Dell: The rise of XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1
The new XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1 are even more versatile than ever
Throughout Dell’s storied history, the goal of the Xtreme Performance System series, or XPS, has always been about three main deliverables: Premium Design, Ultimate Experience and Innovation.
Indeed, even as Dell continues to blaze trails, those goals remain clear. Case in point, the updated XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1.
So, what makes a Dell XPS?
Speed, power, versatility, portability - the list goes on. But to sum it up? Professionalism.
Ever since its first iteration, the XPS series has focused on accommodating to professionals. That hasn’t changed with the updated models. The latest branches on the XPS family tree now ship with newer and faster processors and comes with an updated webcam as well. Let's have a look at these in detail.
Multitask with confidence
First off, the new models run with the new Intel 10th-gen Core processors (both Ice Lake and Comet Lake variants), enabling them to keep up with the most demanding projects and computing operations without compromise. These processors are Intel's most efficient quad-core mobile processors, more powerful integrated graphics engine dubbed Intel Iris Plus, incorporate Wi-Fi 6 support and have AI acceleration via Intel Deep Learning Boost, thus making them the best CPU options on the laptop market right now.
But for all their delicacy, these new laptops aren’t glass cannons. Not by far. Their sleek frames are tough as nails - comprising of materials like machined aluminium, woven glass fibre and even hardened Corning Gorilla Glass 4. Durability? Please.
Seeing is believing
In an era of global communication, nothing represents that better than a video call. Be it a conference with executives or just mingling with family, the webcam has been a game-changer.
However, no one has changed the game as much as Dell. The new duo both feature the company’s tiniest webcam yet, measuring only 2.25mm across! Also, the webcam now features four lenses to provide amazing image quality comparable to a high-end smartphone. This is quite an achievement considering how slim the bezels are on the Dell XPS 13 and 13 2-in-1.
Bringing the cavalry...and everything else too
Size isn’t everything, especially where the display is concerned. It’s about performance too. Both the XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1 subscribe to a “less border, more pixels” mindset, and it’s embodied in their third generation InfinityEdge displays.
On top of that, there’s also an option for a 4K UltraHD HDR display too. This packs a 100% sRGB or 90% DCI P3 colour gamut, 500 nits brightness and 1500:1 contrast ratio for ultimate clarity and colour. After all, there’s no need to jostle for space if everything looks great from all angles, right? Oh, and the 4K screen option is also DisplayHDR 400-certified.
Now, what would good visuals be without the rest of the “crew” to accompany it? Packing Dell’s patented CinemaColor, CinemaSound and CinemaStream, as well as in-built Dolby Vision, the cinematic experience on demand is basically guaranteed. This is why HardwareZone recommends the Dell XPS 13 series as an ideal portable system to truly enjoy your movies.
Choosing a side
Here’s where it could get challenging. For you.
While both the XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1 pack similarly powerful features, for the most part, they still differ slightly in terms of who they cater to best.
On the surface, the 2-in-1 is arguably more versatile given its tablet capability. But looking deeper, the real question is: how useful will the tablet form be for me?
Professional creatives might find the 2-in-1 to be a better fit since inspiration often strikes on the go, during which a tablet would undeniably be more practical and convenient. Nevertheless, the 2-in-1 still provides an upgraded battery life from its original, able to offer more than 16 hours of runtime (using a 1080p screen, or up to 10 hours on a 4k screen) – that should be more than enough to last through those “quick sketching sessions”.
Meanwhile, for executives (and especially frequent travelling ones), it’s likely the opposite; the XPS 13 with its smaller footprint, thin and beautifully crafted design, could just be the better choice. As the cherry on top, it also has a better battery life compared to the 2-in-1 with up to 19 hours of productive usage time (subjected to configurations chosen). It’s arguably more suited for those long trans-Pacific long-haul business trips. Not to mention, without the more advanced hinges, touchscreen and the Dell Premium Active Pen, the XPS 13 is also the more affordable variant.
Designed for professionals, useful for everyone
Whether you choose the XPS 13, or XPS 13 2-in-1, you can be sure that both are professional powerhouses, and designed for suchlike. Their performance in other, more casual areas such as media streaming should not be underestimated either.
After all, that 10th-gen Intel Core is capable of way more than just punching numbers into an Excel sheet. It’s also good for watching videos, surfing the net, and scrolling through PowerPoint presentations. Simultaneously. In fact, the XPS 13 2-in-1 with its powerful Iris Plus graphics offered through Intel's Ice Lake Core i7 processors, you could comfortably game on several popular games too. The effects of the 10th-gen core actually “bleed” over to other aspects of the laptop, such as battery life and Wi-Fi connectivity, among other things. All this on top of the InfinityEdge displays and beautifully crafted designs – it seems almost too good to be true.
But why take our words for it? Head on down to the Dell stores at Plaza Singapura, Funan Mall or NEX and have a go at both the XPS 13 or XPS 13 2-in-1 laptops personally.
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