The Dell XPS 17 9700 represents a premium 17-inch laptop designed for demanding users seeking power and portability. It combines a large, high-resolution display with powerful internal components, making it suitable for creative professionals, content creators, and anyone needing a high-performance machine. Configurations can include powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and ample RAM and storage. This model specifically refers to the 2020 release, identifiable by the 9700 model number, and offers a compelling blend of performance and design.
Important Points about the Dell XPS 17 9700
- Powerful Performance: The XPS 17 9700 boasts high-performance processors, often Intel Core i7 or i9, enabling smooth multitasking and demanding applications. This processing power is complemented by dedicated NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, providing excellent performance for video editing, graphic design, and even gaming. The inclusion of fast SSD storage ensures quick boot times and application loading. These components work together to deliver a seamless and responsive user experience.
- Large, Immersive Display: The 17-inch display is a key feature, offering ample screen real estate for creative work and multimedia consumption. The display often features a high resolution (4K UHD+) with vibrant colors and excellent clarity. This large display size enhances productivity and provides an immersive viewing experience for movies and games. The thin bezels further enhance the immersive experience.
- Premium Build Quality: Dell’s XPS line is known for its premium build quality, and the 9700 is no exception. The chassis is typically constructed from machined aluminum, giving it a sturdy and premium feel. The build quality contributes to the laptop’s durability and longevity. The sleek design and attention to detail make it a visually appealing device.
- Excellent Battery Life: Despite its powerful components and large display, the XPS 17 9700 manages to offer respectable battery life. This is achieved through efficient power management and a large battery capacity. Users can expect several hours of use on a single charge, allowing for productivity on the go. Battery life can vary depending on usage and configuration.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: The laptop typically includes a variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and an SD card reader. This allows for versatile connectivity with peripherals and external displays. The inclusion of modern connectivity options ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. This is crucial for professionals who need to connect to various accessories and displays.
- Advanced Thermal Management: The XPS 17 9700 incorporates advanced thermal management solutions to keep the system cool under heavy load. This includes dual fans and strategically placed heat pipes. Effective thermal management is essential for maintaining performance and preventing overheating. This ensures consistent performance even during demanding tasks.
- Upgradability Options: While not as extensive as some other laptops, the XPS 17 9700 offers some upgradability options. Users may be able to upgrade the RAM and storage depending on the specific configuration. This allows for some flexibility in customizing the laptop to meet future needs. This can be an important factor for users who anticipate needing more resources down the line.
Laptop Specifications and Features
| Processor | Intel Core i7 or i9 (varies by configuration) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce dedicated graphics (varies by configuration) |
| Display | 17-inch 4K UHD+ (3840 x 2400) or FHD+ (1920 x 1200) |
| Memory | Up to 64GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | Up to 2TB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 or 11 |
Four Recommendations
- Consider your workload: Evaluate your specific needs before purchasing. If you primarily use the laptop for web browsing and light tasks, the high-end configurations might be overkill. Conversely, if you engage in demanding tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, the more powerful configurations are recommended. Choosing the right configuration will optimize your investment.
- Calibrate the display: For color-critical work, calibrating the display is essential to ensure accurate color representation. This can be done using hardware or software calibration tools. Calibration ensures that the colors displayed on the screen match the intended colors, crucial for professional photographers and designers. This enhances the visual quality and accuracy of the displayed content.
- Optimize power settings: Adjust the power settings to balance performance and battery life. When on battery power, consider using the power-saving mode to extend battery life. When connected to a power source, the performance mode can be utilized for demanding tasks. Optimizing power settings allows for efficient use of resources based on the situation.
- Invest in a cooling pad: For extended periods of heavy use, a cooling pad can help to further dissipate heat and maintain optimal performance. This can prevent thermal throttling and ensure consistent performance over time. A cooling pad is particularly beneficial for demanding tasks like gaming or video rendering.
Tips and Details
- Regularly update drivers: Keeping drivers up to date ensures optimal performance and compatibility. Drivers can be updated through the Dell SupportAssist application or manually downloaded from the Dell website. Updated drivers often include performance improvements and bug fixes. This practice contributes to the overall stability and performance of the system.
