Dell’s XPS 13 2-in-1 is now a real tablet, for better or worse
Dell’s XPS 13 2-in-1 is now a real tablet, for better or worse
I loved Dell's previous XPS 13 2-in-1, but it was in an odd spot in the company's range.
The normal XPS 13 was usually the better deal, as it offered superior performance for the money unless you absolutely wanted the 360-degree hinge. However, due to the exposed keyboard and ungainly form, the XPS 13 2-in-1, like many flip-flop style laptops, never seemed quite right as a tablet.
Dell is taking a different approach with the new XPS 13 2-in-
1. Dell is taking a different approach with the new XPS 13 2-in- And by "different," I mean that it's now essentially simply a tablet, albeit one with an optional (sighs) iPad-style keyboard case.
The 'Folio' cover allows you to hold up the display in three different positions (100, 112.5, and 125 degrees). I've never been a fan of fixed-angle settings because the angles rarely feel correct to me, but I imagine people get used to them with time.
Meanwhile, the stylus, which is also optional, is attached to the device's top. Hopefully, the magnet that holds it in place is powerful enough to prevent you from losing your stylus a week after you get it.
Intel's 12th Gen U-series i5 and i7 chips, each with 10-core CPUs, power the gadget. While you may be concerned about the performance constraints of a tablet form size, Intel hasn't made such a significant leap between generations in a long time.
If you're upgrading from an older laptop, this latest generation of Intel chips — which employs an ARM-like combination of high-power and high-efficiency cores — provides a significant performance boost; multi-threaded performance has increased by up to 70% at the same power level as the 11th generation, let alone older chips.
While there were tradeoffs with the former XPS 2-in-1 design, I am concerned about the new form factor's idiosyncrasies.
I prefer a Surface-style kickstand to a keyboard case since kickstands are more customizable and less prone to collapse under strain or when used on the lap.
On the bright side, the XPS 13 2-in-1 now has a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is clearly the best.
If you're curious, this isn't the first time Dell has attempted to create a tablet XPS; the XPS 12 was a thing back when. We'll have to wait and see if the new XPS 13 2-in-1 is more successful, but we don't know when it will be available.
Despite my worries, I believe the switch to a tablet form factor is (mainly) for the better, even if it is just to set the 2-in-1 apart from the rest of Dell's lineup. Hopefully, the tablet will be good enough — and the price cheap enough — to make the separate keyboard and stylus unnecessary.
The basic XPS 13 — not to be confused with the more powerful XPS 13 Plus — is also getting an update, as is the rest of Dell's lineup. It's in a smaller, more compact package than ever before, with a lower-wattage processor to keep thermals under control.
Still, thanks to Intel's recent performance boost, it should provide adequate performance, and it now supports 5G. The new XPS 13 is available right now for $999.
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