XPS 17 (2021) Review 

Much better performance this year. but the terrible QC on the trackpad needs to end

“There was a dongle but i lost it” the first ever accurate dongle review.

Dave is like the father who's disappointed by his favorite kid, Dell.

I have the last year model, been using it more that year already, all I can say, I love it! The trackpad, I stopped caring since I feel much more comfortable with the MX Master 3 mouse!

No one does reviews like Dave. Always on-point, always balanced and fair. Truly appreciate you brother.

Can’t forget that time Intel executives literally admitted Dell is the best partner money could buy

I recommended an xps 9500 to my dad because of the good reviews and the amazing design. He had to get it replaced twice because of weird quirks, and of the 3 machines he had all of them had the trackpad issue. He had to get the palmrest assembly replaced on the 3rd unit to fix it because the replacement process was taking too long and he couldn't return it. So many reviewers brushed over the trackpad or didn't even mention it, and it turned out to be a major problem that year. If you get a defective product from dell, return it, dont replace it. When you replace it the 30 day return window is still based on that original machine so if you get lemon after lemon and eventually decide enough is enough, you're stuck with it. Returning it and buying it again ensures you have 30 days to find any quirks on each new replacement.

Upgraded my old 2018 model XPS to the latest despite trackpad QC issues. Received my Dell XPS 15 9510 today and low and behold, I lost the QC lottery. Initially it was weirdly “sticking” below the click threshold causing missed clicks, then it just flat out stopped registering clicks altogether before I could even finish installing Windows. Honestly, really disappointing from such an expensive machine. One click with this trackpad would have immediately made it obvious that something was wrong, yet this one got the green light from Dell. Dell wants to send a technician to my house to replace the unit. In the long run it seems they’ll make it right, but it’s not the kind of experience you’d hope to have out of the box with a $2k+ laptop..

Dave: Explaining the device in detail Me looking at the background: Ah yes, fisch

6:32 ah yes, the high quality camera shots we all love from Dave.

dave 2020 : 'thums if u like it, subs if u..." dave 2021 : 'faulty laptop? Send that sh*# back'

I have an XPS 13 bought in 2018 and it's been amazing, no issues with anything at all, including trackpad. Just bought the XPS 17 9710 and waiting on the edge of my seat for delivery. Thanks for the really great review Dave, all the detail I needed to make my decision, just hope I'm lucky with the trackpad.

There are definitely corporate reasons why there is no AMD option.

It's really cool to see how Dave's background keeps evolving in every video!

Love you Dave. He's so matter-of-fact and straight to the point. You tell me exactly what I need to know. Thanks

Love the mic drop on the end of this video. It’s why I keep coming back to these videos long after I bought my laptop.

"Send that sh*t back." But how do you _really_ feel?

How does dell continue to have quality control issues with every release

Dave, that perfectly-timed snare hit to censor your curse was fantastic

Dave, been watching you from day one. You deserve all your subscribers. Keep up the great work, and remain impartial!

Dell needs to introduce QHD screens, they're the perfect resolution for laptops imo. It's a great balance between high pixel density and battery life

Dell’s relationship with Intel is quite lurid; when the antitrust case against Intel was in full swing, corporate emails were shared wherein Intel discouraged Dell and its other customers from buying AMD, back when the latter were kicking Intel’s ass with AMD64 and the K8 architecture. Intel is still using dirty tactics to avoid broader AMD adoption.

Awesome review… love the way you simply cut the clutter and jump straight to the point without being offensive… I bought the fully specced out last year model and am generally happy with it.. it gets hot in regular applications and works better when placed on a laptop pad. Bad webcam period for the thousands of dollars I paid.. battery life could be better.. like you said AMD option would just knockout all laptops in this segment out of the park.. i hope the touch screen has full atylus support and a 180 degree or 360 degree hinge

Dave, you are one of the rarest reviewers who is really trustful and I really like the way you try to support your subscriptions honestly. U R the best (specially since the table came back to videos 😂😁) MoPo from Iran.

Got an XPS, partially on reference from this channel. On the whole, great machine, but absolutely +1 on the trackpad issue. It's something you work with so much that it can ruin the user experience. To the point that if I don't have a mouse on hand, I do not like using the computer. As someone coming from a MacBook, the difference is truly night and day.

For how pricy this is, it should be flawless. The fact that the trackpad issue keeps popping up on the XPS line is baffling. Dell either doesn’t care or doesn’t know what they’re doing.

Love your reviews Dave! Straight to the point and unbiased!

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. We have learned a great deal today.

I just revieved my Xps17 from last year. It dropped in price significantly after the new one was released and the changes were only internal. I'm in love with this device and I had no quality issues at all.

Hey Dave, just letting you know there are really a very less number of genuine reviewers, and you're one of them, so we love you and trust you.

I really enjoy your videos. Very concise and the setting is very eye pleasing. But what I like the most is your diction! I am not a native English speaker and I understand every word you speak. Thank you!

