Dell has given the XPS 13 a significant makeover. Along with performance enhancements, the 2018 model receives an upgraded design that further enhances its capability as a small but powerful laptop.
The new XPS 13 is thinner, lighter and faster. Already the world's smallest 13.3-inch laptop with an 11-inch form factor, Dell has trimmed the XPS 13's InfinityEdge display's borders to just 4 mm. This translates to a screen-to-body ratio of 80.7 percent. With dimensions of 11.9 x 7.8 x 0.46 inches, the new XPS 13 is 24 percent smaller than last year's model. It is also lightweight at just 2.7 pounds.
Aside from the standard black/silver model, the new XPS 13 is now available in a rose gold/white color. This model features a rose gold machined aluminum chassis with an alpine white glass fiber woven into the palm rest. There is also UV and stain-resistant coating to prevent stains or yellowing over time.
The Dell XPS 13 (2018) is powered by an eight-generation Intel Quad Core chip. It is available with either the Core i5-8250 or Core i7-8550U central processing unit (CPU) alongside Intel UHD Graphics 620. The premium laptop can also be configured with either 4, 8 or 16 GB of random-access memory (RAM) and 128, 256, 512 GB and 1 TB of solid-state drive (SSD) memory.
According to Dell, the new XPS 13 52 WHr battery provides up to 20 hours of power for the FHD model and up to 11 hours for the 4K UHD model. Compared to last year's model, the laptop is able to provide double the performance thanks to the new Dell Power Manager. This program customizes battery life, charging, thermals and acoustics as well as monitors the device's temperatures.
The XPS 13 is also available with Gore Thermal Insulation for the first time. This provides heat resistance, ensuring that the laptop won't overheat even after prolonged use.
As a Windows 10 device, the XPS 13 comes with an infrared camera, digital microphones and an optional fingerprint reader embedded on the power button. These provide facial, voice and touch recognition via Windows Hello and Microsoft Cortana.
The Dell XPS 13 (2018) is now available to purchase with a starting price of $999.99. There is also a Linux-based model with a price tag of $949.99.
