Best Premium Laptop: Dell Studio XPS 16

A great laptop for the intensive user

Updated Feb 17, 2009 Set Alert

If you use a computer more than a few hours per day, we think it makes sense to step up to a "premium" laptop. Our pick for Best Premium Laptop is Dell's brand new Studio XPS 16.

PC Magazine wasted no time in giving it an Editor's Choice award, and we couldn't agree more.

The Dell Studio XPS 16 has the latest internal technology (1066FSB, DDR3, HDMI, Gigabit, eSata, etc.), decent fit and finish (e.g. magnesium and aluminum casework instead of plastic, good backlit keyboard), and an amazing optional 1080p RGB-LED display. Taken together, this is easily the best laptop in the premium class, especially once you factor in price.

In addition, Dell's entire line of XPS computers come with far higher quality tech support (i.e. better trained and more responsive) than their less expensive offerings.

The good (+)

• decent build: magnesium alloy and aluminum casework
• latest chipset: 1066FSB, DDR3, HDMI, eSata, Gigabit ethernet
• amazing 16" 1080p RGB-LED display with great color & contrast
• nice touches: backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader
• XPS chat-based tech support is superb

Shortcomings (-)

• gets quite warm (borderline too warm)
• battery life not great with standard 6 cell battery (2.5 hours max)

Where to Buy

The Dell Studio XPS 16 is available through the Dell website. Be sure to order the optional 1080p RGB-LED display and Bluetooth. Expect to pay around $1,400 for a reasonable configuration that includes the 1080p RGB-LED display.