For my work, I needed a Windows 7 platform. I have been running Ubuntu for the past two years because I couldnt stand how slow my old laptop with Windows XP had become. Recently the online tools I use switched to exclusively MS Internet Explorer which necessitated the purchase of a new machine.
In choosing the XPS it was a tradeoff in some capabilities (processor series and speed) and some quantity and type of outputs (1 USB3, 1 USB2, 1 mini Video, NO SDHC card reader) in order to have a smaller, lighter, more rigid, and potentially longer lasting device.
I have been extremely pleased with the operating speed of the XPS 13. In practical terms, the XPS boots from a cold start into Windows 7 in 12-13 seconds and boots into Ubuntu 12.04 LTS in 11-17 seconds. Additionally, it performs as advertised in its ability to wake from hibernation in 2-3 seconds and from a rest in about a second. Download and internet operating speeds are also excellent, and the fastest I've seen in any computer. My newest U.S. Govt. HP loads most sites like Hotmail or Facebook in 5-7 seconds, but the little XPS will do it in 1-2. I have downloaded several large files and installs and have been happy with the performance of the machine during sustained downloads as well.
When it comes to battery life I knew I was giving something up to get an ultrabook, but in practical usage it has been a pleasant surprise that I can get 3.5 hours out of a charge running Windows 7, surfing the net, downloading and running an external drive. In Ubuntu 12.04 LTS it is even more efficient pulling 4-5 hours, even while charging my phone.
The screen is bright and clear and quite large for such a small machine. Although perhaps not as hi-def as a full retina display, it is much more than DVD quality and plenty big enough. It provides a crisp image throughout and didn't display any tendencies towards motion tracking or blurring when I played a DVD.
The case is perhaps the most attractive part of the machine, but it also functions superbly as a stiff, light and durable frame. The little XPS is significantly stronger than any other laptop I have used, including my wife's MacBook Pro17. The XPS doesn't display any flex in the keyboard or hinge wobble. The build quality and strength were very important to me after my last laptop, a Sony Vaio, popped and flexed when I picked it up by the corner (allowing it to disconnect its own Wi-Fi card; and thereby making itself useless as a portable device).
Pros:
-Beautiful form factor
-Excellent feel of quality and durability
-Excellent speed and efficiency in a light weight package
Cons:
-Only a few ports and no SD/HC reader means you will be buying external accessories if you don't already have them
Some of the deciding factors for me were:
-Light, small, and easily portable
-Strong physical makeup to last a long time on the road and traveling
-Good build quality
-Good battery life
-Gorilla glass screen is durable, easy to clean and beautiful
-Most capable processor available in an XPS 13
Runner up was: Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A02US 15-Inch Ultrabook (Ash Black); $1499.99
Deciding factor: The XPS-13 exuded the most quality for the money/inspired the most confidence
Additional accessories or programs purchased or installed:
-LG external DVD-R
-USB 3.0 SD/SDHC/MiniSD/MemoryStick card reader
-Mini video to HDMI plug/pigtail
-Mini video to VGA plug/pigtail
-USB Common Access Card Reader
-ActivClient 6.2 software
-MS Office 2010
-Skype
-Ubuntu 12.04 LTS
-Libre Office Suite
