The Dell XPS 14 9440 is proof that a laptop can be over designed and also well built. Dell has taken the radical design that it debuted with the XPS 13 Plus two years ago and applied it to the larger 14- and 16-inch models in its premium XPS series. The XPS 14 and XPS 16 effectively replace the long-standing XPS 15 and 17 lines.

Based on a 14.5-inch display powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and optional RTX 4050 graphics, the XPS 14 9440 features the unique design elements we first saw on the XPS 13 Plus: a borderless touchpad, a flat keyboard with little to no spacing between the keys and a Function row made up of touch-sensitive icons. In addition to the striking design, the XPS 14's machined-aluminum body feels rock solid. It's unquestionably well put together.

As much as I like the look and feel of the XPS 14, a few aspects of its design trip me up. For one, I would happily give up the row of icons above the keyboard for physical Function keys, even if it meant the overall design looked a little less streamlined. Similarly, the lack of a cut-out or lip on the front edge of the laptop may aid the XPS 14's minimalistic look, but it also makes it difficult to lift the lid with one hand. The minimalist aesthetic also results in a minimal selection of ports. With two great display options and an option for RTX 4050 graphics in addition to its head-turning looks, however, the XPS 14 holds appeal for creatives with an eye for design.

Dell XPS 14 9440

Price as reviewed	$2,099
Display size/resolution	14.5-inch, IPS, 1,920x1,200 pixels 9F6YV 09F6YV Dell XPS 9440 2K 120Hz Non Touch Screen Assembly Complete Platinum 500Nit Low Blue Light
CPU	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Memory	16GB DDR5 RAM
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050
Storage	512GB SSD
Ports	3x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, microSD card, combo audio
Networking	Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
Operating system	Windows 11 Home 23H2
Weight	3.8 pounds (1.7 kg)