Dell introduces its slimmest and lightest XPS 13 priced at only $699 to compete with the MacBook Neo.

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      Dell has set the price of the XPS 13 at $599 for students, further reducing the cost to compete with Apple’s budget-friendly Mac offering.

      At Computex 2026, Dell made a strong impression. The XPS series has long represented Dell’s leading edge in laptop design and engineering, albeit at a premium price. After a brief hiatus, the XPS line has returned, and this time, Dell is taking an ambitious approach. The new XPS 13, priced at $699, is sure to attract attention with its sleek design.

      What distinguishes the XPS 13?

      Dell claims to offer a new take on "premium" laptops at a more affordable price, and it has succeeded in this regard. When compared to the MacBook Neo, the XPS 13 showcases several key enhancements. It features an outstanding 2.5K touch display with a refreshing 120Hz rate, faster USB-C (3.2 Gen 2) ports, enhanced Wi-Fi 7 support, and a quad-speaker array.

      Moreover, the XPS 13 includes a backlit keyboard, a significant feature missing from the MacBook Neo. It also has an IR sensor for biometric face unlock on the Windows system. The base model runs on an Intel Series 3 Core 5 Processor, while the higher-end versions come equipped with the more powerful Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processor, starting with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

      Here’s a closer look at the specifications of this device:

      - **Model Number**: DX13260

      - **Processor Options**: Series 3 Intel Core 5 Processor 320 (6-Core, 6MB Cache, up to 4.6GHz) or Series 3 Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 355 (8-Core, 12MB Cache, up to 4.7 GHz). Intel Core Ultra processors post-launch.

      - **Neural Processor**: 16 TOPS on Intel Core, 49 TOPS on 355.

      - **Operating System**: Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit or Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64-bit.

      - **Memory Options**: *8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR5x at 7467 MT/s* (Intel Core: 8-16GB single channel; Intel Core Ultra: 16-32GB dual channel).

      - **Storage Options**: *256GB, 512GB, or 1TB PCIe 4 SSD (Gen 4)*.

      - **Graphics**: Intel graphics.

      - **Display**: 13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) InfinityEdge touch display with 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR 400, 2000:1 contrast ratio, wide viewing angles, and Dolby Vision™.

      - **Wireless**: Intel Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and Bluetooth 6.0.

      - **AC Adapter**: 65W USB-C GAN Slim.

      - **Dimensions and Weight**: Height: 0.50 in. (12.7mm), Depth: 7.90 in. (200.66 mm), Width: 11.69 in. (296.90 mm). Starting weight: 2.2 lbs (1 kg).

      - **Battery**: 52Whr battery, 800ED cells with ExpressCharge 1.0.

      - **Ports and Slots**: Includes USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 4 ports, Kensington lock support.

      - **Inputs**: Dual-array microphones, full-size backlit keyboard, touch display, and glass touchpad.

      - **Camera and Security**: 2MP/1080p HD + IR webcam, firmware TPM, and Windows Hello compliance.

      - **Audio and Speakers**: Quad-speaker setup, dual microphone array, and Dolby Atmos support.

      What sets it apart?

      Dell is clear about its intentions. The XPS 13 directly competes with the MacBook Neo and excels in several important areas. During the back-to-school season, Dell is offering the XPS 13 for $599 to students. It is available in Sky and Storm colors, providing a stylish appearance.

      "The XPS 13 is the lightest and most approachable representation of everything XPS has always stood for. It’s not a lesser model, but rather a smaller, lighter one," the company states. This model is the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop ever produced by Dell, boasting a larger and more pixel-dense display than the MacBook Neo.

      The overarching aim is clear. Dell has built upon the established XPS lineage while integrating practical upgrades that make