TEST: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
with your existing USB peripherals. The upside is that the USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 3, so they are versatile and future-proof. As for connectivity, you get Wi-Fi 6.
The keyboard is potentially contentious. It uses what Dell calls its “next-gen Maglev”. It’s a mechanism that uses magnets to control actuation and provide feedback. According to Dell, the new XPS 13 2-in-1’s keys have about 0.7mm of travel, but because of the magnets, it can create the sensation of a keyboard with greater travel. To me, they feel eerily similar to Apple’s muchcriticised butterfly switch keyboards. There is a strong tactile feel to the keys, but they also have little travel and bottom out easily, especially if you type with heavy strokes like I do.
The trackpad, on the other hand, is commendable. Compared to its predecessor, the trackpad has gained about 0.7mm in width and height. While that may not sound like much, it actually means a 19% increase in size. In the real world, it’s a much more usable touchpad, especially if you are the kind who likes to use a lower cursor speed. It’s also a Precision trackpad, so it’s fast, fluid, and responsive.
Performance is where the XPS 13 2-in-1 excels. Compared to its rivals with similar specifications, like the HP Spectre x360, the XPS 13 2-in-1 was about 15% overall faster in graphicsintensive workloads and in gaming. It also recorded very impressive scores on benchmarks like PCMark 10 and Cinebench R20.
In fact, the XPS 13 2-in-1 recorded the highest Cinebench scores out of all the ultraportable notebooks that we have tested so far.
At 50Wh, the XPS 13 2-in-1 doesn’t have the largest battery, but its battery life was commendable. In our tests, which simulates everyday use with web browsing and video conferencing workloads and with the brightness set to 100%, the XPS 13 2-in-1 lasted a respectable 5 hours and 11 minutes.
Overall, this new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is a massive step up from its predecessor. It retains much of the svelteness but is much more usable because of a fullfat Core processor. It’s pricey, but you get a high level of fit and finish, great performance, and decent battery life. The only thing to note is the keyboard, so be sure try it out at a store first if you can. Still, all things considered, it’s truly is one of the best ultraportable notebooks you can buy.
CONCLUSION Pricey, but you get a high level of fit and finish, great performance, and decent battery life.