Dell XPS 12

Dell XPS 12 Review: A Convertible Ultrabook

The Dell XPS 12, released in 2013, is a convertible ultrabook designed to provide the best of both worlds: a laptop and a tablet. With its premium build quality, high-resolution display, and solid performance, it aimed to cater to professionals and users seeking versatility in their devices.

Design & Build

  • Premium Materials: The XPS 12 featured a sturdy aluminum chassis and a carbon fiber bottom, giving it a sleek and high-end feel. It measured 11.8 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches and weighed around 3.35 pounds, making it relatively portable for a convertible device.
  • Flip-Hinge Design: The standout feature was its innovative flip-hinge design, allowing users to easily switch between laptop and tablet modes.

Display

  • 12.5-inch Full HD Display: The device boasted a 1920×1080 resolution touchscreen, providing excellent color accuracy and sharpness. The IPS technology ensured wide viewing angles, making it ideal for presentations and media consumption.

Performance

  • Processor Options: The XPS 12 came with various Intel Core processors (up to i7) and up to 8GB of RAM, delivering strong performance for multitasking and productivity tasks.
  • Storage: It featured SSD options ranging from 128GB to 512GB, ensuring fast boot times and quick access to files.

Battery Life

  • Good Battery Performance: The XPS 12 offered up to 8 hours of battery life, which was suitable for a full day of work or study. However, heavy usage could lead to quicker depletion.

Camera

  • 720p HD Webcam: The front-facing camera was decent for video calls, though it was not particularly noteworthy compared to higher-end devices.

Connectivity

  • Solid Port Selection: The device included USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort, and a card reader, providing good connectivity options for peripherals and external displays.

Software

  • Windows 8: The XPS 12 ran on Windows 8, offering a touch-friendly interface and access to a wide range of applications from the Windows Store. The laptop also supported a traditional desktop mode for more familiar navigation.

Keyboard & Trackpad

  • Backlit Keyboard: The XPS 12 featured a comfortable backlit keyboard that provided good tactile feedback, making typing enjoyable even in low-light conditions.
  • Responsive Trackpad: The trackpad was precise and supported multi-touch gestures, enhancing usability.

Conclusion

The Dell XPS 12 was a well-rounded convertible ultrabook that successfully combined style, performance, and versatility. It was ideal for users seeking a high-quality device for both work and entertainment.

Pros:

  • Premium build quality with a sleek design
  • High-resolution display with great color accuracy
  • Strong performance for productivity tasks
  • Versatile flip-hinge design for different usage modes

Cons:

  • Weight may be slightly heavier for a tablet
  • Battery life could vary with intensive use

Overall, the Dell XPS 12 was a solid choice for users looking for a stylish and capable convertible device that could adapt to various tasks and environments.