Dell’s XPS laptops have always been lustworthy machines with excellent hardware, great build quality and attractive designs. The newly announced XPS 13 2-in-1 is no exception – Dell’s latest convertible features all the updates from the main lineup, and even surpasses them in certain areas.
The new laptop’s screen marks a return to the 16:10 aspect ratio, offering a little more height than standard 16:9 displays. Standard resolution and Ultra HD options are available – either 1920 x 1200 or 3840 x 2400. All models are touch capable and compatible with the Dell Active Pen system. Dell’s vaunted 2.25mm HD webcam is featured at the top of the screen bezel where it belongs.
Intel’s latest 10th generation Ice Lake processors are on offer for the new laptop, and buyers can choose from the i3-1005, i5-1035, or i7-1065. Intel says the new processors will be twice as fast, and support WiFi 6 and Thunderbolt 3 data transfer – which you can actually use, due to the XPS 13 2-in-1’s WiFi 6 chip and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports. The processor is cooled with Dell’s vapor chamber system, which should keep the processor running fast under a heavy workload.
On-board memory options range from 4GB all the way up to 32GB of DDR4x RAM. Storage is handled on solid state drives with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of space.
Battery life on the new laptop should be decent thanks to a 51WHr battery, and charging it back up is easy with an included Type-C charger which you can plug into either side of the machine.
The materials used should make for an ultra-premium feel – the chassis is fully aluminium, with a carbon fibre palm rest on the black model, or polished glass fibre on the white model. Gorilla Glass 5 protects the screen from any fateful accidents. Overall the machine weighs just over 1.3kg – slightly heavier than the non-convertible model.
Larger keycaps and a bigger touchpad improve the input experience. The keyboard has the latest version of Dell’s MagLev system – the manufacturer says the new keys are softer and quieter.
Availability
All this hardware isn’t cheap, but it’s cheaper than you might expect. The Dell XPS 2-in-1 starts at US$999, or around $1450 in local currency converted. Of course, once you start increasing the specs it’s likely to get pricey quickly, but the cost is in line with other high-end laptops.
Dell Australia has confirmed that both Dell XPS models will be coming to Australia; as follows:
- The new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 will be available in August starting price to be confirmed.
- The new Dell XPS 15 will be available for purchase June 25th starting at $2,199.