- Utilize the Dell SupportAssist application: This application provides diagnostic tools, driver updates, and troubleshooting assistance. It can help identify and resolve potential issues with the laptop. SupportAssist is a valuable resource for maintaining the health and performance of the XPS 17 9700. It simplifies the process of troubleshooting and maintaining the system.
- Consider an external keyboard and mouse: While the built-in keyboard and trackpad are functional, an external keyboard and mouse can enhance productivity for extended use. This can improve ergonomics and provide a more comfortable typing experience. External peripherals can be particularly beneficial for tasks requiring precise input.
- Protect your investment with a case: A protective case can help prevent scratches and damage to the laptop’s exterior. This is especially important when transporting the laptop. A case can also provide added protection against accidental bumps and drops. Protecting the laptop with a case helps maintain its aesthetic appeal and resale value.
The Dell XPS 17 9700 caters to a specific niche of users who require a powerful yet portable machine. Its combination of a large display and high-performance components makes it suitable for creative professionals, content creators, and engineers. The portability factor allows users to work efficiently from various locations without compromising on performance. This makes it a versatile tool for professionals on the go.
One of the key strengths of the XPS 17 9700 is its stunning display. The 4K UHD+ option provides incredible detail and vibrant colors, making it ideal for photo and video editing. The large screen real estate enhances productivity by allowing users to work with multiple applications simultaneously. This minimizes the need for constant window switching and improves workflow efficiency.
Performance is another area where the XPS 17 9700 excels. The powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards handle demanding tasks with ease. This allows for smooth multitasking and efficient processing of large files. The fast SSD storage further enhances performance by minimizing loading times and ensuring quick access to data.
Build quality is a hallmark of the XPS line, and the 9700 is no exception. The machined aluminum chassis provides a premium feel and contributes to the laptop’s durability. The sleek and minimalist design adds to its aesthetic appeal. This makes it a desirable device for users who appreciate quality craftsmanship.
Connectivity is an important consideration for any laptop, and the XPS 17 9700 offers a good selection of ports. Thunderbolt 3 ports provide fast data transfer speeds and allow for connection to external displays and peripherals. The inclusion of an SD card reader is convenient for photographers and videographers. This versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Battery life is often a concern with powerful laptops, but the XPS 17 9700 manages to offer respectable battery life. While it may not last all day under heavy load, it provides enough power for several hours of productivity. This allows users to work remotely without needing to constantly search for a power outlet.
The thermal management system of the XPS 17 9700 is designed to keep the system cool under pressure. Dual fans and strategically placed heat pipes help dissipate heat effectively, preventing overheating and maintaining consistent performance. This is crucial for demanding tasks that push the system to its limits.
Overall, the Dell XPS 17 9700 is a well-rounded laptop that offers a compelling combination of power, portability, and premium features. It caters to a specific audience of demanding users who require a high-performance machine for professional or creative work. Its sleek design and robust build quality make it a desirable choice for those who appreciate quality and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
John: How does the XPS 17 9700 compare to the XPS 15 9500 in terms of performance?
Dr. Tech: The XPS 17 9700 generally offers higher performance due to its ability to accommodate more powerful components and better cooling solutions, particularly in higher configurations. This translates to better performance in demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
Sarah: Can the RAM and storage be upgraded after purchase?
Prof. Laptop: While RAM is often upgradable, storage upgradability can vary depending on the specific configuration. It’s best to confirm the upgradability options for your specific model before purchasing.
Ali: What is the average battery life I can expect with the XPS 17 9700?
Dr. Tech: Battery life varies depending on usage and configuration, but you can typically expect between 6-8 hours for general productivity tasks and less for more demanding applications.
Maria: Is the XPS 17 9700 suitable for gaming?
Prof. Laptop: While not primarily a gaming laptop, the dedicated graphics card in the XPS 17 9700 can handle many modern games at respectable settings. However, dedicated gaming laptops might offer better performance for hardcore gamers.
David: Does the XPS 17 9700 come with a warranty?
Dr. Tech: Yes, Dell typically offers a standard one-year warranty with options to extend the warranty period. Check the specific warranty details when purchasing.