Amazon Prime Day week is happening right now, which is helping make good Windows 11 PCs more affordable in this current component pricing crisis climate across the entire retail space. With new laptops skyrocketing in price, deals on last-gen products like this Dell XPS 13 with a Snapdragon X Elite for $999 shouldn't be ignored, especially as it comes with 32GB RAM.

With RAM costing so much these days, devices with more than 16GB RAM usually come at a high premium. That makes this deal even more lucrative, as 32GB RAM laptops now often cost north of $1,000, and even more so on flagship devices with premium components and build qualities like the XPS 13.

Is the Dell XPS 13 a flagship laptop?

Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage, the Dell XPS 13 is an excellent flagship Windows 11 laptop. It has a 13.4-inch OLED display which looks absolutely amazing, and it's paired with Dell's best-in-class haptic trackpad and zero lattice keyboard design which makes the device look very futuristic.

It's a device made out of premium materials that feel great in the hand, including a CNC-machined aluminum chassis. It's one of Dell's thinnest and lightest laptops, coming in at just 2.2lbs and 0.60 inches. It features all day battery life too thanks to efficient Arm SoC that powers things under the hood.

The chip itself is Qualcomm's flagship SoC from 2024, meaning it's perfectly capable for most tasks you'll want to throw at it. It can do light gaming, video and photo editing, and breeze through productivity workflows, heavy multitasking, and more thanks to that added 32GB RAM headroom,

It has two USB4 Type‑C ports supporting DisplayPort and power delivery. Wireless performance is handled by Qualcomm FastConnect 7800, bringing Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for future‑proof networking.

Overall, it's an incredible laptop with lots of power and performance under the hood. And 32GB RAM on a flagship laptop in 2026 for under $1,000 is tough to come by, so I'd snap this deal up while it's still available.

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In case you missed it, Dell just launched its new $599–$699 XPS 13 laptop to target the affordable Windows laptop market and, presumably, to serve as a retort to Apple's $699 MacBook Neo (512GB, Touch ID). It's a move that should be applauded, given the depressing state of modern PC pricing, backed up by the comparatively positive reaction we had to the XPS 13 at Computex.

In a nutshell, the new Dell XPS 13 (DX13260) is lighter than the MacBook Neo (2.2 vs. 2.7 lbs) and includes extra niceties, such as a touchscreen and backlit keyboard. Memory capacity is the same for both, and we already addressed the debate over whether 8GB is "enough" for Windows 11. Overall, it's admirable to see a new laptop launch at the price it was targeting from the start.

However, the jovial celebrations seem limited to the United States, as another dollars-to-pounds miscalculation somewhat dashes the prospects for me and others in the United Kingdom. Worse still, Apple doesn't seem to struggle with this as much, so the XPS 13, starting at £899 (£749.17 without tax), almost immediately strips it of some appeal on this side of the Atlantic.

That $699 MacBook Neo listing for U.S. residents, naturally, excludes tax, which is something we aren't able to do in the U.K. Instead, our regional variant lists the Neo for £699 with 20% VAT included. That means Apple's budget laptop is implied to be worth a mythical, tax-free £582.50. Comparing that to Dell's taxless £749.17 for the XPS 13 has me sighing into my cup of tea.

So, while Apple adds a premium to MacBook Neo sales here, Dell is asking for around an extra £166–£200. Do we even get anything from either brand for that extra cash? Well, yes, our Consumer Rights Act helps protect our purchases, but there's still a glaring discrepancy with the XPS 13. Mercifully, Dell at least offers a student-discounted price of £699, but that's still £100 more than Apple's.

In a year where I already complained that there are too many Windows laptops, this transgression certainly doesn't help me make budget recommendations on Dell's behalf at home. My family asks for my advice on PC purchases every few years, and I've always been able to help them find a reasonably priced option with minimal gripes about our brutal pricing, but it's getting worse over here.

To clarify: the new XPS 13 is still a phenomenal deal for most in the United States, and you should absolutely consider buying one if your PC needs are relatively pedestrian, sticking to daily web browsing and standard productivity apps. For my fellow Brits, aim for the student discount if you can get it. Otherwise, consider holding off for deals — Amazon Prime Day approaches.

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Dell's new XPS 13 for 2026, which was only just announced at Computex a couple of weeks ago, is now available to buy. Prices start at $599 for students and $699 for all other customers, making it a new top Windows option to go up against Apple's MacBook Neo.

This initial launch of the XPS 13 includes models with Intel Core Series 3 processors and a Sky colorway; models with more powerful Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and an additional Storm color option are expected to launch later this summer.

The new XPS 13, which is using model number DX13260, is so far only available at Dell.com, where the student discount is also readily available.

Hands on with the affordable new XPS 13 for 2026

Windows Central Senior Editor Zac Bowden and I each had a chance to go hands-on with the new XPS 13 at Computex. Zac had a lot more time to play around than I did, and he wrote about his first impressions.

The TL;DR? He couldn't believe how good it is in terms of design and pricing.

A few standout features include an ultra-thin aluminum chassis that weighs just 2.2 pounds (1kg), quad speakers with 8W of output and Dolby Atmos tuning, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and a 1080p webcam with an IR sensor for Windows Hello.

The best feature might be its 13.4-inch display, featuring a 2.5K resolution, 120Hz variable refresh rate, Dolby Vision, anti-glare finish, 500 nits brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction.

I spoke with Dell and Intel executives at Computex to find out more regarding the strategy behind the XPS 13.

The laptop was being designed well before Apple announced its MacBook Neo, so it's not like it was rushed out to compete. Dell sees the XPS 13 as a perfect student or "starter" device for those just getting into Windows, especially when it's available for as little as $599 with a student discount.

As with the Neo, there has been plenty of discussion regarding what 8GB of RAM feels like in a 2026 laptop. Many have argued that Windows 11 simply doesn't function on 8GB; however, that's simply not true.

I used a Windows 11 PC with 8GB of RAM recently to test the experience, and I had no issues handling the same tasks that students and more casual users would need on a daily basis.

The best part? Unlike the Neo, which has a hard 8GB ceiling, the XPS 13 can be configured with up to 16GB or 32GB (Core Ultra) of RAM.

How does the new XPS 13 compare to the MacBook Neo?

Zac also offered a brief comparison to the $599 MacBook Neo in his article, noting that Dell actually had Apple's laptop readily available next to each XPS 13 in the product showroom.

That's the thing about the new XPS 13. It doesn't feel like Dell has cut any corners to arrive at the $599/$699 introductory pricing, and the best part is that Dell offers plenty of additional configuration options for those who need more RAM, more storage, and more raw processing power.

On that note, it is worth highlighting the new XPS 13's launch cadence. These first models available now come with Intel's "Wildcat Lake" Core Series 3 chips. The more powerful "Panther Lake" Core Ultra Series 3 options are coming later this summer.

If you're interested in a deeper dive into the similarities and differences between the two laptops, be sure to check out my XPS 13 vs. MacBook Neo comparison.

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Dell unveiled its reimagined XPS 13 at Computex 2026, and thanks to an introductory $599 price for students, it was immediately likened to Apple's MacBook Neo.

Windows Central Senior Editor Zac Bowden and I both got a chance to go hands-on with the new XPS 13 in Taipei, and we both came away with a similar opinion: it's way better than either of us expected, and it's surely going to be a great Neo alternative for Windows fans.

So, how exactly does the new XPS 13 compare to the MacBook Neo? Here's what you need to know.

Dell XPS 13 (2026) vs. MacBook Neo: Specifications

Specifications don't tell the whole story, but they're a good place to start before I get into a broader explanation of the similarities and differences between the XPS 13 and MacBook Neo.

Dell's new XPS 13 has the features you want in a laptop

Much of the hype surrounding the new Dell XPS 13 has to do with its feature set. Namely, features that fill in the MacBook Neo's blind spots.

For example, the XPS 13 has a backlit keyboard. That's a feature you expect to have in a laptop in 2026, no matter the price point.

The XPS 13 has a 1080p webcam, just like the Neo, but it adds an IR sensor for facial recognition through Windows Hello. The Neo also offers biometrics, but only of the touch/fingerprint variety.

The XPS 13 doubles up the Neo's speaker count, totaling 8W of output, and both laptops come with Dolby Atmos tuning. The XPS 13 also has newer Wi-Fi 7 wireless connectivity, with the Neo falling back to Wi-Fi 6E.

Then there are the ports. While the Neo might still offer a 3.5mm audio jack, its main selection of USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) and USB-C 2.0 isn't exactly generous. It supports only one external display at 4K/60Hz.

The XPS 13 with Wildcat Lake chip (Core 5 320) has dual USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), and the XPS 13 with Panther Lake (Core Ultra 7 355) has dual Thunderbolt 4. If you plan on using your laptop with more than one external display, Dell's PC is the right choice.

The new XPS 13 is lighter than the MacBook Neo

Like the MacBook Neo, the XPS 13 is built from aluminum and feels every bit as premium as its more expensive siblings.

When I first handled the XPS 13, I was impressed with how light it was. At just 2.2 pounds (1kg), it's significantly more portable than the Neo at 2.7 pounds (1.23kg).

The XPS 13 is just as thin as the Neo at 0.5 inches (12.7mm), but it does have a more compact footprint.

TL;DR? The new XPS 13 has more attractive features than the MacBook Neo, including a backlit keyboard, an IR camera, four speakers, and more powerful ports.