Thank Dave so much. Every year I come back to check XPS on your channel. It is impressive every year! I want to buy a new XPS but my XPS 2016 is still working now. LOL

Dell really needs attend to this track pad issue. Especially on this tier of product. The trackpad on my Dell G5 5500 was the worst track pad I have ever experienced period! I bought my wife a mid tier Acer Laptop and the track pad is amazing!

I adore you videos, sir! Please consider adding chapters to your videos. This is just a kind suggestion from one of the individuals that watches all your videos.

That chair has always fascinated me please make a review of it Dave!

I have to say, the XPS line is definitely one of the weirdest. I own an XPS 17 9700 from last year, I bought it after the whole charging issue thing was fixed and was lucky enough to win the QC lottery with the trackpad, so it's been one of the best devices I've ever used - and I've used a lot. It's a damn shame that they can't seem to get the QC right so that everyone can have the same experience, though.

So happy you talk about the XPS ! Your reviews are always ahead and well thought !

I still remember back in 2010 when I got my first REALLY nice computer. After saving for a couple of years before going to college, I got myself a 15" MacBook pro with a top of the line for the time dual core processor. It's still bonkers to me that modern, high performance notebooks have up to 8 cores while getting good battery life. It's amazing.

Great videos, you just got yourself another subscriber 👍👍 keep up the great work it’s much appreciated🤗

I just upgraded from the hp envy 13, which had a rattling trackpad, to the xps 15 9510 and I have absolutely no complaints! I love it's feel, the wrist rest is so smooth and feels great, no rattle in the trackpad, which is huge btw, great keyboard, solid speakers, and an awesome screen!

Haven't bought a Dell since 2011 when I got burned by their awful QC. Some things never change!

At this point, the rattle is a feature.

I bought a top spec unit of the 17-in, and it showed up with trackpad issues, they sent a technician out to replace the trackpad seven times, and then replace the entire laptop two more times, and then sent out another technician another three times, and every single one of the replacement track pads they installed had the same issue. As much as I love the laptop and for how good it was, I ended up going with something else as the trackpad left clicks never really seemed to register, and the palm rejection because of the wobble was terrible. Glad to see a reputable RU-vidr finally covering this issue.

Great review!!! I orderd mine with FHD and 1tb of sof a ge and I was worried I made a mistake with the resolution. However I feel a lot better about the FHD option after watching this :)

The lack of an AMD option was a totally missed opportunity...

Steve was an unexpected surprise :)

The absolute master of video thumbnails

I ordered one of these on Friday and I'm so excited to see how it works when I receive it 😊

Still no AMD options this year, disappointing indeed

My brother’s brand new XPS 15 has a horrible trackpad. Trying to convince him to send it back 🤦‍♂️

Hi Dave! Thanks for the amazing coverage as always. Have you seen if the XPS 15 has incorporated the Vapor Chamber cooling this year?

Dave‘s editing is so damn smooth!

"Dave is the most handsome RU-vidr" Change my mind

"Dell is the best friend money can buy" Actual quote from Intel

Dave Dave Dave, why cant other RU-vidrs be like you lol. Thank you for the great video and more importantly for giving an honest no BS/marketing review. Legend!

ur vids are at another level. I Feel lucky to live at this time . thanks bruh

Amazing that Dell hasn't fixed this a year after the original released. Got mine sept last year. No trackpad issues thankfully.

I just got my Dell XPS 9710 with the exact same configuration in this video last week. My trackpad is perfectly fine and everything seems to work great so maybe I just got lucky

I remember Dave moving into his new studio telling us all how he never really liked that table and it wasn’t his style. Dave2D and his table are iconic, ain’t no getting rid of that haha

that ending where the censor was lined up with the music cue was so satisfying.

6:31 ah yes high quality tech videos.

Thanks for addressing the trackpad issue. I can't believe Dell still hasn't fixed this!

Dave is always very honest in products reviews 🙏🏻

Your background/place is frekin amazing dude. Can we have a house/office tour or something?

Still haven't fixed the track pad? Such a shame, I have last years model and it's a pain in the ass. I managed to patch it a bit so it's not so obnoxious but it still does it a little.

I got an XPS 15 when it released last year, and the trackpad was loose. I didn't mind honestly cause I use a mouse most of the time. It somehow fixed itself after about a month, I don't know how or why, but it's not loose anymore and works perfectly. Not defending Dell, but it's my experience and it's been good.

I just love your content!!! You're one of the best and one of the realest!!!!!

Great video! I would love to see amd in an xps, or at least in another great, top of the line thin and light with a bright screen, small bezels and big trackpad

Great review, Dave! Can you elaborate on the thermal capabilities of the XPS 17, particularly the use of the i9 processor? How much hotter will the chasis run with the i9, and how much performance is sacrificed if selecting the i7?

