Dell has introduced an updated XPS 13
Dell has updated its popular XPS 13 notebook model to make it even thinner and lighter. The new Dell XPS 13 uses 9-watt Intel 12th generation processors, while last year’s model was equipped with 15-watt 11th generation chips. According to Dell, the new processor can also run at 12 watts, which should provide high performance, but with greater energy efficiency.
At launch, Dell offers two versions of 10-core Intel i5-1230U or i7-1250U with Iris Xe graphics, 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR5, and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSDs.
Dell has also managed to create a motherboard that is 1.8 times smaller than last year’s model. It is noteworthy that this is also the most compact motherboard ever created by the company. The new platform is so efficient that it only needs one fan to cool the entire system.
Dell says the fan may be noisier than the previous version, but when running at full power, it should be quieter for typical use. The reduction in the motherboard, in addition to the ability to dissipate more heat, gave Dell more internal space in the case to install larger speakers, as well as a larger battery, which should provide up to 12 hours of autonomy.
As for the displays, the new model will not receive the version with an OLED display. Dell XPS 13 is offered with IPS-screen InfinityEdge with an aspect ratio of 16:10, and the ability to choose a touch panel 4K UHD + (3840 x 2400 pixels) or FHD + (1920 x 1200 points) in a sensor or normal configuration. According to Dell, the display provides 100% sRGB color space coverage and 90% DCI-P3.
In addition, the laptop platform includes support for WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless modules.
The Dell XPS 13 webcam has also been updated to separate the infrared and RGB sensors so that, according to the company, the user looks better in low light, and although Dell has finally put the camera in the right place above the screen, it still has a resolution of 720p.
This model also adds Dell ExpressSign-In technology, which uses a proximity sensor in combination with a Windows Hello facial recognition webcam to determine when a user is in front of a laptop. This allows you to automatically log in or block it when the user leaves the laptop.
The XPS 13 keyboard is surrounded by the same tinted metal as the outside of the case – no more carbon fiber or glass. And unfortunately, the laptop also lost the headphone jack. The box has a 3.5 mm USB-C adapter, but it will also take one of two USB-C ports.
The laptop is 13.9 mm thick and weighs only 1.17 kg compared to 14.80 mm and 1.19 kg in its predecessor. The new XPS 13 is already available in the US and Canada, starting at $999 with Windows 11 or $949 per version for developers with Ubuntu 20.04.