Dell's XPS 13 has a higher-res display with 120Hz refresh rate

Dell is also putting Apple behind it with the 13.4-inch display in the XPS 13. Not only is it slightly larger (by 0.4 inches) despite the XPS 13's smaller chassis, but it also has a higher resolution at 2560x1600 compared to 2408x1506.

The biggest difference, however, is in the refresh rate. The XPS 13 pushes all the way up to 120Hz and drops as low as 30Hz. It's all handled through a variable refresh rate that adjusts the screen based on how you're using the PC.

At 120Hz, you're getting far more eye comfort than the locked 60Hz refresh rate on the Neo. And at 30Hz, battery saving gets even better in the XPS 13.

The XPS 13's touch display hits about 500 nits of brightness and has VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, as well as an anti-glare finish. It manages 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction, and it comes with Dolby Vision.

The Neo's display is not touch-enabled, but it does hit 500 nits of brightness and includes Dolby Vision certification.

TL;DR? The XPS 13's display is the superior option compared to the MacBook Neo, with a higher resolution and higher refresh rate.

Apple's A18 Pro chip has strong competition from Intel Wildcat Lake

Despite being aimed at budget devices, Intel's new Wildcat Lake CPUs offer respectable performance and efficiency that rival Apple's A18 Pro. I'll hold off on a deeper dive until we test the XPS 13 firsthand, but I can say that early Intel Core 5 320 benchmarks show a promising level of power.

In Geekbench 6, the Core 5 320 hits 2,575 single-core and 8,000 multi-core average scores, whereas the A18 Pro hits closer to 3,500 single-core and 8,500 multi-core.

👉 "We want this to be their first XPS": I found out more about Dell's XPS 13 strategy — and why it's the perfect starter PC

In PassMark CPU tests, the Core 5 320 hits 3,853 single-core and 15,033 multi-core scores. The A18 Pro managed scores of 4,086 (single-core) and 12,837 (multi-core).

If you do need more power, the XPS 13 will also be available with the Core Ultra 7 355 post-launch. It's important to also point out that the XPS 13 comes with up to 32GB of RAM and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD. So while the entry-level models take on the Neo, the higher-end models are much better cut out for advanced users.

Battery life will be a big point of contention, I'm sure, but for now, I don't have concrete XPS 13 numbers. I can say that Dell is using a larger 52Wh battery with 800ED cells (providing extra density without taking up as much space).

Dell is claiming up to 17 hours of battery life when streaming video. Apple claims about 16 hours of life for the same task. It should be a close comparison, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Neo take the award for best battery life, even if it's a small margin.

TLDR? Dell's XPS 13 should put up a strong fight against the MacBook Neo's performance and battery life.

Dell XPS 13 (2026) vs. MacBook Neo: Which should you buy?

If you're a fan of Windows, Dell just gave you the perfect Neo competitor with the XPS 13. Students can pay the same $599 for a laptop with a superior display, more powerful ports, a keyboard backlight, facial recognition, quad speakers, and more.

If you're a regular buyer, the introductory price only jumps up to $699, and beyond that, there are options to boost RAM to 32GB and storage to 1TB.

Apple, I think, will hold the edge on performance and efficiency, at least until the Core Ultra 7 355 config of the XPS 13 becomes available post-launch. But I'll have more to share once we actually get an XPS 13 to test first-hand in the lab.

The XPS 13 for 2026 is expected to launch in June, while the MacBook Neo is available now.

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Last month, several Dell users reported that Dell SupportAssist, the company’s device recovery software, was instead causing system crashes, leading to blue screens and reboot loops on Windows 11. However, the PC maker indicated that Microsoft's Windows 11 wasn't to blame.

At the time, Dell recommended uninstalling the software. However, our own Windows OS expert, Mauro Huculak, noted that disabling the service could also mitigate the issue. Concerningly, Dell has published a new blog post indicating that its Remediation Dell SupportAssist (version 5.5.16.0) and Alienware SupportAssist can trigger blue screen errors and unexpected reboot loops on Windows 11 (via Neowin).

Dell SupportAssist is part of the company’s broader SupportAssist OS Recovery Tools, so users are advised not to disable or uninstall it while troubleshooting. Dell has since released an update, version 5.5.16.1, which is expected to resolve the issue.

Impacted users are advised to verify that their devices are running the latest version by checking the Installed Apps section in Windows Settings. A new update should be available through the SupportAssist's "Update Software" feature or Dell Command Update. This should resolve the annoying issue.

Late last month, I also reported on an annoying HP BIOS bug that was leaving high-end Windows 11 PCs stuck in an endless BitLocker recovery loop. At the time, HP recommended users to avoid downloading and installing the faulty BIOS update by disabling automatic updates in Windows Update in their device settings app while it worked on a permanent fix.

The company also provided a manual workaround to resolve the BitLocker Recovery loop and allow for the successful implementation of the 2023 Microsoft certificates on an individual computer.

To resolve the issue where the new UEFI Secure Boot CA 2023 certificates fail to apply, HP now recommends updating affected devices to the latest BIOS version and ensuring the required Secure Boot certificates are configured before installing Microsoft’s Windows 11 Patch Tuesday updates. Affected devices might require several BIOS configuration changes to run seamlessly without unexpected system restarts.

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Dell and Intel are together casting a large shadow this year at Computex. For me, a bona fide laptop fanatic, one of the biggest announcements of the show is the new Dell XPS 13 featuring Intel’s Wildcat Lake Core Series 3 processors.

The XPS 13, reinvented for 2026, shocked practically everyone with its introductory $599 student price, climbing to just $699 for everyone else.

Although Dell says it’s been working on the XPS 13 for more than 30 weeks, which puts its inception before the MacBook Neo’s March 2026 launch, I can’t help but assume that Apple’s industry eye-opener played a part in that attractive price.

I joined a roundtable discussion with Dell’s Head of Consumer Products, Konstantin Tuv (KT), Intel’s GM of PC Segments, David Feng, and Intel’s Senior Director of Product Management, Nish Neelalojanan, where we discussed the new XPS 13, Intel’s Wildcat Lake chips, and more. Here’s what I found out.

Dell’s new XPS 13 is a door opener, much in the same way the Neo is positioned

Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo is a smart play in more ways than I think many people envision. Yes, it’s affordable and capable, selling faster than I ever expected, but it also acts as a shiny piece of bait on the end of a hook. If you go for it, chances are high that you’ll be taken along for a much longer ride than you were expecting.

What I mean is that the Neo is a great way to get users hooked on a certain type of device. For Apple, the Neo gets a MacBook into a student’s hands at a transformative time in their life. Once that student grows up and needs a new, more powerful PC, Apple’s MacBook Air and Pro devices are a natural progression.

Dell's Konstantin Tuv explains that this strategy is exactly what was in mind. “XPS 13 is a great student device. We want this to be their first XPS.” He adds that Dell, like Apple, has plenty of other devices for when a student’s needs inevitably change.

Considering that XPS is but a small portion of Dell’s PC portfolio, I can’t help but think this strategy could pay off better for Dell than for Apple.

The play is also about preparing a student for the workforce. Yes, MacBooks are the “cool” device that you'll see more often than not in a coffee shop, but the reality is that most of the world’s enterprises run on Windows.

Intel’s Wildcat Lake chips unlock a wider range of uses for students

One of Apple’s biggest weaknesses is gaming. That’s where Dell and Intel believe they have an edge with their ecosystem.

Tuv explains that a lot of students want to game in the evenings when study is finished. Wildcat Lake (and especially Panther Lake, which is coming to XPS 13 after launch) has that ability. As Tuv states, the XPS 13 is designed to “reset expectations in that space.”

And it’s not just about gaming, either. From an ecosystem perspective, the use of Wildcat Lake makes things smooth across the board. As Intel's Neelalojanan points out, “compatibility was one of the biggest things with Wildcat Lake, especially in emerging markets.” No port problems, no driver issues, and plenty of old software that can run perfectly on the Intel chips make for a smooth experience.

What is performance like in a $599 Windows laptop?

It’s OK to be wary of budget Windows laptops. For many years, the $600-$700 range of PCs was underwhelming, with cheap plastic bodies, mild features, and so-so performance. That’s not the case with the XPS 13.

Not only is it truly an XPS device from a design standpoint — CNC-machine aluminum chassis, superb keyboard and touchpad, beautiful 2.5K display — but also in terms of performance.

As Neelalojanan remarks, productivity performance and battery life on the XPS 13 with Wildcat Lake aren’t much different from Lunar Lake. And in terms of AI, although the XPS 13 isn’t a superstar, it’s a great starting point.

Feng explains that most of the productivity apps he uses every day sit in the same low-power island. This island is the same across Wildcat Lake and Intel’s other Series 3 chips, meaning you shouldn’t feel much of a difference. Feng states, “If my everyday work is mainly productivity, browsing, content consumption, that low-power island is there to deliver consistent performance.”

What kicked off this new generation of low-cost, high-quality PCs?

The PC industry is seemingly undergoing a major shift. Suddenly, it seems that even the budget tier is better than ever, with aluminum bodies, high-res displays, and snappy performance. So, what kicked off this revolution?

As Tuv explains, "everyone [in the PC industry] is getting more aggressive and trying to redefine what 'good' looks like." Feng adds that "engineers love to be challenged," and it was up to them to discover new ways to operate within the set budget. Everything from codec and cabling to memory and storage was considered.

And the best part? The XPS 13 isn't a one-off thing. It's official that Intel's Wildcat Lake chips will be used elsewhere in Dell's PC portfolio. Exactly where isn't yet clear, but the new XPS 13 is a great start.

