Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook Arrives at CES

XPS 13 key features include a razor thin (6-18mm) and light (2.99lbs) design, a 13” display in a compact 12” form factor, Intel Smart Connect Technology that keeps your content updated, Windows 7 boots in seconds with all flash design and Intel Rapid Start Technology, a full size, backlit keyboard and Intel Core i7 processors with Intel HD 3000 graphics.

One interesting thing is that Dell views the XPS 13 ultrabook as something of a hybrid business/consumer laptop. To be more specific, Dell sees part of the traditional business market changing because of "consumerization" -- the trend where business professionals are using the same computing device for both work and personal purposes, and those personal choices influence their IT department's device purchase decisions. As a result, the XPS 13 will be the first XPS notebook offered for sale on both the Dell home and Dell business websites.

Although the XPS 13 was clearly designed with consumer style in mind, this ultrabook includes several key enterprise-friendly features such as custom boot drive imaging for IT departments, BIOS settings, asset tagging, Dell ProSupport with enhanced commercial services, Dell Command Center software IT can remotely change settings on the computer, and BitLocker Data Encryption with TPM.

If you fell asleep reading that last paragraph you can rest easy because the XPS 13 still has all the sexy features that make an ultrabook attractive to average PC users. Dell is calling the XPS 13 the "most compact ultrabook" among 13-inch models because Dell used a bezel-free screen lid to deliver a 13-inch laptop in the same footprint of a 12-inch laptop. The XPS 13 comes with a bonded ETE Gorilla Glass display with extreme durability, a carbon fiber lower chassis to make the ultrabook lighter and cooler than it would be using aluminum, a machined CNC aluminum top chassis and lid for improved durability and rigidity, a backlit keyboard and large glass buttonless touchpad with multitouch gesture support

If those design elements aren't enough to get you excited, Dell promises the XPS 13 delivers longer battery life at 8hrs and boots and resumes in seconds with Intel Rapid Start. Also, home users don't have to worry if an IT department didn't buy this laptop for you; consumers will get one year of premium phone support includin one year of software and hardware coverage, 24x7 phone support, chat and email support, and faster resolution (80% of calls are answered in less than 3 mins).

At the time of this writing, Dell has not finalized pricing for the new XPS 13 ultrabook, meaning that Dell probably wants to wait and see how other manufacturers are pricing their new ultrabooks at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. That said, Dell reps have said that their target North American price range is "around $1,000."

Dell XPS 13 Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i3 2367M, Core i5 2467M or Core i7 2637M dual core
• Memory: 4GB DDR3 SDRAM at 1333 MHz
• Graphics: Intel HD 3000
• Hard Drive: 128GB SSD or 256GB SSD with Intel Rapid Start
• Display: 13.3” HD WLED, 300-nit (1366x768) 720p; edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass
• Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate
• Wireless: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 802.11 a/g/n with Intel Smart Connect Technology + Bluetooth 3.0
• Sound: High Definition Audio with Waves MaxxAudio 4
• Keyboard: Full size, backlit chiclet keyboard
• Pointing Device: Seamless glass buttonless touchpad
• Webcam: 1.3MP H.264 supported webcam with dual array digital microphones
• Power: 47WHr Battery (enclosed); Up to 8hrs battery life (based on MobileMark test with Wi-Fi off)
• I/O Ports: USB 3.0 (1)+ USB 2.0 with PowerShare (1); mini DisplayPort (1); Headset Jack (1)
• Height: 0.24-0.71” (6-18mm)
• Width: 12.4” (316mm)
• Depth: 8.1” (205mm)
• Starting Weight: 2.99lbs (1.4kg)
• Warranty: 1-Year Limited Hardware Warranty
• Software: Adobe Reader X, Microsoft Office Starter, WebCam Central, Skype, Skyhook, Internet Explorer, Windows Live Essentials Wave 4, McAfee SecurityCenter trial, Dell DataSafe, Dell Stage

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