The Dell XPS 17 fulfills all expectations for a larger laptop. Sacrificing some portability for size, it provides a spacious, vibrant display and strong performance. Naturally, it also retains the sleek design characteristic of the XPS series.

The Dell XPS series has historically been acknowledged as the standard for laptops. While some models may fall short compared to the top-tier versions, these laptops generally exude quality and sophistication. The Dell XPS 17 9730, featured in this review, certainly embodies these qualities. It is an excellent laptop in nearly every regard.

Naturally, you lose the portability that makes smaller models popular in our best Ultrabooks guide. This one is heavier and bulkier. However, if you’re reading this review, you likely value size more than portability and are fine carrying around five pounds occasionally.

XPS 17: Specs

Price	$1,949
Processr	Intel Core i5-14600KF
GPU	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
RAM	32GB
Storage	1TB M.2 PCIe SSD
Display	17-inch, UHD+ 3840×2400, 60Hz, Touch, Anti-Reflect, 500 nit, InfinityEdge
Ports	4x Thunderbolt, 3.5mm Combo-Jack, SD card reader
Weight	5.37 lbs.
Dimension	0.77 x 14.74 x 9.76 inches

XPS 17: Design

As you might imagine, with a 17-inch laptop, the Dell XPS 17 has a bit of a larger size. Unlike some models like the LG Gram, it focuses more on performance rather than being super lightweight. It starts at over five pounds, making it portable, but it’s probably not the best choice if you plan to carry it around all day between coffee shops.

The Dell XPS 17 is not intended for casual users. Instead, it features high-end components typically unavailable in smaller models. It includes a dedicated GPU, with options such as Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 406, 4070, and 4080. Additionally, you can upgrade to as much as 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage, which isn’t usually possible with smaller, thinner laptops.

Given that this is a Dell XPS laptop, it features an aesthetically pleasing design with a platinum silver exterior crafted from machined aluminum, complemented by a black carbon fiber cover surrounding the keyboard. It can be regarded as the luxury vehicle equivalent within the realm of laptops.

Given its sizable dimensions, it features a large 17-inch display. While additional details regarding the display will be provided subsequently, it is noteworthy that it is equipped with ‘Infinity Edge’ bezels, which are minimal in size. Furthermore, the upgraded UHD+ version reviewed herein also includes touch capabilities. In this regard, the panel exhibits a high level of quality when utilizing the touch functionality.

XPS 17: Ports

Regarding port options, the Dell XPS 17 has a sleek Ultrabook style with four Thunderbolt ports and an SD card reader. 

The good news is that all Thunderbolt ports support power delivery and DisplayPort, allowing you to easily connect an external display using an adapter if your monitor lacks USB-C inputs.

XPS 17: Display

The XPS 17 features a spacious, nearly bezel-less 17-inch display that fits comfortably within a compact 14.7-inch chassis. It boasts a impressive 93.7% screen-to-body ratio and a 16:10 aspect ratio, making it perfect for both work and entertainment. Its 3820 x 2400 resolution is one of the highest on the market, made from durable Corning Gorilla Glass 6.

This display is highly vibrant, achieving 172% of the sRGB color gamut, similar to the Envy 17t and exceeding the MacBook Pro at 114% and the premium average of 121%. Adjustments to color temperature, gamut, and brightness can be made via Dell Premier Color. The Dell CinemaColor offers a calming Evening mode and options for Movie, Sports, and Animation modes. 

The XPS 17’s display exhibits an impressive luminance, averaging 505 nits. It exceeds the averages of the Envy, MacBook, and related categories, which are recorded at 433, 429, and 371 nits, respectively.

XPS 17: Keyboard & Touchpad

The keyboard was comfortable to type on, though I would have preferred a little more feedback. Nevertheless, I achieved my target of 70 words per minute on the 10fastfingers typing test effortlessly.

Once more, Dell adopted a ‘bigger is better’ approach with the XPS 17, equipping it with a 3.5 x 6-inch touchpad. Fortunately, the smooth surface possesses excellent palm rejection capabilities, enabling me to type without unintentional cursor activation. Executing Windows 10 gestures such as pinch-zoom and three-finger flick was swift and responsive.

XPS 17: Performance

Equipped with a 2.3-GHz Intel Core i7-10875H processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD, the XPS 17 qualifies as an unequivocal powerhouse. The laptop excelled in nearly every test conducted, commencing with our real-world assessment. I initiated with a typical load of 40 tabs in Google Chrome, supplemented by multiple Twitch streams and YouTube videos.

