XPS 13 L321X

Released February 2012

The original 2012 XPS 13 Ultrabook combines Sandy Bridge processors, solid-state storage and a compact aluminium and carbon-fibre body.

Size: 13.3″
Display: –
Processor: Intel Core i5
Memory: 4 GB
Weight: 1.35 kg
Battery: –

What reviewers say

Laptop Mag and Notebookcheck’s pre-production test praise the compact, sturdy case and fast SSD, but criticise limited connections and intrusive fan noise. They disagree on the keyboard; Laptop Mag likes its feel, while Notebookcheck finds weak feedback on a pre-production unit. Notebookcheck also criticises screen contrast and reflections. Laptop Mag finds battery endurance below its category average; both report roughly five to six hours of browsing.

From laptopmag.com and notebookcheck.net

Specifications

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Display

Screen size: 13.3″
Resolution: 1366 × 768
Brightness: 300 nits
Touchscreen: No
Display type: HD WLED LCD; hardened edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla Glass. Maker does not publish panel technology or refresh rate
Screen finish: Glossy glass surface
Display features: Initial Sandy Bridge L321X screen; later Ivy Bridge and Full HD revisions are separate. Notebookcheck measured 276.7 cd/m² average brightness and 162:1 contrast on its pre-production unit

Performance

Processor: Intel Core i5-2467M
CPU cores: 2
CPU threads: 4
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
Memory: 4 GB
Storage: 128 GB to 256 GB
CPU: Second-generation Intel Core i5-2467M or Core i7-2637M. Listed i5 configurations are the February 2012 US options documented by Laptop Mag; i7 was paired with 256 GB storage
GPU: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000; no dedicated graphics option
Memory type: 4 GB DDR3-1333, soldered and not upgradeable
Storage type: 128 GB or 256 GB mSATA solid-state drive; replacement procedure in Dell's owner manual

Battery and size

Battery capacity: 47 Wh
Weight: 1.35 kg
Thickness: 18.2 mm
Width × depth: 316 × 205 mm
Battery life detail: Built-in six-cell battery; launch claim up to eight hours 53 minutes, with usage conditions affecting runtime. Regulatory sheet gives 1.35 kg depending on installed options and 6.0–18.2 mm height; launch release instead states starting weight 1.36 kg and rounded 6–18 mm dimensions
Charger: 45 W AC adapter
Materials: Machined aluminium lid and carbon-fibre composite base

Connections

Ports: 2 × USB-A, headphone jack
Wi-Fi: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230, Wi-Fi a/g/n
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 3.0
Webcam: 1.3 MP with dual-array digital microphones
Operating system: Windows
Port detail: One USB 3.0 Type-A, one USB 2.0 Type-A with PowerShare, Mini DisplayPort and combined headphone/microphone jack. No HDMI, Ethernet or card reader
Keyboard: Full-size backlit chiclet keyboard
Trackpad: Glass touchpad with integrated buttons and multi-touch gestures
Speakers: High-definition audio with Waves MaxxAudio 4

Configurations

Processor	Memory	Storage
Intel Core i5-2467M	4 GB	128 GB
Intel Core i5-2467M	4 GB	256 GB

Pros and cons

Pros

Backlit keyboard and glass multi-touch touchpad
Replaceable mSATA solid-state drive
USB 3.0 and Mini DisplayPort

Cons

Memory soldered to the motherboard
No memory-card reader or Ethernet port
Glossy 1366 × 768 screen

Closest rivals

Model	Size	Display	Processor	Memory	Weight	Battery	Released
LenovoThinkPad X390	13.3″	IPS LCD	Intel Core i7	16 GB	1.28 kg	17.6 h	Mar 2019
SonyVAIO Z (VGN-Z11WN/B)	13.1″	–	Intel Core 2	4 GB	–	–	2008
SonyVAIO Z (VPCZ11Z9E)	13.1″	–	Intel Core i7	6 GB	1.43 kg	–	2010

Sources

Photo: Laptoping

Original XPS 13 L321X left side showing power, USB 2.0 and headset connections with its screen open: Laptoping

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