My time with the new laptop was limited, but our Senior Editor Zac Bowden, who's also with me here at Computex, got the full hands-on XPS 13 experience; check it out for a lot more information about the device.

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I just tried Dell's new XPS 13 at Computex, and I am shocked at how amazing this device is for just $699 ($599 for students.) It's basically a flagship Windows laptop, complete with high-quality materials and build quality, an incredible 120Hz display, a great keyboard and trackpad, and good performance under the hood.

I don't think there's another laptop on the market right now that is as good a deal as this new Dell XPS 13 is at $699. It's so much better than the MacBook Neo that it's not even really a contest. In fact, Dell is so confident in the new XPS 13 that it even had MacBook Neo samples at its showcase so that the media could compare them side by side.

That comparison was stark. The XPS 13 is a better device in pretty much every category. It has thinner display bezels, it's lighter, it has a 120Hz refresh rate with a high-density display, it has an amazing keyboard and excellent trackpad, and it has ports that are actually capable of fast data speeds.

It even has Windows Hello face unlock, something that doesn't exist on any Mac. You can only get fingerprint unlock on the higher-end $699 MacBook Neo, which is the exact device the XPS 13 is competing with. Except, it's not competing, it's destroying it.

I can't put into words just how serious I am about this. My jaw dropped when I placed the XPS 13 side by side with the MacBook Neo. It's like they are from entirely different worlds. The XPS 13 looks and feels like a flagship laptop, and that's probably because it is. Historically, XPS 13 has been an expensive laptop, costing well above $1,000 normally.

The new XPS 13 doesn't cut any obvious corners to reach its new $699 price point. It still feels every bit as premium and nice to use as the $1,000 XPS 13 before it. This would be like if Apple made the MacBook Air a $699 laptop, instead of building a cheaper MacBook Neo.

And that's why the XPS 13 is the new best deal in laptops, because not only is it a better deal than the MacBook Neo, but I also think it's a better deal than the MacBook Air. Sure, the MacBook Air is more powerful, but in day-to-day tasks, they are evenly matched, and I think the performance-to-price ratio is perfectly acceptable here.

The display is one of the main reasons why I believe this laptop really is a MacBook competitor. Apple figured out years ago that high-density displays are key to making a device feel premium, and Dell understands this, too. The XPS 13 features a 2.5K 120Hz panel that simply looks phenomenal. Text is crisp and clear, and the 120Hz refresh rate is an added bonus that you definitely don't have on the MacBook Neo or Air.

XPS 13 also has thinner display bezels, meaning you get a larger 13.4-inch display into a chassis size that's overall smaller than the MacBook Neo, which has just a 13-inch display. When compared side by side, the MacBook Neo looks 5 years old.

The device is lighter than the MacBook Neo, making it the preferred device for carrying around in a backpack. It's also thinner, at least, it feels thinner, thanks to the way Dell has designed the XPS. In reality, they are about the same in total thickness, but because the XPS 13's keyboard deck is thinner than the MacBook Neo's when open, the XPS 13 feels razor-thin, making the MacBook Neo look bulky in comparison.

The device features just two USB-C ports, but both ports are much more capable than those on the MacBook Neo. These are Thunderbolt ports, complete with power delivery for fast charging and super-fast data transfer speeds.

I also love the keyboard, which ditches Dell's Lattice key design in favor of a more traditional one that makes typing feel so easy and smooth. The trackpad is also nice and large, though it's not haptic like on higher-end devices. It uses a dive-board mechanism, which is perfectly fine and satisfying to click.

We haven't yet been able to benchmark the new XPS 13, but I'm expecting good things from the Intel Wildcat Lake chip that's powering things under the hood. For day-to-day tasks, web browsing, email, and productivity tasks, this should be a more than capable machine.

The $699 model matches the MacBook Neo in RAM and storage configurations, too. It has 8GB RAM and 512GB storage, though Dell does say that a model with 256GB storage is coming soon, which I assume will be cheaper than $699 or $599 for students.

We'll have to wait and see how Windows performs with 8GB RAM on this device, but I'm not worried. While lots of people think that macOS runs better than Windows with 8GB RAM, this reality isn't true for the kind of workflows that buyers will need this device for. Windows is very intelligent when it comes to memory management, swapping apps and tasks between RAM and storage when necessary, just like the Neo does.

Overall, I'm beyond impressed with what Dell has achieved here with the new XPS 13 at $699, and I can't wait to get my hands on one to review and live with. I truly believe that the MacBook Neo's reign as the best deal in computing is well and truly over, all thanks to Dell.

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Dell's XPS 13 is the laptop that originally anchored the brand's ultrabook lineup in 2012, and it has had quite a history in the ensuing 14 years.

The most recent update in 2024, at least until this new announcement I'm covering today, brought us the XPS 13 9345 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips.

It arrived at a time when Dell was otherwise rebranding its PCs away from the XPS name, a decision it ultimately admitted was a mistake at CES 2026. There, I saw Dell reveal new XPS 14 and XPS 16 models redesigned and better than ever.

Dell also teased a return of the XPS 13 this year, and that time has now come with the new XPS 13 (DX13260) model unveiled at Computex 2026.

Dell's new XPS 13 arrives to take on the MacBook Neo

The new XPS 13 arrives at a critical time in the PC market. Apple's $599 MacBook Neo shocked practically everyone, myself included, when it was revealed earlier this year, spawning weeks of online arguments about Windows laptop costs and quality.

Well, I have good news. Dell plans to launch its new XPS 13 at a $599 price tag for students, which I can't help but assume will make it prime competition for Apple's MacBook Neo.

The XPS 13 doesn't just compete on price, either. I can't help but notice several standout features not found in the MacBook Neo, like a backlit keyboard, a touch display, support for multiple external displays, and up to 32GB of memory.

Here's a closer look at the specs arriving in the new XPS 13 (DX13260).

This is the thinnest XPS laptop I've ever seen

The new XPS 13 (DX13260) is the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop Dell has ever created, weighing just 2.2 pounds (0.9kg) and measuring only 0.5 inches (12.7mm) thin.

It's made of CNC-machined aluminum for the rigidity, durability, and overall premium feel associated with XPS, and despite its slim size, it features a dual-fan cooling system.

Dell also managed to fit in four speakers with 8W of overall audio output with Dolby Atmos, as well as a slim webcam with 1080p resolution and an IR sensor for Windows Hello. Models with Intel Core chips get dual USB-C ports, while Core Ultra models jump up to dual Thunderbolt 4.

Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 3 chips power the new XPS 13

Dell plans to launch its XPS 13 first with Intel's "Panther Lake" Core 5 320 CPU, but it will add a more powerful Core Ultra 7 355 option after launch.

The Core 5 chip will be available with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to a 512GB SSD, whereas the Core 7 Ultra chip unlocks 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

Dell is claiming up to 17 hours of battery life when streaming video, and although that number will come down in real-world use, that's still an excellent proposition.

No matter the CPU you choose, all new XPS 13 models have the same 13.4-inch touch display. It has a 2560x1600 (2.5K) resolution, 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color, DisplayHDR 400 certification, Dolby Vision, 30-120Hz variable refresh rate, and an anti-glare finish.

You don't have to wait long for the new XPS 13

Dell intends to launch its new XPS 13 in June 2026, and as mentioned, it will start at just $599 for students aged 16 and up. For everyone else, it climbs to $699. Not bad, but keep in mind that the price will be for a model with a non-Ultra Intel chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

Dell plans to launch the XPS 13 with Intel Core Ultra 7 355 chip "later this summer."

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Late yesterday, the United States Department of Defense announced a new agreement with Microsoft and Dell, aimed at consolidating and streamlining Microsoft software licenses across a huge variety of services and systems.

If you've ever worked in a big government department or corporation, you might know how complicated IT policies can be. Furthermore, you might be aware of how, over time, interweaving systems can become tangled and messy, as decades of technical debt accumulate and pile up. We might all be up to date running the latest version of Windows 11 at home, but your local airport, hospital, or bank might still be rocking Windows 7, or even older in some cases.

Few governmental departments are as complicated as the United States military apparatus. And Microsoft has long held contracts within the famed Pentagon for delivering things like Windows, Microsoft Office, and cloud services. Over time, the disparate cacophony of different provisions, license models, and service level agreements has become a tangled web of needless complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements. The Pentagon is taking action to cut costs, at least in theory.

The U.S. DoD announced that over the next five years, Dell will be tasked with consolidating and streamlining Microsoft services and software spread across the U.S. military apparatus, including its intelligence services and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Pentagon (via CNBC) says the deal will save U.S. taxpayers $422 million annually, despite the $9.7 billion upfront cost of the cleanup operation.

Dell has a long-standing partnership with Microsoft, as one of the largest PC makers on Earth and third-party suppliers of Microsoft services and licenses. Despite the contract ultimately going to Dell, it still further entrenches Microsoft in the United States government as its primary software and cloud provider.

Dubbed the "Microsoft Department of War Enterprise Software Agreement II Core Enterprise Technology Agreement," the funds reportedly come from existing budgets already allocated for Microsoft software purchases, covering Office suite and Azure servers and things like Active Directory. The goal is to centralize software purchasing into a single, more efficient vehicle, as opposed to the existing system of disparate and conflicting processes.

