Powered by Intel Skylake processors, Dell’s new XPS hybrids and notebooks include features such as Thunderbolt 3 ports and select aspects of the Latitude line. The products are designed for ‘power users’, for both productivity and entertainment.
The XPS 12 hybrid (12.5″0 and XPS 13 (13.3″) and XPS 15 (15.6″) notebooks will be compatible with next year’s Latitude docks, when they are released. In addition, they have security features from the Latitude line.
Despite being relatively small for a convertible, the XPS 12 has an UltraHD display option (1920 x 1080 as standard). Due to the thin bezel, Dell calls these ‘Infinity Edge Displays’ – a feature also found on the XPS 13 and XPS 15.
Dell has tried some different design features with the XPS convertibles in the past, and the new XPS 12 adds another one: magnets. Like the Surface line from Microsoft, magnets hold the (chiclet) keyboard and tablet together. However, this means that there is no hinge, and the screen cannot be repositioned once the keyboard is attached.
Two USB-C ports are featured, and Dell will provide a USB-C-to-USB-A adaptor in the box. The tablet runs on a Core M processor, with 8GB of Ram and between 128GB and 256GB of storage. Pricing will range from $1,000 – $1,300 when it is released in mid-November.
Dell has refreshed the XPS 13, introduced at CES this year, with Intel Core Skylake processor, 4GB – 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. In addition, the laptop now features USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) ports. It has 1920 x 1080 or 3200 x 1800 resolution and battery life has been improved to 18 hours and 14 minutes (1920 x 1080).
Dell’s most powerful new release is the XPS 15 – the first of its size with an Infinity Edge display. While 1920 x 1080 resolution is standard, the UltraHD unit covers 100% of the Adobe RGB gamut – reinforcing Dell’s idea that this is a machine for professionals.
Models with an HDD (up to 1TB) will have a 56W battery; those with an SSD (1TB) will be able to fit in an 84W battery (boosting battery life to 17 hours with a 1920 x 1080 display). Core i3 – i7 processors, up to 16GB of RAM and discrete graphics (GTX 960M) are installed.
Dell is selling the XPS 13 and XPS 15 now, starting at $800 and $1,000, respectively.