The notebook maintained its performance in our synthetic benchmarks. When conducting the Geekbench 5.0 test, an overall performance assessment, the XPS 17 achieved a score of 7,740, surpassing the average score of 4,278 for premium laptops. The MacBook Pro equipped with the Intel Core i9-9980HK CPU scored 7,201, while the Envy 17t with the Core i7-1065G7 CPU attained 3,272.

In the Handbrake test, the XPS 17 transcoded a 4K video to 1080p in 8 minutes and 41 seconds. This was quicker than the average of 18 minutes and 41 seconds and faster than the Envy 17’s 22 minutes and 23 seconds. The MacBook Pro completed the task slightly faster, at exactly 8 minutes.

XPS 17: Gaming Performance

Dell is excited to introduce the XPS 17, specially designed for creative professionals. They’ve equipped it with a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU featuring 6GB of VRAM, perfect for demanding tasks. Plus, it includes an integrated Intel UHD Graphics GPU for those simpler moments when you’re not video editing or gaming, making the laptop versatile for all your needs. 

Regarding gaming performance, the laptop delivered solid results. In the Dirt 3 test, the XPS 17 achieved 112 frames per second at 3840 x 2400 resolution, surpassing the average of 65 fps for premium laptops. The Envy 17t was close behind, with its GeForce GTX MX330 GPU reaching 105 fps.

In the Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark, the XPS 17 attained a frame rate of 48 fps at 1080p, exceeding the average of 41 fps within its category. At a resolution of 4K, the frame rate declined to 12 fps, marginally below the category average of 13 fps. 

During the Hitman test, the XPS 17 achieved 74 fps at 1080p, exceeding the average of 70 fps. At 4K resolution, the notebook recorded 36 fps, surpassing the average of 35 fps. 

XPS 17: Battery Life

Usually, a laptop with a 4K display doesn’t go beyond 8 hours on the Laptop Mag Battery Test, but the XPS 17 impressed us by lasting 9 hours and 5 minutes during continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness. It comfortably outperformed the Envy 17t (which lasted 6 hours and 12 minutes) and the average for premium laptops (9 hours and 2 minutes). The MacBook Pro, however, stayed ahead with an impressive 10 hours and 55 minutes.

XPS 17: Verdict

If you are seeking a genuine competitor to the 16-inch MacBook Pro, your search need not continue further. The $3,049 Dell XPS 17 is capable of accommodating all your productivity, creativity, and multimedia requirements, owing to its 10th Generation Intel processor and Nvidia RTX 2060, two formidable components.

Furthermore, it offers a remarkable display, an exceptional audio system, and a swift SSD—all housed within a chassis that is 48% more compact than most 15-inch laptops available on the market. Despite its ultra-high-resolution display, the device achieved over nine hours of operation during our battery test. 

If you’re seeking a laptop that offers a lighter footprint, extended battery life, and a blazing-fast SSD, you might consider paying $3,899 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro. While this configuration makes the XPS 17 a costly option, consumers in search of a genuine MacBook Pro alternative will find it difficult to find a better choice than the Dell XPS 17.

The Dell Precision 5690 is Dell’s newest addition to its mobile workstation range, designed specifically for professionals who require exceptional performance in a portable design. It combines the ease of transport of a premium laptop with the power usually found in desktop workstations. Aimed at engineers, 3D artists, architects, and creators, this device is built to manage demanding tasks like CAD modelling, 3D rendering, and large-scale video production effortlessly.

In a market dominated by high-performance laptops like the Dell XPS 17 and Lenovo ThinkPad P1, the Dell Precision 5690 stands out by providing workstation-level components with ISV certification, ensuring it is optimized and tested for professional programs such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe’s complete creative suite.

The Precision 5690 offers more than just raw power. Dell has emphasised design refinement, thermal management, and display quality to make it comfortable for extended use. Whether editing 8K videos, simulating intricate structures, or handling multi-layer 3D models, this machine is designed for demanding tasks.

Dell Precision 5690: specifications

	Base Configuration
Price	$2,149
CPU	Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (14 cores, 5.1GHz turbo)
GPU	NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada 12GB
RAM	32GB DDR5 5600MHz (Upgradeable)
Storage	1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Display	16-inch 4K OLED Touch (3840×2400), 100% DCI-P3
Ports	2× Thunderbolt 4, 1× USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, audio jack
Weight	2.15 kg (4.74 lbs)
Size	354 × 248 × 18.7 mm

Precision 5690: Design

The Dell Precision 5690 exemplifies Dell’s refined premium design language developed over recent years. Its chassis, made from CNC-machined aluminum, provides a sturdy, durable feel that exudes confidence.Despite being a powerful workstation, it boasts an impressively slim profile at just under 19mm thick.

