Nvidia GPUs (with up to Nvidia GTX 980m graphics), and are compatible with Alienware's Graphics Amplifier external GPU. Both models come standard with full HD displays, but the Alienware 15 can also be purchased with a 4K display.

The Alienware 15 will start at $1,199, with the larger Alienware 17 starting at $1,499.

Dell Inspiron 23 7000

Inspiron Updates
In addition to the new XPS 13 and Alienware systems, Dell is also updating several of its existing Inspiron laptops and desktops with new hardware and features. The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 Series 2-in-1 Special Edition gets updated from the current model Dell Inspiron 13 7000 Series 2-in-1 with Intel's new fifth-generation processors, which should improve battery life, graphics capability and overall performance. It's also becoming more affordable, with a new base price of $599.

Intel's RealSense camera technology, the same depth-sensing technology seen on the HP Sprout, is also coming to some systems, namely the Inspiron 15 5000 series laptops and the Inspiron 23 AIO, an all-in-one desktop PC. The Inspiron 15 500 series is also being updated with Intel's fifth-generation processors, while the similar Inspiron 15 7000 Series will now be offered with a 4K UltraHD display option

Acer Adds 3D Camera to Aspire V 17 Nitro

At CES in Las Vegas today, Acer revealed the new Aspire V 17 Nitro notebook, which includes support for Kinect-like gestures.

The PC is equipped with Intel's RealSense technology, an evolution of the webcam that can sense depth and dimension, allowing neat tricks like 3D scanning of objects, gesture controls in mid-air, and more. As a result, Acer said, those with the new Aspire V Nitro will be able to play games, open Web pages, or use apps without touching the notebook's keyboard or mouse.

The PC also supports 3D scanning, 3D model generating, and printing.

"Acer believes three dimensional computing offers unlimited potential for both professional and consumer uses," Jerry Kao, president of Acer Notebook Business Group, said in a statement. "Business applications include 3D modeling, mapping and architectural design, while the most popular consumer uses will likely include augmented reality gaming, and simple PC navigation and control."

Acer Aspire V 17 NitroIntel's RealSense 3D camera has a conventional camera, an infrared camera, and an infrared laser projector. Other PCs to take advantage of the technology include the odd but intriguing HP Sprout.

Acer pointed to two apps that will support the hands-free action, including the Greek-themed Warrior Wave game, which lets you control characters with your hands. The 3DMe app, meanwhile, will enable 3D scanning right from the notebook. Scan your profile and preview it on different 3D characters. The idea is that you can insert yourself into virtual settings or 3D print a mini-me figurine.

"Whether it is controlling a game with your gestures or easily scanning your face or an object for 3D printing, the Acer Aspire V Nitro featuring Intel Core processors and Intel RealSense is an exciting step forward for consumers looking for a high-performance notebook," Kirk Skaugen, SVP for Intel and General Manager of the Client Computing Group, said in a statement.

Acer Aspire V 17 NitroAs for the specs, the Acer V 17 Nitro sports a 17.3-inch Full HD display with IPS technology and runs a fourth-generation Intel Core i7-4710HQ quad-core processor and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 860M graphics, up to 4GB DDR5 VRAM, and up to 16GB of memory. Select a 128GB or 256GB solid state drive and up to 1TB of hard disk storage. It also supports 802.11ac and 2.4GHz and 5GH frequencies via its dual wireless antennas.

The Acer Aspire V 17 Nitro will be available in January; price and exact launch dates have not yet been announced. (The Aspire V17 Nitro Black, which arrived in November, retailed for US$1,499.99.)

Also at CES, Acer said it will give its Aspire R 13 convertible notebooks and Aspire S7 ultrabooks an upgrade to fifth-generation Intel Core processors.

The Aspire R 13 made its debut at IFA in the fall and can transition between various notebook and tablet styles of operation. The R 13 series comes in either ultra-sharp 2,560-by-1,440 or 1,920-by-1,080 resolutions, and features a hinge that allows the display to rotate into six different positions.

Acer Chromebook 15Meanwhile, Acer also revealed a larger, 15.6-inch Chromebook. Buyers can select a fifth-gen Intel Core i3 or Celeron processor, 16GB or 32GB SSD drive, and either 2GB or 4GB or RAM. In the U.S., pricing will start at US$249.99; an exact launch data was not announced.

For the gamers, Acer also has two new 27-inch, 2,560-by-1,440 resolution monitors. The Acer XB270HU is the first Nvidia G-SYNC 1 gaming monitor with IPS technology, while the Acer XG270HU is the first gaming monitor with an edge-to-edge frameless display, Acer said.