Dell XPS 12 (2016) Review: Core m-Powered 2-in-1 Laptop Convertible

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.