Dell stock reached an all-time high in after-hours trading on the news, hitting $305. Dell's stock price has risen by 129% in just six months, and follows comments from U.S. President Trump urging people to "go and buy a Dell," alongside Michael Dell's $6.5 billion donation to a Trump-backed charity investment fund for American children.

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Dell is taking advantage of the long Memorial Day weekend to blow out a bunch of its top-selling laptops, and among the many deals, I've picked out 5 of the very best that I know will appeal to our readers here at Windows Central.

Prices start as low as $529, but my picks cover a wide range of budgets and users. If you need a new laptop, you'll definitely want to check out these sales at Dell before they go dark.

• See all Memorial Day laptop, monitor, PC, and accessory deals at Dell

Why I'm recommending Dell's discounted 16 Plus laptop for most of our readers

Dell has a bunch of devices on sale for a limited time during Memorial Day weekend, but I'm calling out the Dell 16 Plus laptop for most readers here at Windows Central. It's a perfect PC for productivity and multitasking.

It usually costs $1,429.99 but is now discounted to just $899.99. I don't expect that huge $530 discount to stick around for long.

At this discounted $899 price, the hardware you get is well above average. The laptop runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V CPU, which has plenty of power for browsing, streaming, email, productivity, spreadsheets, etc.

And because it has a powerful NPU inside, it's perfectly compatible with all of the latest Windows 11 Copilot+ AI tools. You certainly don't need to use the AI tools, but it's nice to have a laptop that can run them if you change your mind.

The CPU is joined by 16GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. These speedy components contribute to the overall snappy feel of the laptop, making boot times and app loading a brief process.

Dell isn't just throwing any old display in here, either. It's a 16-inch non-touch screen with a 2.5K resolution, taller 16:10 aspect ratio, and an anti-glare finish with up to 300 nits brightness.

The larger display, the oversized touchpad, and the comfy keyboard with number pad all make it easy to get more done, and battery life is respectable. Modern Wi-Fi 7 handles internet, and there are plenty of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, and HDMI 2.1.

If you're in search of more deals, be sure to have a look at my roundup of Dell laptop deals available only at Best Buy's Memorial Day sale.

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Memorial Day weekend is here, and major retailers have kicked off tech sales that can't be missed. Best Buy is, of course, getting in on the action, and believe it or not, some of Dell's best laptops are cheaper there than anywhere else.

I found three great laptop deals not available on Dell's website, and they're all available for less than $1,000. The most affordable? A cool $599. Here's what you can't miss before the weekend is through.

• See all of Best Buy's Memorial Day 2026 tech sales

My Dell laptop recommendations based on a decade of experience

Best Buy's Memorial Day sale is home to several Dell laptop deals, and I handpicked these top three. Let me explain why.

The Dell 15.6", at just $599 for a limited time, is a super affordable way to land a relatively large 2K touch display, plenty of RAM, half a terabyte of storage space, and a Core i7-1355U CPU that doesn't waste your time with any AI capabilities.

If you're someone who needs a PC for web browsing, email, and productivity, this should be right for the job.

If you're happy spending a bit more, the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is a much more versatile PC with newer performance hardware.

Thanks to its 360-degree hinges, its display can rotate around for tent, stand, and tablet modes, unlocked easy streaming and collaboration. And you can bet the 2K display is touch-enabled.

It runs on a modern AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 CPU with an NPU powerful enough to unlock Copilot+ tools in Windows 11, plus it has 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. For just $699, it's a great way to break into the world of AI without overspending.

Last but certainly not least is the Dell 16 Plus with a larger 16-inch 2K touch display and more powerful AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 CPU. This is a great choice for multitaskers thanks to that extra power and extra screen space, plus it has a full number pad.

Dell didn't skimp on RAM or storage, offering 32GB of LPDDR5 memory and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD in the sub-$1,000 package. This is a lot of PC for one great price, and it's fully capable of handling Windows 11's Copilot+ tools thanks to a powerful NPU.

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When Alienware announced a $349 QD-OLED gaming monitor earlier this year, I noted that it would almost certainly become one of the most popular options out there, assuming it met its budget promises. Until the AW2726DM, most OLED gaming monitors were somewhere around $500 when not on sale.

Eager to test it out myself, I got hold of a review unit that's now been front and center on my desk for nearly a month. I've been using it for gaming, of course, but also for some photo editing and general work during the day.

Here's what you need to know about the Alienware AW2726DM before you buy it yourself.

How much does the Alienware AW2726DM cost?

The biggest draw to the Alienware AW2726DM is the thin $349.99 price tag. No deals or discounts are required to land that price, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that it could one day drop lower.

For comparison sake, the HyperX OMEN OLED 27q, which uses the same Samsung panel as the Alienware, normally costs about $500 but often drops to $400.

The next most affordable QD-OLED gaming monitor at Dell, the Alienware AW2725D, costs $500.

Here's how the two Alienware monitors compare to help give you an idea of what you're working with.

Dell supplied Windows Central with a review unit of its Alienware AW2726DM. It had no input, nor saw the contents of this review, prior to publication.

A sleek, straightforward design to match the budget pricing

Unboxing the Alienware AW2726DM, I was immediately impressed with how thin and light it is. It's just 1.65 inches at its thickest point, which is gathered toward the middle of the display's venting and stand/VESA mount base.

The stand attaches to the monitor with included screws, a clunkier approach to the usual clip-in method I'm used to. The stand is fairly basic, but it does have decent swivel, tilt, height, and rotation abilities.

After testing the stand, I attached the monitor to my VESA 100x100mm desk mount without issue.

It's a sleek monitor for sure, but that's partly due to a lack of a few features you often find in more premium monitors.

For one, there are no built-in speakers. Instead, there's a 3.5mm audio jack easily reached on the bottom of the display. I don't know anyone who uses built-in monitor speakers when gaming anyway, but I do miss them a bit for work purposes.

The other missing element is RGB lighting. The back of the monitor has just a plain Alienware logo; no throbbing light ringing the stand, no underglow. You get it. It might feel plain for some gamers who need a lot of light, but I appreciate that it can fit into a professional setting.

One missing feature I think more people will miss is a USB hub. I'm not talking about a full-blown Thunderbolt dock like some premium monitors include. Instead, the Alienware AW2726DM offers just two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4.

The monitor arrives with AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA AdaptiveSync. Although it's not officially certified for NVIDIA G-Sync, it is compatible, and I had no issues using it with my RTX GPU.

HDMI 2.1 and DP 1.4 capabilities in the Alienware AW2726DM

The monitor's HDMI 2.1 ports support up to 120Hz VRR on consoles, and they include HDCP 1.4/2.3 protection standards. It also supports HDR.

For PC gamers, you'll want to stick with DisplayPort 1.4 (also with HDCP 1.4/2.3 protection standards). It delivers support for the full 240Hz refresh rate, and it includes HDR support and Display Stream Compression (DSC).

All monitor controls stem from one joystick

The AW2726DM doesn't come with a remote or a ton of buttons on the monitor itself. Everything is controlled from one joystick on the rear right side of the panel.

On-screen display quick settings are straightforward. You can quickly adjust brightness and contrast, as well as volume for the 3.5mm audio jack. A Game Enhance mode can be toggled for extra on-screen overlays, and you can choose from 10 different picture presets.

Inside the full menu are a few more customization options, allowing you to change what each shortcut on the joystick does.

In terms of OLED care — always important when there's a risk of burn-in — the monitor has a Pixel Refresh feature that's enabled by default.

A gorgeous QD-OLED picture for a lower cost than the rest

Alienware's AW2726DM is using a Quantum Dot (QD) OLED panel made by Samsung, and judging by TFT Central's ever-useful QD-OLED generation chart, it's from the 2024 era.

Is that a bad thing? Not really, especially at the asking price. Though you might miss out on higher HDR True Black ratings and higher refresh rates, what the Alienware AW2726DM actually delivers is more than enough for the average gamer.

A 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution covers more GPUs than 4K, and it has a sizzling 240Hz refresh rate to keep up with more powerful performance hardware. As usual with OLED, the screen offers a speedy 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time.

I don't have a tool that can accurately measure input lag, but I can say that after many hours of fast-paced FPS gameplay, what input lag might exist is not noticeable.

Does the Alienware AW2726DM have good color and contrast?

OLED displays are notoriously good at delivering deep contrast. At a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, the AW2726DM is no different. Blacks are actually black, whites are actually white, and there's no backlight bleed to spoil the picture.

I tested stock color reproduction using my SpyderX Pro colorimeter and found 100% sRGB, 95% AdobeRGB, and 98% P3, all excellent results that will come in handy, especially if you're using the monitor for work during the day.

Is the Alienware AW2726DM bright enough?

Dell advertises 200 nits maximum brightness with SDR content, and measuring with my colorimeter, I found that the value checks out at 215.2 nits. That's slightly lower than other OLED panels from the same generation, but again, you need to keep cost in mind.

HDR10 support is included despite the monitor not having any HDR certification, and the monitor climbs to roughly 400 nits when enabled.

Is it bright enough for use in an office? Absolutely. An anti-reflective finish does a lot of lifting when the sun is behind me, but I don't find it too distracting even when gaming.

Burn-in is always a scary possibility when you're dealing with OLED. As I mentioned, the monitor has a Pixel Refresh feature enabled by default, and Dell offers a respectable three-year warranty covering burn-in.

Should you buy the Alienware AW2726DM?

You should buy this if ...

✅ You currently have a VA or IPS gaming monitor and want to upgrade to OLED without overspending.

