Dell XPS 12 (2016) Review: Core m-Powered 2-in-1 Laptop Convertible
XPS 12 Introduction and Specifications
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...
|
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.