The Dell XPS13 is a premium laptop with an improved design, making it faster and more convenient to use. It‘s a plus package that is worth the extra cost.
Dell XPS 13
Premium models often seem like a cynical way to squeeze more cash out of customers who already have it and just don’t care.
However, the Dell XPS 13 isn’t one of them. The improvements made to the design and internal components are genuine benefits, making it a faster and more comfortable-to-work-with laptop.
Overall, this upgraded laptop is one of the best computers of 2022, and you’ll be able to learn more about it on our site.
Reasons to Buy
- Performance and battery improvements
- Large keys and a built-in trackpad make for comfortable typing.
- Gorgeous OLED screen
Reasons to Avoid
- There are only two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
- No headset socket
Price and Availability
The Dell XPS13 is available now, priced from £1,169 (AU$2,349).
The top-of-the-line model, with an Intel Core i7-1280p CPU, 32 GB of RAM, and a 4K display, costs $1,899 about £2,048.99 or AU$ 3,854.
We have reviewed all the best laptops and their accessories on our website. Don’t forget to check them out.
Design and Features
Dell claims the XPS13 is about minimalism rather than looking flashy, and it’s true. The whole look of the Carbon is about making the features on this computer simple and easy to use.
Key Tops
The new XPS 13 has larger key tops that extend almost to the edges of the screen and replaces the traditional F1 through F12 buttons with touch-sensitive controls on the display itself.
Larger keyboards are a big advantage because they mean that individual letters are easier to find for people who type by touch alone.
Space
There are no gaps between the laptop screen and the edges of the laptop case.
They’re not perfect, but they’re definitely better than traditional keyboards. You won’t feel any edges when typing on them.
Function Keys
The function key has been redesigned. It now features a glass panel where there used to be a small row of buttons.
It doesn’t replace the Touch Bar on older MacBooks; it simply replaces the F1 through F12 keys. Normally, the light behind these panels shows the functions you’ll often see on the top rows of laptop keyboards, such as Escape, Volume, Screen brightness, etc.
Gorilla Glass 3 Panel
Speaking of things that take some getting used to: the usually recessed touchpad is gone, replaced with one hidden under the Gorilla Glass 3 panel on the bottom of the keyboard tray.
It may be surprising, but this trackpad feels good when you push down for a mouse click, even if there aren’t any actual switches underneath.
Processor
The internals of its new design has also been improved. It now features a faster processor than before and has a beefier cooling system with larger fan blades.
Battery
That plus a larger capacity makes it slightly heavier, at just under 3 pounds without the charger. And that’s another upgrade – a 60-watt USB-C charger is included that supports fast charging (Express Charge 2.0), so it can fully charge the phone in about two and a half hours.
Ports
With two Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) port connectors, one on each side, you get external connectivity and an internal 60W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 port for charging devices.
As with the standard XPS 13 laptop, there is no headphone jack, but Dell has included an audio cable for connecting headphones. Don’t lose it when going on vacation.
Conclusion
The “Plus” in the Dell XPS13 isn’t just a marketing gimmick. The redesigned keyboard, touchpad, and internal components make for a premium experience that feels like a step up from an XPS 13.
Of course, that means you’ll pay a bit more than the standard Dell XPS 13.
Is that worth it?
For most people, the Dell XPS 13 isn’t a bad choice at all. You’d probably be better off buying more RAM or storage space instead.
However, the new design is undoubtedly cool, with minimalist aesthetics that will attract people who value style and substance but aren’t willing to pay a lot for it.
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