@atom:
Firstly, I want to preface this reply by saying that my views and opinions are not representative of Notebookcheck as a whole. However I feel as though I need to reply to you regarding this conclusion.
It would be understandable if your examples were actually telling the full story -- but they are not. Firstly, you have to understand that the vast majority of our scores are almost directly determined by the mathematics of our measurements. Just take one look at the categorical breakdown: it alone should speak volumes as to the editor's qualitative judgment of each item, as well as to how the math affects the final score. It is crucial to recognize that *a machine does not have to have explicit flaws to be less than perfect*. In other words, a machine that has no significant cons can still wind up with a 70-80% in a category where another machine receives a 90% in that same category, because while the first machine is good in that category, the second machine is simply better.
So enumerating explicit items where you feel, based on reviews you have read, that one device easily tops another, and comparing the number and magnitude of those items (as judged subjectively of course) is not an accurate way of judging the scores each machine should have received by way of our metrics. Our reviews take us literally dozens of hours to produce; the condensed version of our opinion that we deliver -- in as detailed fashion as possible, nonetheless -- is still not wholly representative of our total judgment of each of these categories. We certainly do our best, of course, but that is why the categorical breakdown exists: to more explicitly summarize the particulars of our findings during our time with a product.
But even if you wish to compare specifics, there are indeed other shortfalls of the Surface Book as compared with the XPS 13. Even reading the final paragraph of Allen's (excellent) review should shed some light on this:
"Do we recommend the Surface Book over a traditional notebook? Anyone who is already set on a detachable-type notebook should consider the Microsoft solution as it is a serious contender for replacing an aging Ultrabook. However, users who have little interest in the dGPU or mostly use their computers for browsing, word processing, and multimedia playback will find lighter, thinner, and less expensive solutions in the form of newer Ultrabooks with potentially more features."
The XPS picks up the slack in these explicit categories. To quickly traverse:
- USB Type-C / Thunderbolt; 3 total USB versus 2 on Surface Book
- Very significant price difference
- Maintenance is far easier on the XPS
- The XPS 13 is far quieter while hardly any warmer at all under operation
- Better battery life
- Weight-to-screen ratio is greatly in favor of the XPS
- Somewhat better audio on the XPS
Of course, ultimately, it is up to the consumer to make the decision based on their own unique set of needs, intended use, budget, and so on. Our reviews are merely meant as an impartial guide, as scientific as possible and yet as insightful and practical as we can muster -- so if the 4% difference the two editors of these reviews perceive to exist is not what you would judge to be case based on your own impressions of our findings, you are, of course, more than welcome to act on your own judgment and purchase whichever you choose.
They are both good machines, as indicated by our final scores of each. It would be hard to truly go wrong with either choice. But for many people, the XPS may be a better option.
I hope this helps.
Steve
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