Dell XPS 12 (2016) Review: Core m-Powered 2-in-1 Laptop Convertible
XPS 12 Introduction and Specifications
The 2-in-1 and convertible PC space has changed significantly over the past couple of years. What was once a cluttered mess of kludges is now a well-defined market segment packed with refinement, power, and plenty of options. You could partially credit Microsoft's Surface line for making 2-in-1s an object of desire, but it's also products like the Dell XPS 12 that make today's line-up of convertible devices so much more interesting.
Dell's XPS 12, which was first announced last fall, is just as capable as a laptop as it is a tablet. That's no small feat, and it's multifaceted abilities are largely due to Dell's top-shelf keyboard cases. Though it's engineered as a tablet first, the 12.5-inch display means that it's probably a little large to be used full-time as a slate for most people. We'd expect buyers of the XPS 12 to use it as a laptop in clamshell mode most often, and as a slate only when the need arises. So, why buy a machine like this instead of a straight-up ultrabook? For one, it may save you from buying and managing two devices and the ultra small form factor may be an attractive option for ultra-portability as well.
Let's give you a quick tour of this svelte machine and then we'll dive in a bit deeper on the pages ahead...
Dell officially dubs the XPS 12 a "2-in-1 laptop," not a "2-in-1 tablet." Tablet sales have plateaued, and you could argue it's because of the refinement and general attractiveness of the latest-generation of 2-in-1 devices. In the pages ahead, we'll explore how the XPS 12 functions as both a tablet and notebook, how Windows 10 suits the hardware, and if the XPS 12 is worth the investment.
Dell's XPS 12, which was first announced last fall, is just as capable as a laptop as it is a tablet. That's no small feat, and it's multifaceted abilities are largely due to Dell's top-shelf keyboard cases. Though it's engineered as a tablet first, the 12.5-inch display means that it's probably a little large to be used full-time as a slate for most people. We'd expect buyers of the XPS 12 to use it as a laptop in clamshell mode most often, and as a slate only when the need arises. So, why buy a machine like this instead of a straight-up ultrabook? For one, it may save you from buying and managing two devices and the ultra small form factor may be an attractive option for ultra-portability as well.
Let's give you a quick tour of this svelte machine and then we'll dive in a bit deeper on the pages ahead...
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| Processor: | 6th Generation Intel m5-6Y54 processor (4M Cache, up to 2.7 GHz) |
| Operating System: |
Windows 10 |
| Display: | 12.5-inch FHD 1920x1080 or 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) Touch Display |
| Video Graphics: |
Intel HD Graphics 515 |
| Storage: | 128GB or 256GB SATA SSD |
| Memory: | 8GB LPDDR3 DRAM at 1600Hz |
| Audio Support: |
Stereo Speaker, Dual Microphones, High Definition Audio with Waves MaxxAudio Pro |
| Camera: | 8MP world-facing webcam, 5MP user-facing webcam with dual array digital microphones |
| Networking: | 2x2 802.11ac wireless + Bluetooth 4.1 Miracast capable |
| Ports: | Thunderbolt 3 (x2); Headset Jack (1); SD card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC); Noble Lock
|
| Battery: | 30Whr Inbuilt Battery |
| Weight: | 1.75 pounds (tablet only); 2.8 pounds with mobility base |
| Dimensions: | Tablet: Height: 0.31 inches (8mm) / Width: 11.46 inches (291mm) / Depth: 7.6 inches (193mm) Tablet + mobility base: Height: 0.63-0.99 inches (16-25mm) / Width: 11.46 inches (291mm) / Depth: 7.8 inches (198mm) |
| Price: | At Dell $999 - $1399 |
Dell officially dubs the XPS 12 a "2-in-1 laptop," not a "2-in-1 tablet." Tablet sales have plateaued, and you could argue it's because of the refinement and general attractiveness of the latest-generation of 2-in-1 devices. In the pages ahead, we'll explore how the XPS 12 functions as both a tablet and notebook, how Windows 10 suits the hardware, and if the XPS 12 is worth the investment.
