Dell XPS 13 Hits 2.2 lbs, 12.7mm Thin at $699

Key Takeaways

• The XPS 13 DX13260 weighs 2.2 lbs and measures 12.7mm thin, making it one of the lightest Windows laptops available
• Battery life hits 17 hours for video streaming, with Intel Core 5 or Core Ultra 7 processor options
• Starting at $699 ($599 for students), Dell is pricing aggressively against the MacBook Air

Dell announced the XPS 13 DX13260 at Computex 2026. It's the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop the company has ever made. At 12.7mm thin and 2.2 lbs, the new model undercuts most ultrabooks on weight while matching them on specs.

The bigger story is the price. Dell set the starting price at $699, with a $599 tier for students. That's a direct challenge to Apple's MacBook Air, which has owned the lightweight laptop market for years.

What's Inside the New XPS 13

Dell offers two processor options: Intel Core 5 (up to 4.6GHz) and Intel Core Ultra 7 (up to 4.7GHz). These are Intel's "Panther Lake" chips, designed for power efficiency in thin chassis. Memory goes up to 32GB, and storage tops out at 1TB.

The display is a 13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) LCD touchscreen with Dell's InfinityEdge bezels. It supports variable refresh rate from 30Hz to 120Hz. Dell also included Eyesafe technology to reduce blue light output.

"We didn't just want to make it smaller; we wanted to build something demonstrably better than the status quo, including a 120Hz display that our competitors at this price point lack," said Jeff Clarke, COO at Dell Technologies.

Battery life is rated at 17 hours for video streaming. Dell credits the power-saving display and efficient Intel processors. The company says you can get through a full workday of video calls without charging.

Dell's MacBook Strategy Shift

This launch marks a change in how Dell positions the XPS line. Previous XPS models competed at premium price points. The XPS 13 DX13260 targets students and professionals who might otherwise buy a MacBook Air.

The $599 student price is particularly aggressive. It undercuts Apple's education pricing and puts the XPS 13 in range of budget Chromebooks while offering full Windows 11 and significantly better specs.

What Reddit Users Are Saying

The announcement sparked debate on r/laptop and r/Dell. Users praised the value-to-performance ratio, especially at the $699 price point. The main concerns centered on port selection and whether such a thin chassis can handle thermal demands over time.

This skepticism isn't unfounded. Ultra-thin laptops often throttle performance under sustained load because there's limited space for cooling. Dell hasn't released thermal benchmarks yet.

Build and Sustainability

The XPS 13 uses a refined aluminum body with recycled plastics and aluminum in its construction. Dell has pushed sustainability claims in its XPS line for several years now. The company says the materials don't compromise durability.

The laptop runs Windows 11 Home or Pro. Connectivity includes two USB ports, though Dell hasn't specified the full port lineup. Limited ports are common in ultra-thin designs, so buyers may need a USB-C hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Dell XPS 13 DX13260 cost?

The XPS 13 starts at $699, with a $599 student discount tier aimed at the back-to-school market.

What processors are available in the new XPS 13?

Dell offers Intel Core 5 (up to 4.6GHz) and Intel Core Ultra 7 (up to 4.7GHz) processor options.

How long does the XPS 13 battery last?

Dell rates battery life at up to 17 hours for video streaming, thanks to the power-saving display and efficient Intel chips.

Is the XPS 13 lighter than a MacBook Air?

At 2.2 lbs, the XPS 13 DX13260 is one of the lightest Windows laptops available and competes directly with the MacBook Air on portability.

Does the new XPS 13 have a touchscreen?

Yes, it features a 13.4-inch 2.5K LCD InfinityEdge touchscreen with variable refresh rate (30-120Hz) and Eyesafe blue light reduction.

Source: MakeUseOf