Dell XPS 13 Gen 7

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Available with 7th Generation Intel Core i3 (i3-7100U), i5 (i5-7200U), or i7 (i7-7500U) processors. Later configurations also include 8th Generation Intel Core i5 (i5-8250U) or i7 (i7-8550U) processors.
• RAM: Configurable with 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM, operating at 1866MHz or 2133MHz. Memory is integrated onto the system board and is not user-upgradable.
• Storage: Features PCIe NVMe Solid State Drives (SSD) with capacities including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and up to 1TB.
• Display: 13.3-inch InfinityEdge display. Options include a Full HD (1920x1080) non-touch panel or a Quad HD+ (3200x1800) touch panel. Both utilize IGZO IPS technology, offering wide viewing angles and 400 nit brightness.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 (with 7th Gen processors) or Intel UHD Graphics 620 (with 8th Gen processors). Some specific configurations may feature Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640.
• Ports: Includes two USB 3.0 ports (one with PowerShare for charging devices), one Thunderbolt 3 port (USB-C with DisplayPort functionality), an SD card reader, a 3.5mm headset jack, and a Noble lock slot.
• Connectivity: Features a Killer 1535 802.11ac 2x2 Wi-Fi adapter and Bluetooth 4.1.
• Webcam: A 720p widescreen webcam with dual microphones is present, located below the display.
• Battery: Typically features a 60 WHr integrated battery.
• Dimensions & Weight: Measures 304 x 200 x 9-15mm (width x depth x height). Starting weight is approximately 1.2kg for non-touch models and 1.29kg for touch models.
• Build Materials: Constructed with a machined aluminum chassis and a soft-touch carbon fiber composite palm rest.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The Dell XPS 13 9360 offers a range of configurations, primarily distinguished by its 7th or 8th Generation Intel Core processors. The InfinityEdge display remains a highlight, providing a compact footprint for a 13.3-inch laptop. RAM is integrated, limiting future upgrades, but configurations up to 16GB are sufficient for most productivity tasks. PCIe NVMe SSDs ensure fast storage performance. The port selection is adequate for its time, featuring both traditional USB-A and modern Thunderbolt 3. The integrated graphics are suitable for general use and media consumption but not for demanding gaming or professional graphics workloads. The webcam's placement below the screen is a notable design quirk.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Ships primarily with Windows 10. Dell also offers a Developer Edition with Linux pre-installed, indicating strong Linux compatibility.
• End of Support Date: Dell typically provides hardware support and parts availability for a period of approximately five years from a product's release. While official end-of-life (EOL) dates for specific models can vary, general support for the 9360 model would be winding down or concluded for direct manufacturer parts and warranty services. Third-party extended warranty services may offer continued support.
• Available Drivers: Drivers and firmware updates are available through Dell's official support website, ensuring continued functionality and compatibility with operating system updates.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The Dell XPS 13 9360, having been released several years ago, is nearing or past its official manufacturer end-of-life for direct support and parts. However, its widespread adoption and robust design mean that drivers are still accessible, and the hardware generally remains compatible with current operating systems like Windows 10. Users often report continued usability for five years or more, sometimes with component replacements like the battery. Linux compatibility is a significant advantage for users seeking alternative operating environments.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a Noble lock slot for physical security. Optional configurations feature a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication via Windows Hello. The system incorporates a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for hardware-based security. BIOS settings offer IT management flexibility for security configurations.
• Vulnerabilities: As with any computing device, the XPS 13 9360 is susceptible to general software and firmware vulnerabilities. Specific vulnerabilities related to its Intel processors (e.g., Spectre and Meltdown) have been addressed through operating system patches and firmware updates.
• Recommendations: Users should maintain up-to-date operating system patches, firmware (BIOS) updates, and driver installations from Dell's official support channels. Utilizing strong passwords, enabling the fingerprint reader (if available), and employing reputable antivirus software are crucial for maintaining security.

