Dell's XPS 15 is proof that iterations-no matter how small-still matter. Externally, even owners of the previous XPS 15 would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between new and old.

For the last couple of years, the Dell XPS 15 has been the standard-bearer for Windows 10 laptops. With powerful quad-core processors, dedicated graphics and a sub-£2,000 price, this is the machine that takes it to the top-end 15-inch MacBook Pros.

Stylish design; Great CPU and GPU performance; Good battery life; Excellent screen

A little heavy; Could do with another ThunderBolt port; Noisy fans

As long as you stay near an AC outlet, Dell's sleek desktop replacement beats Apple's MacBook Pro for graphic artistry and office productivity. (Psst: And 1080p gaming, too.)

Speedy performance; Stellar 4K display

Lackluster battery life; Low-angle Webcam

In the last few years laptops have polarised. We see plenty of high-end gaming laptops that will give you back-ache if you carry them around for too long, and a lot of ultra-slim ones that trade away some power for portability.

Great build; Plenty of power; Decent battery life; Amazing display colour

But it's not all-day battery life

The Dell XPS 15 is a fantastic laptop and a no-brainer purchase for anyone who wants a laptop that lives primarily on a desk at home or in the office. It's cheaper and more highly specc'd than a MacBook Pro and makes far more sense to buy than something like a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 .

Incredible 4K screen; Very powerful; Tidy size for a 15-inch laptop

It loves fingerprints; Only two USB ports

The DELL XPS 15 (6845sLV) is a high-end laptop that is a perfect replacement for desktop, and that's a funny place to be. It strikes a sweet spot between form and function, while still remaining functional for complex computing needs.

Attractive design; Strong performance; Great audio

Can run hot sometimes

How do you go about making the ultimate 15in Windows laptop For Dell, the formula turned out to be disarmingly simple: take the smaller XPS 13, make it bigger, add a discrete GPU and a gorgeous 4K display, and Bob's your uncle.

Premium look and feel; Stellar 4K InfinityEdge display; Core i7; SSD; DDR4 is a potent mix; GTX 960M has some gaming potential; Comfortable keyboard and trackpad; Keeps quiet during everyday use

Disappointing battery life; 4K upgrade is pricey; Webcam position not ideal

D ell has scaled up the elegant carbon-fibre and metal design of the XPS 13 to create the company's most stylish 15in laptop yet. Throw in the latest quad-core Skylake processors, Nvidia graphics and the option of blazingly quick NVMe SSDs, and the Dell XPS 15 is ready to do serious damage to your...

Consider the bezel. That humble landing strip of plastic or metal that frames the screen in almost every high-tech device. Televisions have largely done away with the the wide bezels of old, at least in mid-price and better sets, extending the screen nearly all the way to the very edge for a...

An eye-catching 15-inch 4K display in a nearly bezel-free frame; plus high-end processor and graphics options; all in a slim; professional-looking body

The better configurations can cost a lot; while the keyboard could be bigger and the touchpad has a floaty feel

Better suited for use on your desk rather than on the road, despite Dell's best intentions, but still a good laptop

Stylish; Sturdy; Extremely bright; high quality screen; Fast; Comparatively light and compact

Keyboard and battery life could be better