✅ You have a gaming PC powerful enough to take advantage of a QHD resolution and 240Hz refresh rate.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You already have an OLED gaming monitor you're mostly happy with.

❌ You have extra money to spend and want to grab some of the high-end features missing from the AW2726DM.

If you have $350 set aside for a new 27-inch gaming monitor, my easy recommendation is the Alienware AW2726DM. I don't know of any other QD-OLED display selling at this price, and although the AW2726DM isn't perfect, it's going to absolutely rock your world if you're coming from IPS or VA.

Color and contrast are superb, the QHD resolution works for a lot of gamers, and a 240Hz refresh rate is good for competitive titles or casual gaming.

I've got to hand it to Alienware; the AW2726DM sets a new standard for affordable QD-OLED gaming monitors, and as long as you're OK with some of the drawbacks, you'll have a great time.

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Alienware is continuing its new trend of breaking into budget markets, something I first saw with the Alienware AW2726DM QD-OLED monitor that launched on April 14.

Whereas the affordable OLED gaming display arrived at a cool $349, the new Alienware 15 gaming laptop makes its debut at a similarly modest $1,299. It's available now at Dell.com, and it's configurable with AMD or Intel processors.

For a gaming laptop bearing the Alienware badge, that's not a bad price at all. The next cheapest option, the Alienware 16 Aurora, starts at $1,639.99. I often see it on sale, sometimes for as little as $1,199, but these opportunities are fleeting.

Assuming Dell will put the new Alienware 15 on sale from time to time, it could be a great way to jump into portable gaming without overspending.

Returning to the $349 AW2726DM QD-OLED gaming monitor for a moment, I'll admit that I was a bit skeptical of its quality. However, now that I'm testing it for an upcoming review, I'm confident Alienware can deliver an enticing gaming laptop in the budget range.

How does the new Alienware 15 compare to the Alienware 16 Aurora?

The Alienware gaming laptop family now consists of the new Alienware 15 as a budget option, Alienware 16 Aurora and 16X Aurora as mid- and upper-mid-range options, and Alienware 16/18 Area-51 as premium options.

Based on how close the prices between the new Alienware 15 and 16 Aurora can be (especially with discounts), I took a close look at how they compare. I hope this can help you make the right choice.

The gallery above shows how the new Alienware 15 has gone with a different chassis design. There's no rear thermal shelf, with the lid's 180-degree hinges instead sitting at the very back of the laptop's base.

Other than that, the keyboard (with number pad) and mechanical touchpad are quite similar. One difference to note is that the Alienware 15's lid and base are made from polycarbonate, while the Aurora 16 swaps polycarbonate for aluminum on the lid.

I put together this spec table to cover most of the other differences.

Performance hardware is practically the same, and I'll wait until independent reviews emerge to see how the new Alienware 15 handles cooling. The Aurora 16 does offer an RTX 5070 GPU option at 115W, whereas the Alienware 15 tops out at an RTX 5060 (80W).

Because it has a larger chassis, the Aurora 16 has larger battery options. It also weighs about a half-pound more.

And as for the display, the Aurora 16's QHD+ option at 120Hz might be the better choice if you're a creator, especially with 100% sRGB coverage. The Alienware 15's display has a lower FHD+ resolution with a pretty dismal 62.5% sRGB coverage.

Alienware 15 vs. Alienware 16 Aurora: Which should you buy?

I'm not making any final statements until we can get our hands on the new Alienware 15, but as I mentioned, the fact that Alienware's new budget QD-OLED monitor is so good instills a lot of confidence that Dell will get this new laptop right.

What I can say is that the Alienware 15 is looking like a better option for those who generally use an external display. It seems like a lot of the price difference might have been made up in that area, alongside the more affordable AMD Ryzen CPU options.

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On Windows 11, some Dell users are discovering that the software designed to recover their devices is now crashing their PCs instead.

Recently, users in Dell's support forums (via Neowin and Dell forum links 2) began reporting frequent blue screens and reboot loops on Windows 11 after an update to the "Dell SupportAssist Remediation" software. The issue appears to be tied to version 5.5.16.0, released on April 30, and affects systems such as the XPS 15 9530.

The crashes happen approximately every half hour for some users, making affected devices difficult to use for work, school, or home. According to multiple reports, users are getting the same "CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED" stop error.

The interesting part is that Windows 11 itself does not appear to be the root of the cause.

Dell SupportAssist is a causing critical error

Some users took it upon themselves to investigate the crashes with Microsoft's WinDbg debugging tool, which traced the issue to DellSupportAssistRemediationService.exe, a background recovery component bundled with many Dell computers.

SupportAssist is part of Dell's broader support platform that handles diagnostics, driver updates, recovery tools, and automated repair functions. The remediation service runs in the background with deep system access, which can explain why a failure can trigger a full bugcheck instead of a normal app crash, and it explains why many users initially blamed Microsoft.

For years, Windows 11 system updates have trained users to assume the operating system is responsible when a computer suddenly becomes unstable. This time, the evidence from crash dumps points to Dell's own recovery stack.

Why this SupportAssist bug is a bigger problem

The biggest problem is how invisible the software is to most people. A lot of users may not even know SupportAssist exists because it ships preinstalled on consumer and business devices.

The reports also revive concerns around computer manufacturers' software reliability. Recovery tools are supposed to help and simplify troubleshooting. In this case, users are uninstalling the recovery service to keep their computers running as expected without crashes.

It's important to note that Dell has now publicly acknowledged the issue, saying that the company "is aware of the BSOD issue and is working towards a resolution. As many have noted, version 5.5.16.0 of the Dell SupportAssist Remediation service or Alienware SupportAssist Remediation service can cause the BSODs."

At the time of this writing, the company recommends uninstalling the software. However, disabling the service can also mitigate the issue.

How to stop Dell SupportAssist crashes on Windows 11

According to users, there are at least two temporary workarounds that appear to stop the reboot loops.

The safest option is to disable the remediation service without removing the rest of Dell's tools. Here's how:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and choose the Run as administrator option.
3. Type the following command to disable the problematic Dell software and press Enter: sc.exe config "Dell SupportAssist Remediation" start= disabled
4. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, the computer should no longer crash due to this problem.

It's worth noting that multiple users have reported that using this method stops crashes from happening.

How to uninstall Dell SupportAssist on Windows 11

If turning off the service does not work, you can also try removing the SupportAssist components entirely. Here's how:

1. Open Settings
2. Click Apps.
3. Click the Installed apps page on the right side.
4. Select the "Dell SupportAssist Remediation" or "Alienware SupportAssist Remediation" app from the list.
5. Click the menu button (three dots) next to each app and choose the Uninstall option.
6. Click the Uninstall button one more time.
7. Restart the computer.

After you complete the steps, the Dell device should stop crashing on Windows 11.

One thing to note is that Dell states, "any system repair points created by Dell OS SupportAssist Recovery may not be available after uninstalling the Remediation Service."

Windows Central's Take

I think this situation perfectly shows why I've never been a fan of heavily integrated OEM utilities running quietly in the background on Windows 11 or older versions. SupportAssist is supposed to help users recover from problems, but instead, it became the problem.

What became clear to me is how quickly users blamed Windows 11, and honestly, I can't blame them. I've even published a guide to help users install updates with less fear of breaking their PCs because that's how cautious many people have become after years of buggy releases. However, over time, I've noticed that some of the worst stability problems on laptops actually come from third-party drivers, vendor utilities, and support software.

Have you come across this issue on your Dell computer? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

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Despite what I can describe only as one of the biggest dilemmas the PC industry has ever faced, global shipments of laptops and desktops have gone up in 2026.

As hardware costs continue to rise, forcing all brands to reevaluate pricing, a new report from Counterpoint Research reveals that global PC shipments grew by 3.2% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2026.

That growth comes out to approximately 63.3 million units shipped in Q1 2026 compared to 61.4 million units in Q1 2025. As Counterpoint notes, this growth was caused by the rise of memory prices and the trailing effects of Windows 10's retirement.

ASUS, which I consider to be one of the most improved brands of late when it comes to hardware quality, saw the biggest growth at 20%. It shipped 4.8 million PCs in Q1 2026, though it remains in fifth place overall.

Lenovo, which has been the world's largest PC manufacturer for years, remains in top place with 9% growth, which comes out to 16.5 million units shipped in Q1 2026. Overall, it holds a 26% global market share.

HP remains in second place despite a 5% year-over-year decline, and Dell also holds its spot in third with a modest 8% increase. Apple's global shipments also grew by 11%, no doubt helped by the affordable MacBook Neo.

👉 Microsoft reveals major price increases for all Surface PCs as RAM crisis continues: Flagships now $500 more expensive than at launch

Weren't PC sales supposed to decline in 2026?

I've been keeping tabs on PC shipments and hardware prices ever since the AI-driven RAMpocalypse really kicked off in 2025, and there have been plenty of warnings from analysts that spiking costs will crater PC sales in 2026.

Unfortunately, the growth seen in Q1 2026 isn't actually a sign that PC sales have leveled off. As I mentioned above, this is more about the lasting effects caused by panic buying and Windows 10 users upgrading to Windows 11 PCs.

It's not all bad news, at least for the big PC brands. Counterpoint suggests that a combination of Windows 10 upgrades, interest in Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 chips, and demand for AI PCs using Intel and AMD hardware will help balance growth as we head into 2027.

As noted by Senior Analyst Minsoo Kang, "the PC market's decline is likely to be less pronounced compared to other consumer electronics segments."