The game changer with the 1080p versions of the Dell XPS are the bezels for me. I just dont understand why they can be as clean without sticking out like the ones of the models with touch function, i just dont get it.

Nice review as always. i am anticipating your review on Alienware X-series

Photoshopped dongle on palm is classic! Great video and review.

I was close to buying this last year, but Dell's quality control with the trackpad pushed me in the direction of the Macbook Pro 16. It stinks because the XPS lineup is really the complete package

Well done. Dell shows the market what a screen and bezels should be look like. No God damn notch and rounded corners.

It's not just a lack of Numpad, but the general direction that dedicated special keys are missing. Like Home/End/PgUp/PgDn, which all need function key. And in normal typing you already need to combine them with Shift, for selection, forcing you to combine 3 presses to do some stuff.

I got my XPS 15 9500 5 months ago. I changed from macbook to XPS and dont regret it. Beautiful design and screen. I get consistent FPS when playing League, but league does not require much in terms of system. Also my trackpad does not wobble, thank god.

Ah yes qc issues and dell. Never gets old

I've always wanted an XPS since ages ago but I can't bear to part with my kidney...

I have the previous model of the XPS 17 (9700). From the start i experienced the performance issues where it performs very well, but after a while it starts to fluctuate. I found out that if you use something to raise the back of your laptop, this isn't any issue anymore.

As always i like your honest to goodness reviews dave! But can't help but wonder ...... Where the hell is OPTIMUS??? hahaha

It bums me out that the majority of flagship PC laptops are made out of such crap materials.These are the same price as Macbook pros, but without any of the hardy aluminium chassis. I work with a lot of PC and Mac parts and I'm always amazed just how flimsy the PC parts are in comparison to the Mac ones.

Dave, I need to know, what refresh rate does it support for external monitors? My 9700 supports 144hz but the 9710 with the 3060 should support 240hz right? Can't seem to find a 100% confirmation of this one way or the other

Just grabbed the UHD model today. Looking forward to using this for the next few years.

New subscriber! Currently deciding on whether to buy this laptop. I teach Interior Designers how to use SketchUp (3D software) and I’m going to launch a new V-Ray course soon (photo-real rendering). My own desktop is a custom build with dual Xeon processors and whilst he is the love of my life, I need something more realistic and reflective of my target audience usage, to test render times. Hello XPS 17 :) I was automatically opting for the i9 until Dave advised not to consider this (due to thermal throttle) and now I’m concerned that I’m not future proofing this laptop adequately. I’d love more information/comparisons on i7 vs i9 to back up Dave’s opinion here. Great review!

I wish they equipped the 17 with an OLED screen like they did the 15 this year.

"if the trackpad is wonky, send that $h!t back to dell" we will sir dave

watching your video with my 16 by 10 screen ratio and the black bars at the top and bottom reminded me of the old days when i used to watch 16 by 9 videos on my 4 by 3 CRT JVC lol

Awesome review mate. Thank you.

Dave keeps changing things the background of his video but will never put fish into his FISH tank

What convinced me to never go Dell again was my XPS back in 2016, after a year it got unusable from a glitchy trackpad, broken keys, swollen battery, and once-per-day blue screen. I can’t believe after 5 years Dell’s QC hasn’t changed much.

Dang Dave getting spicy lately, I love it

That dongle bit was super funny Dave...😂

When will the review of the MSI Z16 come out?

I was willing to drop about 1600 on an XPS 13. Decided to go for the 16gb MBA The QA on Dell products have been absolute shite

I have the XPS 15 unit. Went for the 1080p 64gb i9 version. I just upgraded from my shitty dell inspiron 15 that was about 10 years old so I can’t complain. It does get really hot even on low tasks so I recommend using it on a table. Wish there was AMD too but I see your point. I do hope I can use this throughout engineering school and beyond.

Nice video reviews just bought one 👍 If you don't mind, can you tell what model camera you are recording ?

LOL Dell QC, they didn't fix the most glaring issues.

The performance spike he told about occurred to my Dell G3 3500 while gaming. It runs at max clock speed of 4.2Ghz and after about 3-5 minutes, the clock speed drops to 1.5Ghz and again back to 4.2Ghz after some time . This cycle repeats throughout the gameplay and the game becomes unplayable during the performance drop. I thought it may have occurred due to thermal throttling but even at not so high temperature these performance cycle occurs.

Great Review. Your channel is my go to for Laptop review. you doing really great here. I am Currently in the market for a system. I preferably want the Dell XPS model. i do alot of motion graphics design and video editing. i play Fifa once in a while if am on break from editing. Please is it a wise decision to buy the Dell XPS from 2019 or save up and get the most recent models in 2020 or 2021? I would really appreciate advice from you all here, Please!

Awesome review! Looking to purchase either this XPS or the new HP Spectre X360 16 inch for graphic design. Do you plan to review that HP?