What Makes Dell’s XPS 13 a Worthy Hybrid Laptop Contender

Dell’s XPS 13 2-in-1 hybrid laptop is one in a multitude of new PC models that Dell and other PC makers are introducing at the Computer Electronics Show 2017.

The Dell XPS 13 is a two-in-one hybrid, which means it can be used both as a tablet and a laptop. It also comes with a touch-screen and when placed in a tent-like position can be used as a display screen so users can view content without having to hold it.

Arguably the biggest new feature in the XPS 13 is its edge-to-edge display. The feature, called the InfinityEdge, makes the screen look as though it spills off the edge of the case to maximize screen real estate and minimize bezels. The screen measures 13.3-inches diagonally and offers up to a 3,200-by-1,800-pixel resolution and a 170-degree viewing angle. It can accept 10 simultaneous touch-points.

Dell XPS 13 customers will be able to choose between seventh-generation Intel Core i processors. The device ships with an Intel Core i5 processor, though customers can choose a processing speed of up to 3.2GHz. Those who want Intel Core i7 power can get clock speeds up to 3.6GHz.

The XPS 13’s graphics processor isn’t all that impressive. The computer ships with the Intel HD Graphics 615, a chip that will do a decent job for work-a-day computing chores but won’t be able to handle graphics-intensive applications. It’s a bit of a disappointment.

The XPS 13 ships with Windows 10 Home, which isn’t ideal for business users. However, Dell gives customers the option to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for additional performance and security. It would be nice to see Windows 10 Home out of the box, but since this is a mainly a consumer product, Windows 10 Home will work fine.

The Dell XPS 13 delivers impressive battery life for most users. According to Dell’s own benchmarks, the computer can last up to 15 hours on a single charge for standard use. Those who want to watch continuous video should be able to get up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge.

The Dell XPS 13 comes with support for the Dell Active Pen, a stylus offering 2,048 levels of precision and lets users write on the screen to annotate a PDF, take notes and more. The stylus is sold separately, however, so those who want the feature should be ready to spend a bit more.

In general, the Dell XPS 13 is a nicely portable device. It weighs 2.7 pounds regardless of the components customers choose and measures just .3 inches at its thickest point. The Dell XPS 13 should be easy to carry around.

Dell offers several accessories to go with the XPS 13, including an adapter that lets users connect to projectors, TVs, Ethernet and more, all at the same time. Those who want to keep the computer safe should consider the Dell Premier Sleeve 13 case. The Hybrid Adapter and Power Bank is an external power source. And of course, there’s the Dell Active Pen.

As of this writing, the Dell XPS 13 is ready to ship in just a few days. While the computer comes with an affordable $1,000 starting price, customizations will quickly increase the price. A nicely equipped option, for instance, will cost customers $1,400.