Dell refreshed its already-excellent XPS 13 (opens in new tab) for 2019. We already loved the laptop (as clearly stated in our review) but the strange webcam placement and lack of Intel Core i3 option were minor drawbacks. Dell seems to have taken this feedback to hear and addressed some of these issues, making the new XPS 13 9380 a laptop you absolutely must consider.
Gone is the crazy webcam that showed everyone on the Skype call what's currently stored up your nostrils. Dell managed to shrink the webcam size down to fit it in the thin bezel atop of the display. Unfortunately, it lacks Windows Hello IR support.
In order to securely log into Windows 10 without typing a password, you need to use the fingerprint reader, which also doubles as the power button. It's similar to how the excellent Huawei MateBook's power button works.
Other improvements include a new color choice and new Whiskey Lake processors, with the added option of Core i3. You can now select from an 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8145U, i5-8265U, or Core i7-8565U.
With these changes applied, the new Dell XPS 13 9380 is better than ever and much closer to perfection. It's available right now from Dell, starting at $882. We're anxious to get our hands on it for a full review.
Dell's ultra-portable PC just got even better.
Dell XPS 13 has always been one of our favorite laptops for good reason, but there were a few minor drawbacks that included the webcam placement and lack of a Core i3 CPU option. These issues have been addressed with the 9380 refresh and this laptop is now a step closer to perfection.
Rich Edmonds is Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him over on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.
