Dell launches new XPS 13, 14 and 16 laptops ahead of CES 2024

Dell will bring the bold design of last year’s XPS 13 Plus to the rest of the XPS lineup ahead of CES 2024 in Las Vegas, now including new 14-inch and 16-inch models.this "add" The names are also completely gone: the new models will be simply called XPS 13, 14 and 16. They all share the XPS 13 Plus’s defining features: a seamless glass wrist rest that hides an invisible tactile trackpad in the middle; touch-sensitive function buttons above the keyboard; and large keycaps for comfortable typing. It’s worth noting that the larger two models address some of the XPS 13 Plus’s biggest issues.

Minimalism is once again the defining theme of these Dell computers: at first glance they’re all polished aluminum and glass.They’re also screen-led: In true Dell fashion, they feature the company’s ultra-thin displays "Boundless" Screen borders. (These computers are also among the first to receive dedicated Windows Copilot keys.)

Dell’s minimalist views last year arguably went a bit too far. The XPS 13 Plus has only two USB-C ports and no headphone jack. The same is true for this year’s XPS 13, but not the XPS 14 and 16. They both come with a headphone jack, three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and a microSD card slot. (Dell also includes USB C to USB Type A and HDMI adapters in the box, but it’s worth noting that these don’t come with the XPS 13.)

All of these new laptops are equipped with Intel’s new Core Ultra chips, which means they also contain NPUs to handle artificial intelligence work. So even without a dedicated GPU, they’re likely to be more useful for some creative work than Dell’s latest XPS machines (or at least provide some killer Windows Studio effects backgrounds during video chats). But if you need extra graphics power, the XPS 14 and 16 can also be configured with NVIDIA’s RTX 40 series GPUs.

Each new XPS machine also includes a variable refresh rate FHD+ screen, ranging from 30Hz to 120Hz. But they can also be equipped with OLED screens: the XPS 13 and 14 can be equipped with 3K OLED screens with a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz and 120Hz respectively, while the XPS 16 can be equipped with an optional 4K OLED panel with a refresh rate of up to 90Hz. Higher refresh rates make a big difference: Last year, many productivity laptops got smoother screens thanks to higher refresh rates, so it’s nice to see XPS machines finally achieving this.

Devendra Hardava/Engadget

I’m a little disappointed with the XPS 13 Plus, as the trackpad is a bit finicky and it really needs more ports. But it seems like the XPS 14 might be Dell’s initial target — especially since its 14.5-inch screen looks almost as big as a 15-inch one if you squint. It’s also relatively light at 3.7 pounds (compared to 3.8 pounds for the OLED), so it’s a potential powerhouse that’s easy to move around.

The XPS 16 also looks like a really compelling option for Windows users who want a big screen. Sure, its 16.3-inch screen is smaller than the old XPS 17, but it’s also half a pound lighter. For many power users, the trade-off may be worth it.

Dell’s new XPS lineup will be available soon, with the XPS 13 starting at $1,300, the XPS 14 starting at $1,700, and the XPS 16 starting at $1,900.

We will provide live coverage of CES 2024, which will be held in Las Vegas from January 6th to 12th.Get all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/dell-unveils-new-xps-13-14-and-16-laptops-ahead-of-ces-2024-110041195.html?src=rss

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