The Dell XPS 12 was one of the first legitimately good Windows 2-in-1 devices. Its unique display swivels within its frame, making the switch between notebook and tablet as quick as it is intuitive. Yet Dell hasn’t redesigned the system since its release in 2012, and it’s now outclassed by thinner competitors.
A new model is coming to rectify that. We heard rumors of it early last month, when leaks indicated the new system would have a 4K, thin-bezel Infinity Display, and would ditch the swivel frame design for a more conventional keyboard dock. The leaks also said the new XPS 12 will feature a stylus, and 8MP rear-facing camera, a 5MP front-facing camera, and support both Thunderbolt 3 and USB Type-C.
Now, thanks to a post on Dell’s Malaysian website, we know even more. A “coming soon” post there indicates that the new model will connect to its keyboard dock with a magnetic connector, similar to the Google Pixel C and Microsoft Surface 3. Users will be able to choose from two keyboard dock options. One is extremely thin and light, while the other bulks up to add an extra USB Type-C port, two USB 3.0, and HDMI. The stylus will be an active digitizer pen, as well.
The other specifications outline the XPS 12 as a high-end system. A 1080p screen will be standard, while the 4K model will use IGZO technology and pack 352 pixels into every inch. Core M processors provide hardware power, RAM will be available in 4GB or 8GB quantities, and M.2 SATA solid state drives will provide storage. The battery will have 30 watt-hours of capacity, which frankly seems a bit small – I doubt the new model will significantly outperform the old one in battery life tests.
We still don’t know how much the new XPS 12 is going to cost, but given the specifications, it seems likely it’ll be in the neighborhood of $1,000 to start, and $1,300 or more for the deluxe, 4K model. That’s a lot, but it’s in line with other premium 2-in-1s – don’t get your hopes up if you have less than a grand to spend.
Availability also remains an unknown. But, given that this came from a “coming soon” page, it’s reasonable to expect we’ll see it this holiday season.