It's not looking good for the smaller PC brands

The five companies at the top of Counterpoint's charts ship almost 80% of the world's PCs. Counterpoint lumps other, smaller brands into the same category. Overall, this section fell by 7% year-over-year.

This data aligns with an IDC study I covered in January 2026, which warned that "smaller brands may not survive, and consumers, particularly DIY enthusiasts, may delay purchases or shift their spending to other devices or experiences."

Market growth will ultimately hinge on supply chains, says Counterpoint, as well as the ability to shift away from "low-margin models to more sustainable mid-tier and premium segments."

Windows Central's take

As someone deeply involved in the PC world, I hate to see all the negative market predictions. What's worse is the assumption that entry-level PCs will all but disappear in the next year or two.

Although I love to test the most premium hardware, the reality is that a majority of Windows users are buying in the sub-$1,000 range.

If that market completely disappears, we'll be having an entirely new conversation about how to keep your PC going even when it's far past its expiry date.

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Alienware's QD-OLED monitors are sought after by many PC gamers for their exceptional color and contrast, not to mention their premium performance. However, they don't usually come cheap, leaving a large tranche of PC gamers looking for more affordable options.

Dell recognized this market gap and has decided to fill it with the new Alienware AW2726DM. It's a 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor with a 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and FreeSync Premium support.

Those are some tasty specs for any monitor, but the key here is that it arrives with a $349.99 price tag. You can pick it up now directly from Dell.com or from BestBuy.com. Is this the new best way to land QD-OLED on a budget?

How does Alienware's new QD-OLED gaming monitor compare to other budget gaming options?

Alienware's new AW2726DM is easily the most affordable QD-OLED gaming monitor currently available. The next most affordable option is the Alienware AW2725D at $549.99, notably pushing the max refresh rate up to 280Hz with a few other differences.

Here's how the monitor specs compare.

Alienware cuts costs by about $200 by removing official G-Sync Compatibility certification, dropping panel brightness and refresh rate just a bit, and removing some of the ports.

👉 IPS LCD vs OLED vs NEO LED vs tandem OLED vs QD-OLED vs QLED vs AMOLED vs Mini LED: Which is the best display?

Regardless, the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, paired with a QHD resolution at 27 inches, should be a huge hit for PC gamers who want to take the QD-OLED plunge for incredible color and contrast.

Elsewhere, AOC's Q27GAZD is a 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor with QHD resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, G-Sync compatibility, and a $379.99 price tag at Amazon.

Windows Central's take on Alienware's new budget QD-OLED gaming display

QD-OLED display tech is a superior version of OLED that leans into quantum dots (microscoping molecules that produce color when hit with light) to improve brightness levels without harming the exceptional color and contrast associated with OLED.

Having more monitors take advantage of this tech is always a good thing, but they've traditionally been priced too high for the average PC gamer to take advantage.

That's been slowly changing over time, and the fact that a big name like Alienware — which offers a three-year warranty with burn-in protection — is introducing a more affordable option shows how OLED is slowly becoming the new norm across the PC gaming industry.

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Shopping for a Dell XPS laptop recently got complicated. Looking at Dell's website reveals a confusing mixture of "New XPS (2026)," "XPS (2025)," and "XPS (2024)." The hardware is identical to what was on sale a month ago, but some of the names have changed.

Earlier this year, Dell resurrected the XPS brand. The new XPS 14 and new XPS 16 marked the triumphant return of the iconic XPS family of laptops.

Dell redesigned the new XPS laptops from the inside out. They feature the familiar zero-lattice keyboard and haptic trackpads that have become synonymous with the lineup, but they were also rebuilt in the name of durability, simplicity, and usability.

They're gorgeous laptops that I was happy to see unveiled, and I was especially thrilled when they were discounted shortly after launch (though most deals have ended or shrunk since then).

In addition to being great laptops on their own, the new XPS 14 and new XPS 16 mark the end of Dell's flirtation with one of the weirder naming schemes in tech.

Dell abandoned its non-gaming laptop brands for over a year, leaving XPS behind. In its place were "Dell Premium" laptops.

Those PCs were essentially XPS laptops in everything but name, but the new naming scheme didn't catch on. In 2026, Dell brought back the XPS brand.

That left the Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium in a strange spot. They were XPS laptops in everything but name, but they were sandwiched between the XPS lineup from 2024 and newer XPS laptops in 2026.

For a few months, Dell discounted the Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium heavily under their original names. But over the last month, Dell renamed both and officially made them XPS laptops.

If you look back at an archived version of Dell's website, you'll see a toggle to view XPS & Dell Premium laptops. Now, the same site simply says XPS.

All the laptops from before remain available, they're just all XPS laptops now. The specific product pages for the renamed laptops have a small note along the lines of "Dell 16 Premium Laptop is now XPS 16 (2025)."

Dell Premium vs. Dell XPS

I never liked the Dell Premium name, so I'm happy to see it go away. I also thought dropping the well-known XPS brand was the wrong decision. Dell seems to agree, as evidenced by the company shifting back in one release cycle.

It's a bit strange to see laptops made into XPS machines retroactively, but the Dell Premium laptops were always secretly XPS devices anyway.

The timing of the name swap is interesting. I wonder if sales of the Dell Premium laptops dipped and inspired Dell to make the switch.

The result of the name change is that you can officially get a Dell XPS 14 that's only one year old for almost $900 off. I bet that's more enticing than the same discount on a "Dell 14 Premium," even if they are the same laptop.

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Dell's Alienware gaming laptops are some of the best that we've tested and reviewed here at Windows Central, and the flagship models were recently updated to include Intel's Arrow Lake-HX Refresh processors.

These "Plus" chips, including the Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus and Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, give the Alienware 18 Area-51, Alienware 16 Area-51, and Alienware 16X Aurora a respectable power boost not only for gaming, but also for creators and professionals who work and play on the same PC.

The refreshed laptops are available to purchase now with the new Plus chips, and some of the older models are currently enjoying sizable discounts at Dell.

Intel clocks the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus as delivering roughly an 8% gaming boost at 1080p compared to the Core Ultra 9 285HX. If you're coming from an older PC, say with a Core i9-12900HX chip, Intel says you can expect roughly 62% better performance.

These "Plus" chips also bring support for Intel's Binary Optimization Tool (IBOT), which essentially increases performance by reordering unnecessary steps of compiled machine code. Windows Central Senior Editor Ben Wilson has a deeper explanation (and some testing) of IBOT in his Core Ultra 7 270K Plus review.

👉 Best gaming laptops in 2026

It's also well worth noting that the 16X Aurora is now available with an NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU; it was previously locked to the RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 mobile cards.

It's not just performance hardware that got an upgrade, either. Alienware's 16-inch laptops now have the anti-glare OLED display option that was teased at CES 2026.

Windows Central readers and writers are fans of Alienware laptops

The Alienware brand has been around for a long time, and it's a name that many associate directly with PC gaming. We asked if our readers were interested in these new PCs for 2026 when they were announced, and the response was very positive.

Former Windows Central reviewer Zachary Boddy is also a fan of the Alienware 16X Aurora after testing and reviewing the last-gen model. Boddy remarked:

"The Alienware Aurora laptops target the mid-range with great all-around performance and a practical design, and the more powerful 16X makes some smart upgrades to justify its added cost. For the budget-conscious PC gamers that still want a quality device, the Alienware 16X Aurora is absolutely worth consideration — just don't expect perfection in every category, like the keyboard or speakers."

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The mini PC market is hot these days, and it seems like most of the big (and small) brands are buffing their lineups with new options. Dell isn't to be excluded, and it has just announced a new and compact Dell Pro 5 Micro PC.

The Dell Pro 5 Micro (P5M1260) is expected to launch on March 31, 2026. Pricing has yet to be announced.

This is Dell's first "mainstream" desktop, mini or not, to include Windows 11 Copilot+ capabilities, and it's all thanks to the use of Intel's Core Ultra vPro Series 3 processors. It's available with the Core Ultra 7 366H vPro or the Core Ultra 5 335 vPro.

These Intel "Panther Lake" mobile chips, besides offering improved efficiency and performance (especially for the integrated graphics), come with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of hitting 50 TOPS for AI tasks. That's more than enough for the built-in Copilot+ tools in Windows 11.

Whereas many mini PCs focus on the consumer market by offering a low-cost entry to Windows, Dell's Pro 5 Micro delivers the security and management features that professionals require. I'm talking primarily about Dell's advanced security features like SafeSupply Chain, SafeBIOS, and SafeID, as well as scalable management for IT teams.

How does Dell's new Pro 5 Micro mini PC power five external displays?

What I find more interesting is the design of the PC. It starts at just 2.42 pounds (1.10kg), and its 1.2L chassis can be mounted practically anywhere if you're not using it vertically or horizontally on your desk.

A wide range of ports makes it easy to connect all your peripherals, but Dell goes one step further with an open, modular slot on the back of the PC. At checkout, you can choose one of nine options to fill it with.

Go for the dual DisplayPort 1.4 module, and you'll have a mini PC capable of powering five external monitors with a mix of 5K and 4K resolutions.

Don't need that many external monitors? Add more USB-A or USB-C ports, or legacy ports like PS/2, VGA, or Serial, should you require them.

Getting inside the Dell Pro 5 Micro doesn't require any tools, and once inside, you can access the M.2 slots for the SSD and the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo card. The use of DDR5 RAM suggests that the memory can also be upgraded after purchase.

