Dell XPS 17 9720: Power And Precision In A Stunning Design

Dell XPS 17 9720: Power And Precision In A Stunning Design

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Alright, let’s dive into the Dell XPS 17 9720. If you’re looking for a powerhouse laptop that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, and you’re not too fussed about having a super flashy, in-your-face design, then this might just be the machine for you. We’re going to dig deep, so buckle up for a long read – over 2500 words, no pictures, just pure text to hopefully get those SEO juices flowing!

The Dell XPS line has been a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts for years, and the 17-inch model sits right at the top, offering the biggest screen and the most grunt. The 9720 is the 2022 iteration, building on the success of its predecessors and packing in some serious upgrades under the hood.

Design and Build Quality

Dell has stuck with a pretty consistent design language for the XPS range, and the 9720 is no exception. It’s got that sleek, minimalist look that screams premium without being overly ostentatious. The chassis is primarily made from CNC-machined aluminum, giving it a solid and robust feel. There’s no creaking or flexing when you pick it up or use it, which is exactly what you’d expect from a laptop in this price range.

Dell XPS 17 9720: Power And Precision In A Stunning Design
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The lid and the base are finished in a smooth, matte silver color. It’s a fingerprint magnet to some extent, but nothing too egregious. Opening the lid reveals the interior, which features a carbon fiber palm rest in a dark gray or black finish. This not only looks good but also feels comfortable to type on for extended periods. The contrast between the silver exterior and the darker interior gives it a sophisticated and professional vibe.

The bezels around the display are incredibly thin, which Dell calls their “InfinityEdge” design. This maximizes the screen real estate without making the overall footprint of the laptop too large. For a 17-inch laptop, it’s surprisingly compact, although you’re still not going to be carrying it around all day every day.

Display: A Visual Treat

Speaking of the display, the Dell XPS 17 9720 offers a couple of fantastic options. You can typically choose between a Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) non-touch display or a stunning UHD+ (3840 x 2400) touchscreen. Both options boast a 16:10 aspect ratio, which gives you more vertical screen real estate compared to the traditional 16:9. This is a boon for productivity, as you can see more of your documents, spreadsheets, or code without constantly scrolling.

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The color accuracy on these panels is excellent, covering close to 100% of the sRGB color gamut and a high percentage of the DCI-P3 gamut. This makes it suitable for color-sensitive work like photo and video editing. The brightness levels are also impressive, making it usable in most indoor environments.

If you opt for the UHD+ touchscreen, you’ll get incredibly sharp visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The touch functionality is responsive, although you might not use it all the time on a larger 17-inch screen. The Full HD+ option is still a great choice, offering a good balance between sharpness and battery life. Plus, it’s usually a bit more affordable.

Performance: Powerhouse Inside

Under the hood, the Dell XPS 17 9720 packs some serious punch. It typically comes with the latest generation Intel Core processors – usually ranging from the i7 to the i9. These are high-performance CPUs with multiple cores and threads, capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and running complex simulations.

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Alongside the powerful processors, you get a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card. The specific model can vary depending on the configuration, but you’ll generally find options like the RTX 3050, RTX 3050 Ti, or even the RTX 3060. This dedicated GPU provides a significant boost in graphics performance compared to integrated graphics, making it suitable for gaming (though it’s not primarily a gaming laptop), content creation, and other graphically intensive applications.

Memory options usually range from 16GB up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, providing plenty of bandwidth for multitasking and running memory-hungry applications. Storage comes in the form of fast NVMe SSDs, typically starting at 512GB and going up to 2TB or even more. This ensures quick boot times, fast application loading, and snappy overall performance.

The combination of a powerful Intel processor, dedicated NVIDIA graphics, ample RAM, and a fast SSD means that the XPS 17 9720 can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, compiling code, running virtual machines, or just juggling a ton of browser tabs, this laptop should keep up without breaking a sweat.

Keyboard and Trackpad: Comfortable Input

Dell has consistently delivered excellent keyboards on their XPS laptops, and the 9720 is no exception. The keys offer a good amount of travel and a satisfying tactile feedback, making typing for long periods comfortable and accurate. The layout is generally standard, with well-spaced keys. The backlight is also a nice touch, allowing you to work comfortably in dimly lit environments.

The trackpad on the XPS 17 9720 is large and responsive. It uses Windows Precision drivers, which means it’s smooth and accurate, and supports multi-finger gestures flawlessly. Whether you’re navigating web pages, scrolling through documents, or using complex applications, the trackpad performs admirably. The surface has a nice, smooth texture that feels good under your fingers.

Ports and Connectivity: Modern Essentials

In terms of ports, the Dell XPS 17 9720 keeps things relatively modern. You’ll typically find four Thunderbolt 4 ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery support. These versatile ports can be used to connect external displays, docks, high-speed storage devices, and charge the laptop.

