Is this Dell XPS 13 a good configuration? Is Dell XPS good at all?

[WhiteFlame0]

Hi. I am bad at buying laptops. This is what I'm looking at right now:

 

https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-laptops-and-notebooks/xps-13/spd/xps-13-9360-laptop/cax13w10p1c760?view=configurations&selectionState=eyJGUHJpY2UiOjg0OS45OSwiT0MiOiJjYXgxM3cxMHAxYzc2MCIsIlF0eSI6MSwiTW9kcyI6W3siSWQiOjExLCJPcHRzIjpbeyJJZCI6IjEwSEhFRSJ9XX0seyJJZCI6NTcyLCJPcHRzIjpbeyJJZCI6IkZHMDAzMCJ9XX1dfQ%3D%3D

 

It's a Dell XPS 13 (9360) for $850.

 

Intel i5 8250U

128 GB SSD (I think SATA, but I'm not sure.)

8 GB RAM

1080p display (I can't tell if it's IPS or TN.)

 

I am a freshman college student pursuing a degree in chemistry and physics. I already have a good desktop computer. The laptop is primarily for taking lecture notes in MS Word. Is this a good choice, or can I do better? Thank you!!

[adm0n]

If it is really just for taking notes it is a bit overkill. A chromebook would do fine as well.

Otherwise those are pretty good. If you are planning to use it seriously, get 16gb. of Ram as I'm pretty sure that it is soldered on.

 

And it is an ips panel.

 

As a physics student myself, I'd recomend you to get something with a touchscreen and a pen (surface, iPad etc. It is really useful ...)

 

[genexis_x]

It's a solid Ultrabook, but you can still get a good Ultrabook for less price

 

Location? Budget?

[WhiteFlame0]

7 hours ago, ZM Fong said:

Location? Budget?

I live in the USA (Missouri). I'm aiming for around $900 or less. I want to save as much money as possible, but I need a laptop that will last for a few years.

 

What Ultrabooks do you have in mind?

[genexis_x]

If you don't need good sRGB display, Acer Swift 3 (SF314-54/54G or SF315-52/52G for upgradeable RAM)

 

Some good yet affordable Ultrabooks are Asus UX330UA, Lenovo Ideapad 720s 14, Lenovo Ideapad 720s 13 (Intel), Lenovo Yoga 730 13, Acer Swift 5 (dim display, OKish battery life). Try to find Asus UX331/UX430, HP Envy 13

 

These are just some examples