The new Dell XPS 13 offers premium build quality and a high-resolution display at a $700 starting price, though its limited 8 GB of RAM hinders overall multitasking performance.

Key Points

• The Dell XPS 13 features a 2560 x 1600-resolution, 120-Hz touchscreen, aluminum chassis, and dual 10-Gbps USB-C ports.
• It is powered by the new Intel Core 5 320 processor, which provides solid multicore performance and up to 15 hours of video playback.
• The base $700 model includes only 8 GB of RAM, which struggles to handle modern Windows 11 background tasks and browser-based multitasking.
• A 16-GB RAM configuration is available for an additional $200, significantly improving the laptop's usability and overall value.
• The device lacks a dedicated headphone jack but includes a 1080p webcam with an IR sensor for Windows Hello authentication.

Why it Matters

The Dell XPS 13 serves as a direct Windows-based competitor to the MacBook Neo, offering superior hardware features like a touchscreen and faster refresh rates. While the base model is hampered by insufficient memory, the 16-GB version stands out as a top-tier option for consumers seeking a premium sub-$1,000 laptop.