There’s also a full-size SD card reader, which is a welcome addition for photographers and videographers. A 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack is also present. What you won’t find are traditional USB-A ports or an HDMI port directly on the laptop. For those, you’ll likely need to use a dongle or a docking station, which is a common trade-off for the sleek design and thin profile.

For wireless connectivity, the XPS 17 9720 usually features the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E) and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.

Audio and Webcam: Decent for Productivity

The audio setup on the Dell XPS 17 9720 is generally quite good for a laptop. It typically features stereo speakers professionally tuned by Waves MaxxAudio Pro. The sound quality is clear and offers a decent amount of volume, making it suitable for video calls, watching movies, and listening to music. While it might not replace a dedicated set of headphones or external speakers for critical listening, it’s certainly more than adequate for everyday use.

The webcam is a 720p HD camera, which is fairly standard for laptops. While the resolution isn’t the highest, it’s perfectly acceptable for video conferencing. Dell has also integrated the webcam into the top bezel, which is a plus compared to some laptops that place it in less flattering positions.

Battery Life: Depends on Usage

Battery life on a powerful 17-inch laptop with a high-resolution display and dedicated graphics is always going to be a bit of a balancing act. The Dell XPS 17 9720 typically comes with a large battery (around 97Whr), which is good for its class. However, the actual battery life you experience will vary significantly depending on your usage.

If you’re doing light tasks like browsing the web, word processing, and email, you can expect to get a decent few hours of use on a single charge. However, if you’re engaging in more demanding activities like video editing, gaming, or running simulations, the battery will drain much faster.

The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 with Power Delivery means you can charge the laptop via USB-C, which can be convenient. The included power adapter is usually quite powerful to ensure it can keep up with the laptop’s power demands, especially when under heavy load.

Who is the Dell XPS 17 9720 For?

The Dell XPS 17 9720 is really aimed at professionals and power users who need a large screen and high performance in a relatively portable package. It’s ideal for:

Content creators (video editors, graphic designers, photographers) who need a color-accurate display and powerful hardware.

  • Software developers and engineers who need to run demanding applications and virtual machines.
  • Business professionals who need a powerful and reliable laptop for presentations, multitasking, and data analysis.
  • Anyone who appreciates a premium build quality, a fantastic display, and top-tier performance.

  • It might not be the best choice for hardcore gamers looking for the absolute highest frame rates or for users who prioritize extreme portability and all-day battery life above all else.

    Potential Downsides

    While the Dell XPS 17 9720 is a fantastic laptop, it’s not without its potential drawbacks:

    Price: It’s a premium laptop, and the price tag reflects that. It can be quite expensive, especially for higher-end configurations.

  • Portability: While relatively compact for a 17-inch laptop, it’s still larger and heavier than 13 or 15-inch models, making it less ideal for frequent travel.
  • Dongle Life: The lack of traditional USB-A and HDMI ports might require you to carry dongles or a docking station.
  • Webcam Quality: While adequate, the 720p webcam isn’t the sharpest on the market.

  • Conclusion

    The Dell XPS 17 9720 is a top-of-the-line laptop that delivers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a premium design. It’s a powerful workstation wrapped in a sleek and relatively portable package. While it comes with a premium price tag and a few minor drawbacks like the need for dongles, it’s an excellent choice for professionals and power users who demand the best. If you need a large screen and uncompromising performance for demanding tasks, the XPS 17 9720 is definitely worth considering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Dell XPS 17 9720 good for gaming?

    While the Dell XPS 17 9720 comes with dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, it’s not primarily marketed as a gaming laptop. It can certainly handle many modern games at decent settings and resolutions, especially the configurations with higher-end GPUs. However, if gaming is your top priority, you might find dedicated gaming laptops offer better cooling and higher refresh rate displays at a similar price point.

    What is the battery life like on the Dell XPS 17 9720?

    Battery life varies depending on your usage. For light tasks like browsing and word processing, you can expect several hours of use. However, demanding tasks like video editing or gaming will drain the battery much faster. The large 97Whr battery is respectable for a laptop in this class, but don’t expect all-day battery life if you’re pushing the hardware.

    Does the Dell XPS 17 9720 have a touchscreen?

    Yes, you can configure the Dell XPS 17 9720 with a UHD+ (3840 x 2400) touchscreen display. There’s also a non-touch Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) option available.

    How many USB ports does the Dell XPS 17 9720 have?

    The Dell XPS 17 9720 typically features four Thunderbolt 4 ports. These ports use the USB-C connector and support DisplayPort and Power Delivery. There are no traditional USB-A ports directly on the laptop.

    Can I upgrade the RAM and storage in the Dell XPS 17 9720?

    Generally, the RAM and SSD are user-upgradeable in the Dell XPS 17 9720, but it’s always best to check the specific configuration details. Accessing these components usually involves removing the bottom panel. However, it’s recommended to consult the service manual or a qualified technician if you’re not comfortable with hardware upgrades.

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