Dell offers Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6E wireless options, and from the factory, you can configure up to 64GB of DDR5-6400MT/s RAM. Storage ranges from 256GB to 1TB with SED capabilities.

As for power, the PC can run off a 90W barrel adapter or a 100W USB-C adapter (or a connection from a monitor capable of delivering that much power via USB-C).

What do you think about Dell's new business-focused mini PC with Copilot+?

Mini PCs keep getting better, and I love to see Dell keeping up with its first Pro Copilot+ desktop.

For me, the standout feature is either the customizable port module that unlocks support for five external displays or the Copilot+ capabilities, but I want to know what you think.

Is this something you'd consider buying as your next business partner? Will it depend on the price when it launches? Let me know in the comments section!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

If you want a premium laptop that rivals the MacBook Pro in build quality and design but don't want to spend $2,500, Dell has the perfect deal for you. Right now, the Dell 14 Premium I recommend is $820 off — and its spec sheet almost looks like a mistake.

For $1,768.98, you get a laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a 14.5-inch 3.2K OLED display. That same model costs $2,588.98 without a discount, and I'd argue it was worth that price at launch.

The Dell 14 Premium is now a year old, but it's still an excellent machine. I wouldn't blame you for not knowing what a Dell 14 Premium is. Dell only used the "Premium" branding for about a year before admitting its mistake and bringing back the XPS brand.

This is essentially a Dell XPS 14 from last year with a different label. On top of the laptop featuring a familiar design to anyone who has owned an XPS laptop recently, Dell even includes its XPS laptops and Dell Premium laptops in the same section of its online store.

Our friends at Tom's Guide also called the Dell 14 Premium "an XPS in everything but name" in their review.

The Dell 14 Premium has a zero-lattice keyboard, which allows it to pack large keys onto a compact body. It also has a haptic touchpad to customize how clicking and navigating feels on your laptop.

The 14.5-inch 3.2K OLED display is the star of the show here. Upgrading to that panel used to cost an extra $200, so getting it as part of a discounted laptop is quite the perk.

"I fired up the latest trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash and was blown away by how bright and colorful everything appeared," said Tony Polanco in Tom's Guide's review of the PC. He added, "The OLED panel also creates defined contrasts between light and dark elements."

As a quick note, the screen can make certain media appear oversaturated, so you may have to tweak the laptop's settings. But the OLED screen is beautiful and soundly in the plus column for the Dell 14 Premium.

When it comes to tech, I usually buy last year's model. When picking between a premium price tag for the latest gadget or a massively discounted PC I would have jumped at a year ago, the choice is obvious. The Dell 14 Premium at $820 off is the way to go.

Alternative deals

The Dell 14 Premium has a massive discount and delivers excellent value, but it's not the only premium laptop on sale through Dell. Its larger sibling, the Dell 16 Premium is also reduced for Dell Deal Days.

If you prefer to grab brand-new gadgets, the new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are on sale as well. The new XPS 14 starts at a lower price of $1,349, but keep in mind you're dropping down to 16GB of RAM and losing that stunning OLED display. For the extra money, the 'Premium' clearance model is better hardware value.

• Dell 16 Premium — $2,399.99 at Dell (was $2,899.99) (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H with 16 cores, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050, 32GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, 2K non-touch display).
• New Dell XPS 14 — $1,349.99 at Dell (was $1,599.99) (Intel Core Ultra 5 325 with 8 cores, Intel graphics, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2K non-touch display)
• New Dell XPS 16 — $1,499.99 at Dell (was $1,749.99) (Intel Core Ultra 5 325 with 8 cores, Intel graphics, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2K non-touch display)

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After a brief flirtation with a different naming scheme, Dell brought back its flagship brand in 2026. The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are gorgeous laptops that combine the legacy of the flagship lineup with improved durability, simplicity, and usability. Now, for the first time, the new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are on sale.

Dell Deal Days bring discounts on the new hardware, dropping the entry-level models of each laptop by $250, respectively. The new XPS 14 is now $1,349.99 and its larger sibling, the XPS 16, is $1,499.99.

The new Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 have a lot in common with their predecessors from a couple of generations ago, at least at first glance. On both, you'll find zero-lattice keyboards, haptic trackpads, and thin screen bezels that call back to the XPS lineup of old.

But Dell redesigned both laptops from the inside out. Durability, simplicity, and usability were focuses of that redesign, and it paid off. We'll have a full review of the new XPS 14 soon, but Dell's design shines in the new generation.

Dell also responded to user feedback when making the new XPS 14 and XPS 16, such as adding etching to make it clear where the trackpad is (previous XPS models looked like a blank canvas but only part of that area was the trackpad).

Battery life and cooling have also been improved, which are always areas that can be improved.

The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 run on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors. The most affordable models have latest Intel Core Ultra 5 chips inside, but you can configure either with up to an Intel Core Ultra X7.

If you bump up to a higher-end model, you'll get a 2.8K OLED touch display rather than the 2K non-touch screen on the entry-level models.

At launch, the XPS 14 started at $2,049 and the XPS 16 started at $2,199.99. But those high starting prices were due to the configurations available. Dell was always clear that more affordable models would ship as well.

This is the first time we've seen the new XPS 14 and XPS 16 on sale. If you love the design of the laptops but do not need the power provided by the Intel Core Ultra X7 or more than 16GB of RAM, the entry-level models are perfect for you.

The new XPS 14 is available for as low as $1,349.99 ($250 off). The XPS 16 is also $250 off for its entry-level model, which brings its price down to $1,499.99.

FAQ

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Dell is currently hosting its annual Tech Days sales event at its official store, with huge savings on everything from laptops to pre-built PCs to monitors and accessories. Because of how quickly PC prices are rising in light of the global NAND and DRAM shortages, I'm focusing only on the best gaming laptop deals available now at Dell.

The Alienware 16 Aurora is currently the most affordable way to start gaming at just $999 after a huge discount, but the Alienware 16X Aurora and Alienware 16 Area-51 laptops that we reviewed favorably are also on sale for a limited time.

The 16 Aurora is indeed the most affordable way to get your hands on an Alienware laptop now that its regular $1,419.99 price has been cut down to just $999.99 at Dell.

The big differences here, compared to the pricier Alienware 16X Aurora, mainly involve a lower display refresh rate (120Hz vs. 240Hz), different materials used in the chassis (plastic vs. metal alloy), and a lower tier of performance hardware.

The good news? None of these inferior features is going to stand in the way of a great entry-level PC gaming experience. The RTX 5050 inside, thanks to access to the latest DLSS improvements, is actually quite capable, and you'll probably get better battery life when you aren't gaming.

Let's say you have a bigger budget earmarked for your next gaming PC. That's where the Alienware 16X Aurora comes in.

Former Windows Central laptop expert Zachary Boddy reviewed the Alienware 16X Aurora favorably, handing it a Windows Central Recommended Award in the process.

Boddy remarked in their review:

"The Alienware Aurora laptops target the mid-range with great all-around performance and a practical design, and the more powerful 16X makes some smart upgrades to justify its added cost. For the budget-conscious PC gamers that still want a quality device, the Alienware 16X Aurora is absolutely worth consideration — just don't expect perfection in every category, like the keyboard or speakers."

While the 16X Aurora is more expensive, the price difference makes sense when you get a faster display, faster performance hardware, and additional perks like an RGB keyboard.

The model I'm highlighting here is discounted by $420 for a limited time, bringing the total down to $1,649.99 at Dell.

If you'd like to go all-out on a high-end gaming laptop that's guaranteed to be relevant for years to come, the Alienware 16 Area-51 with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, 32GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA RTX 5070 mobile GPU is a much better choice.

It's the most expensive of the bunch, coming in at $2,619.99 after a sizable $500 discount. Aside from the more powerful performance hardware, features like an RGB touchpad, increased cooling abilities, and a wide selection of ports help make up that difference.

Former Windows Central Editor Rebecca Spear reviewed the Alienware 16 Area-51, noting:

"The Alienware 16 Area-51 AW30 Gaming Laptop is a gamer's dream, due to its impressive performance, beautiful display, RGB touchpad, and Cherry MX mechanical keyboard. Games play incredibly smoothly thanks to the powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and RTX-50 Series GPU. Plus, there are plenty of ports to connect monitors or accessories to. It would be nicer if there were the option to include an OLED panel, but the IPS display is still very good."

FAQ

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Dell announced the return of its XPS 14 and XPS 16 flagship laptops at CES 2026 following an ill-fated rebrand. Not only did Dell resurrect the XPS name, but it also completely redesigned the laptops to be used as the anchor in Dell's consumer portfolio.

They're thinner and lighter than ever, and they're equipped with the latest Intel "Panther Lake" mobile chips and new battery tech that makes them last way longer. They're certainly both enticing, but you only want one; this XPS 14 vs. XPS 16 comparison will help you make the right decision.

How do the new XPS 14 and 16's specifications compare?

Before jumping into a more detailed comparison between these two 2026 XPS laptops, here's a look at the specifications that make up the two PCs.

Can I buy the 2026 XPS 14 and XPS 16 models now?

Dell's new XPS 14 and XPS 16, announced at CES 2026, are now available to buy directly from Dell.

The XPS 14 is the more affordable option, at least to start, and you can pick up a model with an Intel Core Ultra 5 325 CPU, 16GB LPDDR5x RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch non-touch 1920x1200 (2K) display for $1,599 at Dell.