Dell chose a minimalist matte finish that resists fingerprints and maintains a professional appearance. The hinge feels solid, enabling one-handed opening of the display without wobbling during use. The vents are subtly integrated, avoiding the aggressive aesthetic common in some gaming laptops. 

The palm rest offers a beautifully smooth, grippy surface that enhances comfort for extended typing, while the thoughtfully designed underside promotes airflow, with rubber feet providing a slight elevation for optimal cooling! Overall, the Precision 5690 looks fitting in both a high-end boardroom and a demanding engineering environment.

Precision 5690: Ports

Dell has equipped the Precision 5690 with a comprehensive selection of ports to accommodate both contemporary and legacy requirements.

The device features two Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer and docking solutions, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port for supplementary peripherals, an HDMI 2.1 port for external display connections, a full-size SD card reader catering to photographers and videographers, and a 3.5mm audio jack for headsets.

While the adoption of USB-C ports in place of traditional USB-A connectors may be perceived as a limitation by some, Dell primarily targets professionals who frequently utilise docking stations and newer peripherals. Additionally, HDMI 2.1 support ensures seamless output to 4K or even 8K monitors.

Precision 5690: Display

The Dell Precision 5690 features a beautiful 16-inch 4K OLED touch screen with a resolution of 3840×2400. Its 16:10 aspect ratio offers additional vertical space, enhancing productivity for activities like coding, video editing timelines, or CAD design. OLED technology provides perfect blacks, rich colors, and high contrast, making tasks such as photo editing and color grading particularly enjoyable.

Featuring 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, this display is ideal for professional color-critical tasks. Its peak brightness of approximately 500 nits ensures usability in bright, well-lit settings. The touchscreen operates with precision and fluidity, and Dell has incorporated an anti-reflective coating designed to minimize glare while preserving visual clarity.

When compared to competitors such as the Dell XPS 17 with its IPS display or the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 equipped with a mini-LED panel, this OLED provides deeper blacks and more engaging visuals. Although OLED screens can be more susceptible to burn-in over time, Dell addresses this issue by incorporating software-based pixel shifting to reduce the risk.

Precision 5690: Keyboard and Touchpad

Typing on the Dell Precision 5690 is an enjoyable experience. Its keyboard features deep key travel and a tactile bump that feels satisfying, all while keeping noise levels low. The layout is open and well-designed, with appropriately sized arrow keys and a dedicated column of function keys for quick access to brightness, volume, and performance settings. 

The touchpad is large, with a glass surface that allows for smooth tracking. It handles multi-touch gestures seamlessly, and palm rejection works perfectly. For professionals needing precise cursor control, the responsiveness of the touchpad rivals that of the Apple MacBook Pro.

Precision 5690: General Performance

The Dell Precision 5690’s base configuration features an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a high-speed PCIe Gen4 SSD. This set of components ensures smooth multitasking, even during intensive tasks.

In Geekbench 6 tests, the Precision 5690 achieves a multi-core score of 14,250 and a single-core score of 2,140. Compared to similar models, the Dell XPS 17 scores slightly lower with 13,800 in multi-core, while the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 reaches 13,950. The SSD offers read speeds of 7,100 MB/s and write speeds of 6,850 MB/s, enabling nearly instant loading of large project files.

Geekbench 6 Benchmark Comparison

Laptop	Single-Core	Multi-Core	SSD Read (MB/s)	SSD Write (MB/s)	Video Transcoding (4K to 1080p, HandBrake)
Dell Precision 5690	2,140	14,250	7,100	6,850	3 min 42 sec
Dell XPS 17	2,130	13,800	6,950	6,700	3 min 56 sec
Lenovo ThinkPad P1	2,120	13,950	6,880	6,650	3 min 54 sec

The Dell Precision 5690 enhances productivity by providing superior performance in 3D rendering, code compilation, and intensive Photoshop tasks when compared to its competitors. This is attributed to its effective cooling system, which sustains high clock speeds during extended workloads.

Precision 5690:Gaming Performance

The Dell Precision 5690 is designed for demanding workloads that need optimal GPU and CPU cooperation. Its NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada GPU offers a substantial improvement in graphics performance over standard consumer GPUs.

In gaming benchmarks conducted at 1080p resolution to evaluate raw GPU performance for visualization tasks, the Precision 5690 achieved 112 FPS in GTA V and 95 FPS in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The XPS 17 recorded 105 FPS and 88 FPS, respectively, while the ThinkPad P1 attained 109 FPS and 90 FPS.

