The XPS 12 is a convertible laptop with a pair of configurations, but however its set up, it’s powered by an Intel Core m5-6Y54. That’s a dual-core Skylake chip with Hyper-Threading, a base clock of 1.1GHz, and a Turbo Boost of 2.7GHz. It’s not the fastest chip in the world, but paired with 8GB of RAM, it’s no slouch either. It’s also supports fanless operation, so the system should basically run silent.
Moving away from the CPU and RAM, the two systems start to look increasingly different. While both displays are touch-sensitive, the basic model is a 1080p panel, while the upgraded model boasts 4K UHD resolution. Although no pen is included, Dell says the screens are pressure-sensitive and compatible with the brand’s existing active stylus. Along with the display upgrade, the hard drive is also upgraded from 128GB to 256GB.
Despite the small size and convertible design, the Dell doesn’t skimp in areas where it really counts. Standard 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1 are bolstered by a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports, which support USB 3.1, battery charging, and monitor output, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack and a full-sized SD card reader. The detachable base includes a backlit chiclet keyboard, as well as a precision glass touchpad, a move that’s becoming increasingly popular on smaller systems and 2-in-1s.
The base model of the Dell XPS 12 costs just $1,000, while the upgraded 4K version runs only slightly more at $1,300. That’s a very budget-friendly price, especially when taking the display resolution and decent specs into account. The Dell XPS 13 is already a winner, and it’s likely the XPS 12 will be as well.
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