TechTheDay

In Las Vegas, Dell blew the CES 2017 by adding some flexibility to one of its most famous notebooks. The company announces to the public that the latest Dell XPS 13 two-in-one, which embodies every amazing thing about the newest Dell XPS 13 notebook and transforms it into a more convertible style. Based on Dell, the major focus of this latest convertible (and the rest of its two-in-one notebooks) was to create a device that could function much better in a tent, tablet and other modes, without losing its functionality and practicality of a basic laptop.

The cosmetic differences between the Dell’s original notebook and the latest XPS 13 convertible aren’t obvious, but they are still essential. The most remarkable is the hinge connecting the display to the keyboard deck. With two geometric attachments, the display has the ability to flip backwards and lie nearly flat against the back of the keyboard deck. You can find a space in between the two panels, as if it is less seamless compared to other devices like the Lenovo Yoga Book. Aside from that, the display panel and the keyboard deck are in completely different length, which allows the keyboard deck to extend slightly more than the lid when it is in a tablet mode.

Dell managed to maintain the matte-black, soft-touch finish that was on its XPS 13 laptop in this convertible, and the chassis is made out of carbon fiber composite and CNC machined aluminum. It embodies the same clean and professional look of the original XPS 13 and it is lightweight and easy to carry from one room after another due to its 2.7 pounds (1.2 kg) weight. The XPS 13 convertible looks like its display is supported by steel hinges making it easy for the device of be used as a stable laptop and also a flexible two-in-one. The keyboard deck is sturdy as well, so expect no balance or wobbliness issues when you are using the XPS 13 convertible on your lap.

The fact that the latest model is convertible, Dell needs to make its display options touch-capable and users are happy that it is. The XPS 13 convertible features two display options: a similar-sized 3200×1800 touchscreen and a 13.3 inch 1920 x 1080 touchscreen. However, there is no 4k display option, which somehow feels like an oversight. Both options back up Dell’s Active Pen, as well, though that’s also an optional feature.

Another feature that is anticipated in this device is the fingerprint sensor on the keyboard deck. This will be an optional accessory that you can avail if you are planning to utilize it together with Windows Hello’s biometric security features. And with the addition to the XPS 13 convertible to Dell’s lineup, the company is expected to update its XPS 13 notebook with a fingerprint sensor.

However, it is disappointinig that the webcam is still under its display panel. But the public is curious of how well the camera can recognize faces in terms of the location, but they have to wait for that since this camera feature will be available the moment Microsoft releases its Redstone 2 update of Windows 10. In terms of ports, the XPS 13 convertible includes one USB Type C Thunderbolt 3-enabled port, a microSD card slot, one USB 3 port, a headphone jack and a Noble lock slot.

In the usual Dell fashion, you can customize most of the internals on the XPS 13 two-in-one. It’s up to you to have Kaby Lake i5 or i7, you can even expand your RAM up to 16GB and 1 TB storage. Something to take note about the latest design and power efficiency of the XPS 13 is the fact that it is fanless, and it sports a temperature sensor that can detect when the machine is becoming too hot. If ever that happens, the device will automatically lower down the power of the CPU to prevent the system from overheating. Each model has a 46Whr battery and Dell estimates that the battery life will last for 15 hours on a singe charge.

There are many convertibles available in the market since PC companies are also starting to turn their notebooks and tablets into two-in-ones. All in all, Dell managed to fixed some of its issues to keep up with the demand for a two-in-one. The XPS 13 convertible is available for $999.