Gaming & GPU Performance Comparison (1080p)

Laptop	GTA V (FPS)	Shadow of the Tomb Raider (FPS)
Dell Precision 5690	112	95
Dell XPS 17	105	88
Lenovo ThinkPad P1	109	90

In real-world professional tasks such as Autodesk Maya rendering or DaVinci Resolve color grading, the Precision 5690’s GPU acceleration reduces export times by 8–12% compared to the other two laptops, providing a significant advantage for professionals with tight deadlines.

Precision 5690: Audio

The Precision 5690 comes with front-firing stereo speakers calibrated by Waves MaxxAudio. The sound is clear, offering a balanced midrange and sufficient bass for media playback. Though not as good as MacBook Pro speakers, they are loud, distortion-free, and suitable for conference calls, casual listening, or video previews.

Precision 5690: Heat and Thermals

Under heavy loads, the Precision 5690’s dual-fan cooling system maintains manageable surface temperatures. During stress testing, the CPU reached a peak of 87°C and the GPU 78°C, with no noticeable thermal throttling. The palm rest stays cool, and fan noise remains moderate, staying below 42 dB even during rendering sessions.

Precision 5690: Conclusion

The Dell Precision 5690 distinguishes itself as an outstanding mobile workstation, demonstrating a harmonious combination of superior performance, portability, and an elegant design. It surpasses rivals like the XPS 17 and ThinkPad P1, especially in GPU-heavy tasks. Although it carries a higher price tag, it offers good value for professionals who need dependable, ISV-certified performance.

Its main downsides are the absence of USB-A ports and the risk of OLED burn-in over time. Still, for most users, these are minor issues compared to its status as one of the top professional laptops of 2025.

If the Dell Precision 5690 stretches your budget or you need different features, consider:

• Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 – Comparable performance achieved with a mini-LED display and an improved keyboard.
  
• Dell XPS 17 (2025) – Slightly lower performance but more affordable and better battery life.
  
• HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 – Modular design with excellent serviceability for enterprise environments.
  

The Alienware m16 R1 presents a challenge in evaluation due to its highly customizable nature. The primary reason for this is the extensive range of configuration options available; with sufficient financial investment in Dell, one could effectively assemble one of the most powerful and exceptional gaming laptops worldwide. 

Given the ongoing global recession, it makes more sense to consider the most affordable model of the latest Alienware. Priced under $1,300, it provides an appealing gaming setup in a bulky case.

Fortunately, the swift progress of AI upscaling methods like Nvidia DLSS 3.0 means you don’t require top-tier GPU hardware to achieve high frame rates in leading Steam games on laptops priced under $1,500. 

Alienware m16 R1: Specs

Price	$1,699 (as reviewed)
Processor	Intel Core i7-13700HX
GPU	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
RAM	16GB
Storage	512GB
Display	16-inch (2560 x 1600) WQXGA 165Hz IPS screen
Ports	2X Thunderbolt 4, 3X USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, RJ-45 ethernet, 3.5mm audio, microSD card reader
Dimension	14.5 x 11.41 x 1.00 inches
Weight	7.17 pounds
Battery Life	5:05 hours

Alienware m16 R1: Design

I really like how the Alienware m16 looks; it has a bold and striking presence that definitely stands out. Weighing over 7.17 pounds, it could turn into a workout weight for arm wrestling competitions if I regularly did biceps curls with it. 

While I do not intend to excessively criticize the weight of the M16, this laptop exudes a distinctly premium quality. Its substantial form factor is complemented by attractive visual features such as RGB-lit keys, an iconic logo, and rear vents, all of which captivate the eye with an enchanting turquoise hue. This device embodies both aesthetic appeal and robust performance. 

Regrettably, there is no apparent divot on top of the chassis, which renders it challenging to open the laptop with one hand. The considerable weight of the display further complicates this task, although I appreciate the relatively narrow bezels. Opening the Alienware m16 can sometimes feel like trying to gently pry open a quite stubborn clam.

Alienware m16 R1: Display

The Alienware m16 creates a compelling initial impression, particularly due to its IPS panel. Its 16-inch native resolution of 2560 x 1600 provides an ideal balance between sharpness and avoiding excessive pixel density for its size. While it can’t shut off each pixel like OLED screens or use hundreds of mini-LED zones for dimming, its black levels remain quite good.

The metrics listed in the table are not exactly top of the line, but in everyday viewing situations, I had no trouble with the picture quality the M16 delivers. This comes from someone who owns six different OLED displays in his apartment.

