Dell introduced the Inspiron XPS, its first gaming notebook aimed at enthusiasts. Dell told reporters that serious gamers can expect ultimate performance, a customized XPS look, and for the first time on a Dell notebook, an onsite upgradeable graphics option for a future graphics engine update. The product will list at $2,849.00.

Unique Look
New for Dell, the Inspiron XPS is designed to look distinctly different than other systems in the line. The notebook will come with one of three exclusive personalization QuickSnap color kit options that customers can use to cover the entire back of the product including Cipher (green and purple), Skullz (black-and-white skull-and-bones) and Plasma (red and black). In addition, each system will come with an exclusive backpack designed for the XPS.

Upgradeable Graphics
Offered for the first time on Dell notebooks, the Inspiron XPS will feature a graphics upgrade option. When a  customer purchases the upgrade, available at a later date, a Dell technician will be dispatched to install the graphics card at the customer's home. The service is based on the customer's schedule which eliminates the need to send the system back to Dell and experience unnecessary downtime.

Additionally, Inspiron XPS customers will have dedicated tech support. Dell also works with hardware vendors and game developers so that specific issues can be resolved.

"We tasked our Inspiron XPS development team with creating a notebook that pulled out all of the stops to achieve an ultimate level of mobile performance," said Gretchen Miller, director, Inspiron product marketing, Dell. "The result is a product that looks great and packs a performance punch. The Inspiron XPS is capable of taking on the requirements demanded by gamers and enthusiasts and will be supported by some of the best technicians in the industry."

Specs

• -Intel Pentium 4 and Pentium 4 Extreme Edition both at 3.4GHz

• 512MB to 2GB DDR RAM at 400MHz

• UXGA UltraSharp Wide Aspect Display (15.4-inch)

• ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9700 128MB

• 10/100/1000 Ethernet, integrated 56K(b) v.92 capable modem

• Optional integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b/g or 802.11a/b/g) and BlueTooth capability

• DVD+RW/+R(c)

• Choice of Hard Drives: 60GB (7200 RPM), 80GB (5400 RPM)

• Integrated subwoofer

• Ports include four USB 2.0, one S-Video Out, one IEEE 1394 port and integrated DVI port

• One PC Card slot

• 96-watt Hour Lithium Ion battery

• Optional second hard drive and floppy disk drive

• Included choice of 1 QuickSnap Color Kit cover

•  Exclusive XPS backpack