Dell XPS 13
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Thread: Dell XPS 13

  1. #1
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    Default Dell XPS 13

    So folks....

    I've been a mac user for years & years, but as laptop replacement time approaches, i'm considering a change.

    I'm not sure i can justify the cost of a new Macbook Pro at the moment, so has anybody got any experience with the Dell XPS 13?

    I'm not scared off by the USB-C argument on either platform (that's something we'll all have to live with going forward), but being used to not having to worry too much about fine tuning a mac for DJing (turn off network, bluetooth & time machine, then off we go), is setting up a PC for DJing more trouble than it's worth?

    Anybody else made the switch?
    Cheers

    IAN WILLIAMS

  2. #2
    Tech Guru deevey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by thisisian View Post
    So folks....

    I've been a mac user for years & years, but as laptop replacement time approaches, i'm considering a change.

    I'm not sure i can justify the cost of a new Macbook Pro at the moment, so has anybody got any experience with the Dell XPS 13?

    I'm not scared off by the USB-C argument on either platform (that's something we'll all have to live with going forward), but being used to not having to worry too much about fine tuning a mac for DJing (turn off network, bluetooth & time machine, then off we go), is setting up a PC for DJing more trouble than it's worth?

    Anybody else made the switch?
    If price is the issue ... a refurb MacBook pro 13 with comparable specs is $100 cheaper than the 13' XPS (actually better specs in many areas inc. Screen & Graphics)

    https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

    Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.7GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
    13.3-inch (diagonal) Retina display; 2560-by-1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch

    8GB of 1866MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
    256GB PCIe-based flash storage1
    720p FaceTime HD Camera
    
Intel Iris Graphics 6100
    I use Windows 10 via bootcamp for the occasional gaming and honestly its not really not a bad OS for gaming, browsing and officey stuff, it runs very snappy ..

    But for Audio software of any kind just feels .... "laggy" after using a Mac for so long, and the trackpads just don't feel as good in Windows.

    I genuinely wanted Windows to blow me away so I might pick up, and be happy with a half decent windows laptop for playing with .. but alas looks like I'm married to Mac for the foreseeable future.
    Last edited by deevey; 04-05-2018 at 05:46 PM.

  3. #3
    DJTT Mapping Ninja Moderator Stewe's Avatar
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    With Windows PC machines you will always have to optimize the OS... I use HP laptop with two OS installed Win7 optimized for DJing and Win10 for internet browsing.

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    Tech Guru the_bastet's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Stewe View Post
    With Windows PC machines you will always have to optimize the OS... I use HP laptop with two OS installed Win7 optimized for DJing and Win10 for internet browsing.
    Why? I run an intel 6700hq with 8gb of ram and an intel 512gb SSD with windows 8.1 pro without any issues whatsoever.

    It's an HP ZBook
    - Equipment - 2X Technics 1200, 2X Audio Technica ATLP1240, 2X XDJ700, 2X XDJ1000 MK2, Denon DNX-1100, Mixars DUO, DJM750 MK2, NI Audio 10, NI Aduio 4, Serato SL3, 4X Shure M44-7, 2X Ortofon Pro S, 2X Numark Groove Tool, Maschine MK3, Samson Carbon 49, Roland SE-02, Novation Launchcontrol, TouchOSC, Nocation Peak, Arturia MiniBrute, Korg Volca Kick, MicroKorg (Classic), NI Komplete Audio 6

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    Tech Mentor Stazbumpa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by the_bastet View Post
    Why? I run an intel 6700hq with 8gb of ram and an intel 512gb SSD with windows 8.1 pro without any issues whatsoever.

    It's an HP ZBook
    Seconded. I use a Dell Latitude (refurbed with an SSD) and an unoptimized Win7 install. Runs Traktor no problem and the only failure I've had was when I forgot to plug it in and the battery ran out 15 mins before the end of the night.
    Live rig: Denon Prime (5000M's)
    Retired: Denon x1700, Denon SC3900's, Traktor, Technics SL1200's, my vinyl
    Wish list: Some Roland Aira stuff.

  6. #6
    Tech Guru Patch's Avatar
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    Yeah - this was a huge surprise to me. I'd ALWAYS optimised my machines for audio, but when I optimised my Win10 machine, it made no noticeable difference, and was more hassle than it was worth.
    DJ'ing: 2x1200MK2, DJM 850, Dicers, F1, Zomo MC-1000, Sony MDR-v700, i7 Win 10 HP Envy
    Production: Ableton Live 8 and a mouse, Sennheiser HD400, Sony VAIO

    Click HERE to D/L Free Tracks from Soundcloud!!!
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  7. #7
    DJTT Mapping Ninja Moderator Stewe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by the_bastet View Post
    Why? I run an intel 6700hq with 8gb of ram and an intel 512gb SSD with windows 8.1 pro without any issues whatsoever.

    It's an HP ZBook
    I got tired of disabling powersaver, WiFi and Ethernet each time I want to use Traktor.

  8. #8
    MIXXX Team Being's Avatar
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    The XPS 13 is a very nice machine, however I wouldn't like to DJ on a 13 inch screen. I recently got a Lenovo Yoga 920 which has a bit bigger screen that I am enjoying a lot. You may also want to consider the Dell XPS 15.
    Developer of Mixxx free DJ software
    Hear my mixes

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Being View Post
    The XPS 13 is a very nice machine, however I wouldn't like to DJ on a 13 inch screen.
    Ha! a 13" screen will be luxury after coming from an 11" Macbook air!

    Cheers everybody. Some interesting comments, & I think i may go for it
    Cheers

    IAN WILLIAMS

  10. #10
    Tech Guru the_bastet's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Stewe View Post
    I got tired of disabling powersaver, WiFi and Ethernet each time I want to use Traktor.
    Right click on your battery icon and switch power profiles. Otherwise, Ive never had to disable my NIC or Wifi. Especially since I utilize wifi for TouchOSC and use the Ethernet for Desktop Presenter in Wirecast for our broadcast every Sunday.
    - Equipment - 2X Technics 1200, 2X Audio Technica ATLP1240, 2X XDJ700, 2X XDJ1000 MK2, Denon DNX-1100, Mixars DUO, DJM750 MK2, NI Audio 10, NI Aduio 4, Serato SL3, 4X Shure M44-7, 2X Ortofon Pro S, 2X Numark Groove Tool, Maschine MK3, Samson Carbon 49, Roland SE-02, Novation Launchcontrol, TouchOSC, Nocation Peak, Arturia MiniBrute, Korg Volca Kick, MicroKorg (Classic), NI Komplete Audio 6

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