Alienware m16 R1: Ports

The M16 offers a versatile array of ports that you’ll appreciate. It features two Thunderbolt 4.0 connections, along with three USB Type-A sockets for your convenience. It also features a convenient HDMI 2.1 port, a Mini DisplayPort 1.4, an RJ-45 Ethernet port, an SD card slot, and a universal headset jack, making it a truly well-rounded choice.

I appreciate the port layout of the M16, particularly because most connections, including the power socket, are situated at the rear of the device. This arrangement eliminates the need to view a clutter of cables and USB devices protruding from the sides of this substantial laptop. Additionally, the honeycomb design connecting these ports is aesthetically pleasing, especially with the continuous turquoise illumination emanating from the back of the M16.

Alienware m16 R1: Keyboard & Touchpad

In the unlikely event that I become lost in the woods reminiscent of Blair Witch and find myself composing a farewell message to my loved ones, this is the keyboard upon which I would wish to inscribe my final words. Owing to the M16’s per-key AlienFX RGB effects, which are typically set to turquoise but can also be configured to a rainbow-aping mode, using this laptop may resemble orchestrating a personalized light display. 

Regardless of the gimmickry associated with this feature, the vibrant backlit keys are highly effective for typing in low-light conditions and serve to satisfy the enthusiast of LED lighting.  

The touchpad’s performance is satisfactory but not exceptional. It is acceptable, neither exceeding nor falling short of expectations. My initial observations indicate that navigation is somewhat sluggish, and there is a slight difficulty due to increased resistance when clicking on the pad to access folders or new browser tabs. While it is not an inadequate touchpad, I would recommend complementing the M16 with one of the top wireless mouse options currently available.

Alienware m16 R1: Gaming Performance

Increasingly, the frame rate figures we publish in reviews, which are derived from gameplay at the native screen resolution or lower, appear somewhat biased in a negative manner. We currently operate within an environment dominated by Nvidia DLSS 3 and, to a lesser extent, AMD’s FSR 2. 

The chart’s figures are based on testing these games without employing frame generation or upscaling methods. Since this laptop features an Nvidia 40-series GPU, it’s important to note that significantly higher fps targets can be reached if a game supports DLSS.

If you prioritize raw performance over graphical quality, 1080p is the ideal resolution for this RTX 4060-powered laptop. However, don’t rush to judgment. From my personal experience with recent titles that fully utilize Nvidia’s super sampling technology, games like Forza Motorsport 8. Alan Wake 2 can be played at approximately 1600p with optimized settings, achieving a frame rate exceeding 60 fps and ensuring minimal degradation of image quality due to the utilization of DLSS 3. 

It is sufficient to state that this is an exceptionally robust gaming laptop providing performance surpassing that of the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, it is noteworthy that the base model’s cost is three times greater than that of either console, which is expected given its performance capabilities.

Alienware m16 R1: General Performance

Once you see the numbers below, it’s clear that this configuration of the Alienware m16 isn’t quite a well-rounded performer. Although many 16-inch competitors have more powerful Intel Core i9 processors, this is why this specific m16 falls short in the following results. 

We haven’t tested the Alienware m16 with the top-tier 14th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HX yet, so spending more on a higher-spec model might make the less favorable margins less noticeable. 

The worst aspect of the M16, which bizarrely makes its slow transfer rates seem almost acceptable, is how loud this laptop gets. It’s quite powerful and not something you’d casually toss into a backpack, yet even during minor tasks like downloading a game from Steam, the noise it produces is surprisingly loud and hard to explain.

Although the M16 consistently produces considerable fan noise during intensive gaming sessions, it can nearly incapacitate your ears during routine computing activities that one would expect to be non-demanding for its internal components.

Alienware m16 R1: Battery Life

Notwithstanding the commendable features of the Alienware m16, there exists another aspect in which this laptop marginally underperforms. Our routine battery assessments involve operating the device while browsing the internet with the screen brightness calibrated to a modest 150 nits. 

As shown above, the M16 performs reasonably well in battery life, and its gaming performance is typical for gaming laptops, which often have short battery life when unplugged. 

Alienware m16 R1: Verdict

Regrettably, I must employ a somewhat colloquial expression; nonetheless, the Alienware m16 R1 can be characterized as a “mixed bag’ in terms of its performance as a gaming laptop. 

It’s hotter than hell and oddly appealing despite its bulky build. It’s also incredibly loud during the most mundane tasks, making it a machine I both admire and find perplexing.

Is the initial configuration worth $1,299 / £1,699, given that you possess adequate desk space or a reasonably sized coffee table? Certainly. However, it is difficult to ignore the perception that Dell has produced a respectable product, which is significantly enhanced by Nvidia’s artificial intelligence learning techniques, ultimately rendering this a compelling laptop within its price range.