Dell gave its XPS laptop an overhaul last year, but there have been some refinements in 2019. This year's XPS 13 laptop looks the same as the 2018 model, however, there has been a few improved features that attempt to do away with some of the downsides of the previous generation.
The "wrong" harped on the most since the inception of the XPS line is the up-nose webcam. The strange webcam placement has been a mainstay on the XPS 13 for some time now. Finally, Dell has managed to stick a custom made webcam inside the top of the XPS 13's display.
Those who don't use laptop webcams may roll their eyes at this change, but it's an important one to call out especially when discussing Dell's newest edition of its laptop. With all these, Dell is hoping it has created a near-perfect Ultrabook.
Look and feel
The new model is with a frost-coloured lid, which features the same woven as the last year's model. The devices also come in a black carbon-fibre model with a rose-gold lid. The texture of it is pronounced giving it a pleasant tactile feel that's just smooth enough not to interrupt your daily use of the machine. The extra touch makes it feel more comfortable and this has made it somehow a default alternative to the MacBook Air for windows lovers.
Dell may use satin metallic finishes on the lid of the XPS 13 (like so many OEMs are doing now), but I appreciate the understated flair that the woven fibreglass gives the XPS 13. It's unique to Dell's premium line, and it prevents the machine from looking like just another metal slab.
Also, the 13.3-inch display comes in FHD non-touch, FHD touch, and 4K touch-panel options, providing users with some variety. Since this is the regular XPS laptop rather than the XPS 13 two-in-one, a touchscreen isn't necessary for some users.
Specs at a glance
Worst Best As reviewed
| Screen | 13.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Infinity Edge non-touch display | 13.3-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) Infinity Edge touchscreen | 13.3-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) Infinity Edge touchscreen |
| OS | Windows 10 Home, 64 bit | ||
| CPU | Intel Core i3-8145U | Intel Core i7-8565U | Intel Core i7-8565U |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR3 | 16GB LPDDR3 | 16GB LPDDR3 |
| HDD | 128GB PCIe SSD | 2TB PCIe SSD | 512GB PCIe SSD |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | ||
| Networking | Killer 1435 802.11ac 2x2, Bluetooth 4.1 | ||
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports (PowerShare DC-In, DisplayPort, 4 lanes of PCI Express Gen 3), 1 USB Type C 3.1 port (PowerShare DC-In, DisplayPort), headset jack, Noble lock slot, microSD card slot | ||
| Size | 11.9 x 7.8 x 0.46 in (302 x 199 x 11.6 mm) | ||
| Weight | 2.7 pounds | ||
| Battery | 52Whr | ||
| Warranty | 1 year | ||
| Price | $899 | $2,309 | $1,709 |
| Other specs | The fingerprint sensor on the power button, four mics (Cortana use), Dell Cinema (Color, Sound, Stream), Dolby Vision support | ||
The device is designed to suit user needs, addressing the practical things one would worry when using a laptop. The placement of the webcam or the power brick may seem weird but those are real hassles and it feels nice to own a laptop to solve them.
The 2019 model of the Dell XPS 13 is all-round, and it is a sort of a relief to one of my biggest complaints about configuration choices or page downs instead of nose cams and unreliable keyboards. Dell has refined the laptop design, powered it up and made it better.