$699 XPS 13 debuted at Computex as Dell’s lower-cost push into premium-looking laptops, with an all-metal chassis and a 2.2-pound design that undercuts Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo on size and weight.
13.4 inches of touchscreen display and a backlit keyboard give Dell feature advantages over the 13-inch Neo, even after cost cuts that swap in a more basic keyboard layout and mechanical touchpad.
Intel’s new Wildcat Lake platform powers the base model launching this month, while Dell is also planning higher-end Panther Lake versions around July.
17 hours is Dell’s estimated battery life, but real-world performance remains the main unanswered question until benchmark testing is available.
Dell is positioning the machine at students and other budget buyers, betting that build quality and portability can justify its $100 premium over Apple’s entry MacBook.