Dell updates XPS 13 with 1080p display

By Matthew S. Smith January 7, 2013

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Check out our review of the Dell XPS 13 ultrabook.

Dell’s XPS 13 debuted at last year’s CES and was one of the better premium ultrabooks on the market. However, its display was its one serious flaw. The XPS 13’s resolution of 1366 x 768 was quickly surpassed by a variety of competitors like the HP Spectre and ASUS Zenbook.

The display will be rectified later this month with a minor refresh of the XPS 13 that includes optional 1080p. The upgraded screen is an IPS panel and will provide both better viewing angles and a higher maximum brightness than the standard 1366 x 768 display.

No other major changes have been announced as part of the refresh. Processor options include Intel Core i5 and i7 processors with Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics. A 128GB solid-state drive is standard and can be upgraded to a 256GB model. One option that’s still missing is touch, but Dell offers the convertible XPS 12, which is similarly priced.

Pricing for the upgraded display is not yet announced. We expect it to fall between $150 and $200 on top of the starting price. Consumers will be able to grab the display upgrade in late January.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Dell

Matthew S. Smith

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Matthew S. Smith is the former Lead Editor, Reviews at Digital Trends. He previously guided the Products Team, which dives…

Computing

This Dell XPS 15 laptop with 32GB of RAM is $745 off right now

Dell XPS 15 9530 front view showing display and keyboard deck.

For the longest time, the top slot of our best laptops collection was filled by a Dell XPS laptop, specifically a Dell XPS 13 or Dell XPS 15. They're a pair of favored laptops from a really favored brand around here and an instant recommend when someone wants a laptop. In fact, you'll still find one of these models on the list today. But new generations are sprouting from the Earth and the Dell XPS 14 and 16 are the new face of the XPS line. What that means for the future of Dell laptops and the Dell XPS line is yet to be seen. What it means for the patient consumer is a different story, however. Now is the time to get deep discounts on what was, until just recently, one of the best laptops around. For example, if you tap the button below, you'll find a Dell XPS 15 that's $745 off, knocking its price down to $2,149 from $2,894. Keep reading for a refresher on why we're so excited about this.

Why you should buy the Dell XPS 15
This Dell XPS 15 rocks the same general design that the Dell XPS 15 line has for quite some time, with a solid chassis and responsive keyboard. This version, which has an OLED display is described, in our Dell XPS 15 review, as being a screen that "provides the colors and contrast to please productivity users, creators, and media consumers alike." It should be noted that, in this very same review, the top complaint included price (alleviated by the sale) and a lack of design changes from previous models (not a true negative on well-designed products). All in all, if you haven't had a Dell XPS 15 yet, meaning you aren't itching for a significant upgrade on your existing Dell XPS 15, this is a very solid buy.

Computing

Missed it last time? Dell’s $599 XPS 13 deal is back again

The Dell XPS 13, open on a table in front of a window.

With the arrival of the new Dell XPS 13, the previous-generation Dell XPS 13 was on sale for just $599 in January and February. We thought the offer for $200 off from the laptop's sticker price of $799 was gone, but it's back as part of a clearance sale from Dell. If you missed the chance at getting the device with a discount for the past couple of months, you wouldn't want to waste this opportunity. To make sure that you pocket the savings this time around, you better push through with the purchase immediately.

Why you should buy the Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS reset brings a new Dell XPS 13, but the previous-generation Dell XPS 13, which is powered by the 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and 8GB of RAM, is still a worthwhile purchase today. It's more than enough to tackle your daily tasks for work or school, and its 13.4-inch Full HD+ screen is small enough to maintain portability but sharp enough so you'll get a clear look at your projects. The laptop is also sleek and stylish, which makes it stand out among other options with the same size.

Computing

Dell’s clearance sale has an XPS 13 for $599 and $700 off the XPS 17

Dell XPS 17 9720 front angled view showing display and keyboard deck.

With the new Dell XPS 13, the Dell XPS 14, and Dell XPS 16 arriving with the Dell XPS reset, there's currently a clearance sale on the outgoing model of the Dell XPS 13 and the soon-to-be replaced Dell XPS 17. Dell is selling the Dell XPS 13 with a $200 discount that slashes its price to $599 from $799, while the Dell XPS 17 is $700 off for a lowered price of $1,699 from $2,399. We're not sure how much time is remaining before these laptop deals get taken offline though, but with stocks probably already running low as the new Dell XPS laptops are on their way, you're going to have to make your purchase as soon as possible if you don't want to miss out on these bargains.
Dell XPS 13 -- $599, was $799

The Dell XPS 13 has been a mainstay in our roundup of the best laptops over the years, and while this particular model will soon be replaced, it's still a worthwhile purchase. It offers fast and smooth performance with its 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and 8GB of RAM, which will make it a reliable device for tackling your daily tasks. The laptop also features a bright and colorful 13.4-inch screen with Full HD+ resolution, and it ships with Windows 11 Home pre-installed in its 256GB SSD so it's ready for you to use as soon as you unbox it. The Dell XPS 13 is extremely portable, so if you need a laptop that you can use while you're on the move, this is the device that you'll want to purchase.