Dell XPS 13 and XPS 13 Developer Edition: Key Differences Explained
The Dell XPS 13 and XPS 13 Developer Edition are similar in many respects, but they offer distinct features and cater to different user needs. This article will help you understand the key differences between the two models, particularly focusing on their operating systems, software support, and target audiences.
Operating System
The first and perhaps most notable difference between the Dell XPS 13 and XPS 13 Developer Edition lies in their pre-installed operating systems.
Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 typically comes with Windows pre-installed. This makes it ideal for users who primarily work in a Windows environment. If you choose to, you can also install other operating systems such as Ubuntu. However, the primary focus is on ensuring a seamless experience with the Windows operating system.
XPS 13 Developer Edition
The XPS 13 Developer Edition comes with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed. This version is specifically optimized for developers and tech enthusiasts who prefer a Linux environment. The Linux setup offers better compatibility with software development tools and libraries commonly used in open-source software development.
Software and Drivers
The choice of operating system also significantly affects the software and drivers available for these laptops.
Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 is designed to work with Windows, and drivers and software are tailored for this environment. While Dell provides support for various Windows applications, you may find that some Linux-specific software and libraries have less support in comparison.
XPS 13 Developer Edition
The XPS 13 Developer Edition comes with drivers and software specifically optimized for Ubuntu. This ensures that all hardware components work seamlessly out of the box. Dell supports Linux-related issues, making it easier to troubleshoot any compatibility problems you might encounter.
Target Audience
The intended user base for these two models also differs significantly.
Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 is aimed at a wide range of users, including general consumers, professionals, students, and even gamers. It is designed for versatility, making it suitable for day-to-day tasks such as productivity, media consumption, and light gaming.
XPS 13 Developer Edition
On the other hand, the XPS 13 Developer Edition is specifically targeted at developers and tech enthusiasts. It offers a robust Linux environment that is perfect for coding, software development, and testing. This version is designed to meet the specific needs of developers who require a powerful and flexible computing platform.
Hardware Specifications
Both the Dell XPS 13 and XPS 13 Developer Edition typically share similar hardware specifications, including processor options, RAM, storage configurations, and display options. However, there are some notable differences and variations depending on the model and region.
Processor Options
The XPS 13 Developer Edition typically offers only i5 and i7 processor options, whereas the Windows version offers i3, i5, and i7 options. This means the Developer Edition is more focused on providing a powerful, multi-core experience for development work.
Wireless Cards
For the Skylake version, the Developer Edition included an Intel wireless card, while the Windows edition typically used a Broadcom wireless card. In the Kaby Lake version, both models have most of the same specifications, with the Developer Edition offering only i5 and i7 processors.
Depending on the region, there might be different choices for the processor, storage SSD, and RAM. However, the most significant differences in hardware are in the processor options and wireless card.
Conclusion
Summarily, the main differences between the Dell XPS 13 and XPS 13 Developer Edition lie in their operating systems and target audiences. The regular XPS 13 is best suited for users who primarily work in a Windows environment, while the Developer Edition is designed for those who prefer a Linux-based setup and require a powerful environment for development work.