Dell XPS 13 with Ubuntu Developer Edition

Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition pre-installed with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is a client / cloud ideal for developers and those who love open-source software. Great Full HD display.

Dell XPS 13 is one of the best proposals for Dell, as far as portability and light weight. Not only, that, the American intelligently vendor offers this laptop for business and in the version with Microsoft’s operating systems, both with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.

Portability and lightness in this case go hand in hand with power, performance and open source solutions. Dell Xps 13 Developer Edition, although it does not yet have the new Intel Haswell, it is sold with a solid-state disk of 256 GB, 8 GB of RAM and the Intel Core i7-3537U to 2.00 GHz Practically the same configuration planned for Windows 8 and Windows 7.

Just enough to really work and develop. With the only obvious limitation of the multimedia performance related to the integrated graphics, more than anything else in relation to games, intended use does not really expect from this type of laptop, with this operating system that we remember is the latest version of Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support), Term Support) and that is the 12.04.

The refresh of the Dell XPS 13 has meant updating the display with an exceptional solution FULL HD 1,920 × 1,080 really the best to work with and see everything you need. One feature that the developers cannot help but appreciate.

Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition – For many but not for all.

Dell sells this laptop preloaded with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. Not only, that, even the utilities are pre-loaded Dell (Dell Driver Installer) and software to restore the operating system and the computer to the factory settings. At any time, you can then return the laptop to the state of initial operation with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. Any mess is both combined.

You have to have the foresight to not only destroy the protected partition with root privileges. In this case, it was, if you had the foresight to prepare the USB dongle recovery (an easy procedure that requires 15 minutes of work), you can always reinstall the captured image.

We recommend that you invest this quarter of an hour to sleep soundly. The operation of the Dell XPS 13 with all interfaces and function keys is guaranteed with the version of Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. We have gone before you upgrade to Ubuntu 12.10 and then even further with the version of Ubuntu 13.04. Our experience has been positive. We can still ensure the functioning of the whole.

As normal on laptop comes preloaded with the software repository Ubuntu Software Center and the storage solution in the Cloud Ubuntu One. Who develops cannot fail to appreciate the presence of Oracle’s VirtualBox virtualization software, well exploited, also considered that the allocation of RAM is plentiful (8 GB) and then you can easily run multiple virtual machines, without any problems? Only a few problems with the Guest Additions which gave continuous installation errors, tested with Ubuntu 13.04 as the host system.

Dell XPS 13 usability at high levels.

Dell XPS 13 already impressed in his first debut. This new version improves as it was possible to do. The display glass is Corning Gorilla Glass. Too bad it is preferred even for a machine of this type (Developer Edition) Glossy finish because the high level of brightness, associated with a matte finish, would have been even more pleasant and relaxing.

Acknowledged in Dell XPS 13 new edition also the precious materials for which the upper surface is made of aluminum alloy, and the base instead of fiberglass, the keyboard tray has a rubberized finish that provides an excellent grip, even if it retains excessively fingerprints. Note again that the keyboard is backlighted, and adjustable and ergonomic keys have a slight indentation. Dell XPS 13 is one of the ultra closer to the proposal of Apple with its MacBook Air.

We regret only excessive, really, overheating of the lower base and the cooling fan does not just whisper quiet. The battery capacity of 6,390 mAh can provide about three hours of continuous work, in any condition. No record-breaking performance, a significant change would certainly be registered with Haswell.

The touchpad is sensitive, unfortunately, does not offer the best in you because Ubuntu does not support all the possible gesture. In this regard, we have to report an annoying problem of the pointing system via touchpad in the corners at the bottom right of the windows, particularly elusive, almost impossible to catch. It will take skill.

No news regarding the interfaces: 1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0, mini displays port (the package does not contain any lead in this regard, nor any other adapters for other video interfaces). It ‘s a button to check the computer off battery power, and there is a single interface MiniJack for headphones and microphone.

We recommend the purchase of this solution both for those who want to embrace a Linux solution for business or passion, and those who just want to learn how to use the open-source operating system for full immersion.

The proposal is very good, given the fact that there are few high-profile configurations available on our market, fully compatible from all points of view and instantly usable without problems. Dell XPS 13 is a very good proposal as a solution to virtualizes instances with other systems and a deep work of testing.