Choosing a laptop as a student isn’t just about picking a device with impressive specs; it’s about finding something that’ll support your academic life, fit into your budget, and hopefully, make studying a bit easier. The Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 is generating a lot of buzz thanks to its stylish design, powerful internals, and cutting-edge features, but is it right for you as a student? Here’s a closer look to help you decide.
Why Consider the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320?
When you’re picking a laptop for college, you need one that’s lightweight, durable, powerful, and—if possible—within budget. The XPS 13 Plus ticks a lot of these boxes, but it’s worth examining how it holds up for everyday student needs like note-taking, research, and even creative projects.
1. Designed for Portability: Ideal for Students on the Go
The first thing you’ll notice about the Dell XPS 13 Plus is how compact and lightweight it is, weighing in at only 2.77 pounds. This makes it super easy to carry around campus without weighing down your backpack.
The edge-to-edge keyboard and invisible haptic touchpad give it a sleek, modern look that doesn’t sacrifice functionality. And when you’re working in cramped spaces like a library desk or a coffee shop, this design maximizes every bit of space.
Real-Life Scenario
Imagine you’re on a packed lecture schedule, moving from classroom to classroom with barely a minute to spare. The XPS 13 Plus is small enough to carry comfortably all day without adding bulk, and its durable aluminum chassis means it can handle the wear and tear of campus life.
2. Gorgeous Display Options: Clarity and Color for Visual Work
The XPS 13 Plus’s 13.4-inch display comes in a variety of resolutions, from Full HD+ to 4K OLED with touch functionality. If your studies involve visual work—think art, design, or media studies—the OLED screen’s vibrant colors and deep blacks are ideal.
- Full HD+ Display: Great for day-to-day tasks and offers longer battery life.
- 4K OLED Display: For those who love high-resolution clarity and immersive visuals, perfect for creative projects or streaming in style.
For students, a quality display doesn’t just make coursework easier to read; it makes video lectures more enjoyable and helps if you’re working with images or graphics. Plus, the anti-reflective coating means you can study comfortably both indoors and outside.
3. Power Under the Hood: Multitasking Made Easy
Thanks to 12th Gen Intel Core processors and up to 32GB of RAM, the XPS 13 Plus is built for serious multitasking. This is particularly helpful if you’re juggling multiple applications or running heavy software, whether it’s editing videos, analyzing data, or compiling code.
- SSD Storage: The high-speed solid-state drive ensures quick boot times, which is a lifesaver when you need to pull up lecture notes or start on an assignment fast.
If you’re studying engineering or digital arts, you’ll appreciate that this laptop can keep up with software like Adobe Creative Suite, MATLAB, or CAD programs.
Performance for Different Majors
Let’s say you’re a journalism student working on video projects, or a computer science major coding for hours. The XPS 13 Plus delivers the speed and stability you need without bogging down, making it a solid choice across disciplines.
4. Battery Life That Keeps Up with a Busy Schedule
One of the biggest concerns for students is battery life. The XPS 13 Plus can last up to 12 hours with optimized settings, depending on the display type and tasks. This means you can make it through a full day of classes without constantly searching for an outlet.
Plus, with Dell’s ExpressCharge, you can power up quickly during a lunch break or between classes. This is a practical feature for students who are always on the go.
5. Innovative Features for Productivity and Security
Dell’s XPS 13 Plus doesn’t just stop at a good design and performance—it includes features that enhance productivity and security.
- Capacitive Touch Function Row: A new touch bar replaces traditional function keys, allowing for easy toggling between media controls and system functions.
- Haptic Feedback Touchpad: An invisible touchpad with haptic feedback feels responsive and offers a seamless experience.
- Windows Hello Security: With facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, logging in is secure and fast, ideal for students who frequently use shared networks on campus.
6. How It Compares to Other Student-Friendly Laptops
To see if the XPS 13 Plus is worth it, let’s quickly compare it to other popular laptops for students, like the MacBook Air M2 and HP Spectre x360.
| Feature | Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 | MacBook Air M2 | HP Spectre x360 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5/i7 | Apple M2 | Intel Core i5/i7 |
| Display | 13.4″ Full HD+/4K OLED | 13.6″ Retina | 13.5″ Full HD/OLED |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 13 hours |
| Weight | 2.77 lbs | 2.7 lbs | 3.0 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | macOS | Windows 11 |
| Price Range | Premium | Premium | Moderate to Premium |
The MacBook Air M2 is a great alternative if battery life is your top priority, while the HP Spectre x360 offers more port options. However, the XPS 13 Plus shines with its sleek design, powerful performance, and Windows compatibility, which can be helpful for certain software requirements.
7. Buying Tips for Students
- Discounts: Dell frequently offers student discounts and financing options, making it easier to budget for a premium laptop.
- Refurbished Models: For savings, consider Dell’s certified refurbished models, which often come with the same quality guarantees at a lower price.
- Accessories: Due to the limited ports, a USB-C adapter might be useful for connecting peripherals, and a protective case can add extra durability.
8. FAQs for Students Considering the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320
Q1: Is this laptop suitable for engineering or graphic design students?
A1: Yes, the XPS 13 Plus has the power to handle specialized software like CAD or Adobe Creative Suite, making it a strong choice for these fields.
Q2: Does it require adapters?
A2: With only two Thunderbolt 4 ports, you may need a USB-C adapter to connect additional devices or use HDMI connections.
Q3: Can the Dell XPS 13 Plus handle light gaming?
A3: While it can manage casual games, it’s not a gaming laptop, so it may struggle with high-end graphics-heavy games.
Conclusion: Is the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 Worth It for Students?
If you’re after a premium laptop that’s built for portability, power, and longevity, the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 is certainly worth considering. Its beautiful display, top-tier processing power, and sleek design make it ideal for students who want a laptop that can handle both academic work and personal projects. Although it’s on the pricier side, the XPS 13 Plus can be a valuable investment, likely lasting you through your college years and beyond.
For students who prioritize performance and aesthetics and need something that can take on both daily tasks and more demanding assignments, the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 may be the perfect fit.
