Dell has introduced an Ubuntu-powered Ultrabook at a $1549 price point.
Although $1549 for an Ubuntu machine is certainly a little more than most Linux enthusiasts probably anticipated, the XPS 13 is loaded with some pretty sweet specs.
Indeed, the 13.3-inch laptop features an Intel Core i7-3517U Ivy Bridge processor paired with Intel HD 4000 graphics rendered on a 1366 x 768 pixel display.
The system is also equipped with 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, 6 cell, 47Whr battery (up to 6 hours, 8 minutes of battery life), 2 USB 3.0 ports, a mini DisplayPort, headset jack, WiFi, Bluetooth and WiDi (wireless display).
Clearly, the XPS 13 is targeted at developers, with Dell loading the laptop with a “cloud launcher” platform that allows coders to simulate a cloud environment for testing apps before deploying them, as well as a utility with profiles for Ruby, Android and other programming environments.
The Dell XPS 13 measures 12.4″ x 8.1″ x 0.71″ at its thickest point, weighing in at a little under three pounds. It is designed around an aluminum and carbon fiber case with a magnesium palm rest area.
Personally, I’m not sure Dell’s Ubuntu machine will appeal to most devs, as you can run the Linux-based OS on systems that are far cheaper with basic, yet sufficient specs. Nevertheless, if you are a mobile dev working for a corporation that is willing to shell out the cash for a high-end coding machine, the XPS 13 might very well be a good fit.
