Dell made waves at CES 2024 this week by unveiling a completely revamped XPS laptop lineup, headlined by the innovative new XPS 13 Plus. Featuring new designs, upgraded internals, and built-in AI capabilities, the new XPS models generated significant buzz among tech enthusiasts.
Dell Bids Farewell to XPS 13 Plus, Introduces Reimagined XPS 13
The original XPS 13 Plus, launched in early 2022, was an experiment in minimalist design. Devoid of visible ports, a visible touchpad, and even physical function keys, it polarized audiences with its extremely stripped-down aesthetic.
Now, Dell is going back to the drawing board with a more conventional yet still completely redesigned XPS 13. Dubbed the XPS 13 9340, it brings back physical keys and ports while retaining a focus on sleek aesthetics.
Key XPS 13 9340 Specs
- 13.4" touch display (FHD+ or 3K OLED)
- Latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors
- Integrated Intel GPU options
- Up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM
- Up to 2TB PCIe SSD storage
- 1080p webcam with temporal noise reduction
- Wi-Fi 6E support
With smaller bezels, a rebranded “Arctic White” color scheme, and 100% recycled or renewable packaging, the new XPS 13 balances innovation with familiarity. Reviewers praised Dell for listening to feedback while still pushing boundaries. The reborn XPS 13 shakes off the shadow of its Plus-branded predecessor with aplomb.
Enter the New Flagships: XPS 14 and 16 Wow on First Impressions
The show-stealers of Dell’s CES lineup were clearly the newly introduced XPS 14 and Dell’s first-ever 16-inch XPS laptop.
Made of CNC machined aluminum with Gorilla Glass covers, these larger variants of the XPS provide creators and power users the performance they crave. The XPS 16, in particular, delivers desktop-caliber specs like Nvidia RTX 40-series graphics, up to a Core i9-13950HX CPU, and a next-gen OLED touch display with dizzying 3456 x 2160 resolution.
Reviewers were blown away by the tall 16:10 aspect ratio displays, immersive audio, and extensive port selection. Clearly optimized for getting work done on the go, the larger chassis of the XPS 14 and 16 allow for beefier cooling and battery capacity as well.
XPS 14 9440 / XPS 16 9640 Highlights:
- 14.5" / 16" displays with 16:10 aspect ratios
- 91.2% / 92.9% screen-to-body ratios
- Intel Core i7 and up CPUs
- Integrated Xe or RTX 30/40 graphics
- Up to 2TB SSD, 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 80Whr battery capacity
- SD card reader, USB-C/A, HDMI 2.1, headphone jack
With their optimal balance of performance and portability, reviewers expect the XPS 14 and 16 to become favorites of creative professionals needing power and flexibility in a stylish package. The XPS brand has staked its claim in larger form factors to take on Apple and other PC rivals.
AI and Sustainability Take Center Stage
While supercharged specs understandably garnered plenty of attention, there are two other major themes that anchor Dell’s next-generation XPS lineup:
1. Integrated AI Capabilities – All new XPS models feature “Intelligent Audio” for noise cancellation and audio enhancing, “ExpressConnect AI” for intelligent network management, and will offer the upcoming “My Dell” AI app for intuitive system monitoring and optimization. Dell is leveraging Intel’s Vision Boost AI capabilities as well for intuitive functions like auto-framing on video calls. These enhancements promise to boost productivity via seamless, personalized experiences tailored to end user behavior.
2. Sustainability – In line with Dell’s overarching Planet Positive initiative, the company emphasized sustainability across all aspects of design and manufacturing for its new XPS lineup. This includes recycled materials, renewable packaging, Energy Star 8.0 compliance, EPEAT Gold registrations, and advanced thermal innovations to reduce energy consumption. Dell is walking the walk when it comes to more eco-friendly and responsible tech production.
With AI and sustainability squarely on Dell’s radar, the new XPS models aim to provide ethical, intelligent experiences without compromising on power or aesthetics.
What This Means for the Future of Premium Windows Laptops
Dell’s sweeping 2024 XPS revamp has set the bar high for other PC makers looking to compete in the ultra-premium category. Apple has enjoyed outsized mindshare here for years via its universally acclaimed MacBook Pro lineup. For too long there hasn’t been a clear Windows alternative for those needing power plus versatility in a lightweight chassis.
The new XPS 14 and 16 appear ready to fill that void – delivering speed, graphics horsepower, excellent displays and audio, and extensive I/O options. Dell may have just set the blueprint for the ideal portable workstation. If early reviews are any indication, Apple, HP, Lenovo and other rivals have their work cut out for them in providing a compelling M1/M2 MacBook alternative.
With Dell embracing multiple form factors from 13 to 16 inches, combined with integrated AI and sustainability gains, consumers now have a real multi-purpose Windows laptop threat to consider versus Apple’s offering. The XPS lineup covers all bases elegantly while still feeling cohesive across its different screen sizes.
Dell has earned glowing early marks by listening to user feedback while pushing into bolder territory. The refined yet daring approach of the 2024 XPS family points to a bright future for Dell and Windows laptop innovation alike. We’ll know more once full reviews are published, but things are off to a scintillating start.
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