Analysis on the Security Status

The Dell XPS 13 9360 incorporates standard security features for its generation, including TPM and optional biometric authentication, which enhance data protection and user login security. While older hardware can be perceived as more vulnerable, continuous software and firmware updates from Dell and Microsoft mitigate many potential risks. Proactive user practices, such as regular updates and strong security hygiene, are essential to maintain a secure computing environment.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores (7th Gen Intel Core i7-7500U):
  • Geekbench 4 (Multi-core): Approximately 8,735.
  • PCMark 8 Home Conventional: Strong scores for general productivity.
  • Cinebench R15: Reflects solid dual-core performance.
  • SSD Read Speeds: Up to 1700 MB/s.
  • SSD Write Speeds: Around 430 MB/s.
• Benchmark Scores (8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U):
  • Geekbench 4 (Multi-core): Approximately 14,158, a significant increase over 7th Gen due to quad-core architecture.
  • PCMark 8 Work: Higher scores indicating improved office productivity performance.
  • Cinebench & Handbrake: Demonstrates strong multi-core processing capabilities.
  • SSD Speeds: Similar high read/write speeds for PCIe NVMe SSDs.
• Real-World Performance: Handles everyday tasks, web browsing with multiple tabs, office applications, and 4K video playback smoothly. Light photo editing is feasible. The integrated graphics are not designed for demanding gaming or intensive graphical applications, with gaming performance typically limited to older or less graphically intensive titles at lower settings (e.g., 1080p at low settings for games like Tomb Raider yields around 17 frames per second).
• Comparison with Similar Devices: At its release, the XPS 13 9360 was a top-tier ultraportable, often outperforming competitors with similar 7th Gen processors. The refresh with 8th Gen quad-core CPUs further solidified its performance lead against contemporary dual-core rivals, offering a substantial boost in multi-threaded workloads.

Analysis of the Performance Status

The Dell XPS 13 9360 delivers robust performance for its class, particularly with the 8th Generation Intel Core processors which provide a notable leap in multi-core capabilities. For general productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, the laptop remains highly capable. The fast PCIe SSD contributes significantly to overall system responsiveness. While not a gaming machine due to its integrated graphics, its CPU performance ensures a smooth experience for most daily computing tasks. Battery life is a strong point, especially with the FHD non-touch display, offering extended usage on a single charge.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for the Dell XPS 13 9360 is largely positive, highlighting its premium design and portability. Users consistently praise the compact form factor, achieved by the InfinityEdge display, which maximizes screen real estate. The build quality, featuring machined aluminum and a carbon fiber palm rest, receives high marks for durability and aesthetics. The display is frequently lauded for its sharpness, brightness, and wide viewing angles. Battery life, particularly on Full HD non-touch configurations, is a common point of appreciation, often lasting a full workday. The trackpad is considered excellent, offering smooth tracking and precise input. The backlit keyboard generally provides a snappy typing experience, though some users find the key travel shallow.

Common criticisms include the awkward placement of the webcam below the screen, leading to unflattering angles during video calls. The stiff hinge, while contributing to screen stability, often requires two hands to open the laptop. Some users report minor issues with the spacebar or fan noise under load. The Thunderbolt 3 port's limitation to two PCIe lanes is a technical detail that affects external GPU performance for power users, though it is not a concern for most general users.

Summary

The Dell XPS 13 9360 stands as a landmark ultraportable laptop, combining a premium design with strong performance for its generation. Its InfinityEdge display revolutionized laptop aesthetics, allowing a 13.3-inch screen to fit into a chassis typically reserved for smaller devices. Technical specifications, particularly with the later 8th Generation Intel Core processor options, provide ample power for productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, supported by fast PCIe NVMe storage and up to 16GB of RAM. While not suited for demanding gaming or professional graphics, its integrated graphics handle everyday visual tasks competently.

Strengths include its exceptional build quality, compact and lightweight design, vibrant display options, and impressive battery life. The user experience is enhanced by a precise trackpad and a comfortable, backlit keyboard. However, the webcam's unconventional placement remains a consistent point of contention, and the stiff hinge can be inconvenient. Support for the 9360 model, while past its prime for direct manufacturer warranty, benefits from Dell's robust driver availability and a community of users, with many devices continuing to function reliably for years.

For users seeking a highly portable, well-built laptop capable of handling everyday computing tasks with ease, the Dell XPS 13 9360 remains a viable option, especially if acquired at a value price. Its blend of design, performance (for its era), and battery longevity makes it a strong contender for a secondary device or for users with moderate computing needs. Regular software and firmware updates are crucial to maintain its security and performance over time.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.