Dell offers plenty of configuration options, and you can go as high as $3,299 for a model with the faster Core Ultra X7 358H CPU, 64GB RAM, 4TB SSD, and 2.8K tandem OLED display. Plenty of options are available between those two extremes.

The XPS 16 starts at $1,749 at Dell for a model with the same exact setup as the introductory XPS 14 model, save for the larger 16-inch display. Going all out with the Core Ultra X7 CPU, 64GB RAM, 4TB SSD, and 3.2K tandem OLED display jumps the price to $3,449 at Dell.

For a lot of people, the approximate $150-200 price difference for the larger model will be negligible, making it easier to get the PC you want.

Are there any major differences between the XPS 14 and XPS 16 designs?

Dell made some major changes to the 2026 XPS design, which is good news for anyone who wasn't a fan of the haptic function row that appeared late in a former XPS life (and continued in the ill-fated Dell Premium PCs).

Both the XPS 14 and XPS 16 have returned to a physical function row above the keyboard, which remains lattice-free in both models. The haptic keyboard, which was seamlessly integrated in the palm rests in the older models, is now more defined to give users a better idea of where the pointer boundaries end.

Looking at the larger XPS 16, there's a fair amount of space on either side of the keyboard. The XPS 14 keeps it cropped a lot closer, thanks to its width measuring nearly two inches less than the XPS 16.

Both PCs are more slab-like than ever, and they're certainly reminiscent of Apple's MacBook hardware. That's not a bad thing; we've seen these PCs in person, and they're absolutely gorgeous.

The refreshed design language with CNC-machined aluminum and Gorilla Glass is apparent across both models, and there really aren't any major design or feature differences aside from sizing.

Both laptops offer the same 8MP webcam with 4K HDR support and Windows Hello for facial recognition. Both feature Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. Both have a quad-speaker setup with 10W total output and Dolby Atmos tuning. And both feature three Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm audio combo jack.

Your choice will ultimately come down to how compact you'd like your laptop to be, as well as what size display you're most comfortable using when you aren't hooked up to an external monitor.

How do the XPS 14 and XPS 16 displays compare?

Dell is offering two display options each for the XPS 14 and XPS 16, and there are some notable differences aside from sizing.

The XPS 14's screen measures 14 inches (big surprise) and can be had in touch or non-touch configurations. The non-touch model is more affordable, but its IPS panel isn't as dazzling as the tandem OLED option and it has a lower 2K resolution.

It does, however, offer a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate. This allows the display to be incredibly smooth when it needs to be, and when it doesn't, it can drop the refresh rate to a standstill to help with battery life. The IPS screen jumps up to 500 nits of brightness.

The XPS 14's tandem OLED screen has a sharper 2.8K resolution, but it doesn't get quite as bright, and its variable refresh rate isn't quite as wide. It ranges from 20-120Hz.

On the XPS 16's side, the 16-inch display is also available in touch and non-touch options. The same 2K resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits brightness are available for the IPS option.

The tandem OLED XPS 16 display hikes the resolution to 3.2K, providing more pixels than the tandem OLED option in the XPS 14. It has a touch panel, a 20-120Hz refresh rate, and 400 nits brightness.

The upgrade from IPS non-touch to tandem OLED touch roughly costs the same across the XPS 14 and XPS 16. The tandem OLED screen upgrade itself is about $150, but because it's only available with certain performance hardware, it's more like a $600 jump compared to the introductory models.

Is the XPS 14 as powerful and efficient as the XPS 16?

Dell decided to offer the exact same performance hardware options across the XPS 14 and XPS 16. Configurations start with 16GB of LPDDR5x-7467MT/s RAM but can be upgraded to 32GB or 64GB of LPDDR5x-9600MT/s memory. RAM is soldered, so be sure to get what you foresee needing at checkout.

Similarly, both laptops start at a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, but there are options for 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB straight from the factory.

The biggest change comes down to what's running graphics in these laptops. Dell is no longer offering a discrete NVIDIA GPU in either PC, a departure from the usual setup we've seen in previous generations. This change hinges on the update to Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) mobile chips and their redesigned Arc integrated GPUs.

The Core Ultra 5 325 continues to rely on non-Arc integrated graphics, which is fine for anyone who doesn't get into specialized work or light gaming. However, the Core Ultra X7 385H features the new 12-core integrated Arc GPU that can deliver performance similar to the discrete NVIDIA RTX 4050 mobile chip. It even supports ray tracing and multi frame generation.

Because the XPS 14 and XPS 16 are available with the same performance options, the only difference might come down to thermal abilities. There's more space inside the XPS 16, and a less-cramped interior usually means less heat. I'll have more to share once we've tested both laptops side-by-side.

Similarly, I don't expect there to be a massive difference in battery life. Both XPS models feature a 70Wh battery. They're the first to use 900ED battery cells, which are significantly smaller and lighter than the usual fare. Dell says this new tech can help deliver more than 40 hours of local video playback on either PC; again, I'll have more to share once we've tested both.

Dell XPS 14 (2026) vs. XPS 16 (2026): Which should I buy?

Dell's flagship XPS 14 and XPS 16 models for 2026 have never been more comparable, and there's only a $150 price difference between the two introductory model sizes.

Sure, the XPS 16's tandem OLED display has a slightly higher resolution, and that might be a key in your decision. But with performance hardware options so similar between the two models, I suspect the final choice will come down to what size of PC you're more comfortable using.

Best Buy's Winter Sale event started recently and runs until next Monday. The event slashes the prices of hundreds of laptops, accessories, and other gadgets. Among the best deals is a serious discount on the Dell XPS 13.

Right now, you can snag the XPS 13 for $999.99. That's a $500 discount on a premium laptop with a 3K OLED touchscreen, a Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

Normally, I don't like focusing on the urgency of a deal. Even when items are steeply discounted, you should do your research before making a major purchase.

That's still the case here, of course. That being said, Best Buy's Winter Sale is genuinely for a limited time. The Winter Sale ends on January 19, 2026 and the availability of deals depends on stock.

If you know this is the laptop you want, don't leave it in your cart.

Our Cale Hunt sifted through every discounted laptop that's part of the Dell Winter Sale event and found the 13 best Windows laptop discounts. This specific Dell XPS 13 made that list.

PC pricing and specs are expected to be volatile in 2026, according to analysts. The ongoing RAM shortage is a key factor but far from the only thing that will influence laptop pricing this year.

You can expect higher prices, lower average specs, or both from consumer PCs in 2026. To me, that's a clear signal that a PC like the Dell XPS 13 (9345) is worth grabbing.

Why buy a Dell XPS 13?

Perhaps a better question would be why buy this Dell XPS 13? The XPS lineup has gone through several changes over the years, including branching into "Classic" and "Plus," merging those branches under a single name, ending the XPS brand entirely, then bringing XPS back this year.

But instead of diving into a history lesson, let me break down what you're actually getting in the specific XPS 13 highlighted above.

The discounted XPS 13 is the model from 2024. You can check for "9345" in the model number to confirm. The laptop runs on a Snapdragon X Elite processor and has the futuristic design seen in the XPS lineup for years.

It was the first XPS Copilot+ PC and is still an honorable mention in our collection of the best Windows laptops.

This XPS 13 earned high marks from our Senior Editor Zac Bowden for its design, size and weight, keyboard, display, and excellent battery life.

"Overall, the Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon is a fantastic laptop," said Bowden.

"It's an ultraportable machine that's now more capable than ever thanks to that Snapdragon X Elite. It lasts all day and can handle most tasks with ease. It runs quiet for the most part, and looks super stylish and unlike any other laptop on the market."

For just under $1,000, you get a premium laptop with a 3K OLED screen and a Snapdragon X Elite.

Alternative Discount

Best Buy's discount on the Dell XPS 13 is the best bargain on the laptop, but it's not the only deal. Right now, you can grab the Dell XPS 13 with a Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage for $949.99.

The reason that model is at a lower price is because it has a non-touch 2K screen as opposed to the 3K OLED display seen in the model discounted at Best Buy. It does, however, have more storage, which may be more important to you than screen resolution or touch support.

If you don't need a 3K display or value touch, Dell's offering is a better deal, though both are great options.

FAQ

It's a new year, and that means that top tech analysts are poring over data from 2025 in an attempt to make sense of the next 12 months.

Earlier this week, I covered a report from tech research and advisory group Omdia, suggesting that 2026 will see a laptop supply that fails to meet demand, driving up prices for consumers.

That same sentiment is being shared by the International Data Corporation (IDC) in an independent report that looks eerily similar to the one from Omdia.

According to IDC's research VP, Jean Phillipe Bouchard, "the PC market will be far different in 12 months, given how quickly the memory situation is evolving."

Bouchard is, of course, referring to the ongoing DRAM shortage caused by AI firms buying up production for the months and years ahead. AI datacenters require an unfathomable amount of memory to operate, and unfortunately, the core tech is the same that goes into the consumer RAM found in our personal PCs.

Given the choice of selling to consumers or to AI firms, memory manufacturers are following the big money that seems to swirl endlessly around the latter.

On one hand, the big laptop manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, Dell, and ASUS — which had stellar sales in 2025 — are likely better positioned to weather the storm thanks to their "scale and memory allocations." On the other hand, IDC warns that "smaller brands may not survive, and consumers, particularly DIY enthusiasts, may delay purchases or shift their spending to other devices or experiences."

Laptop makers had a great 2025, and Lenovo continues to lead the way

IDC points out that 2025's holiday season saw strong laptop sales, which isn't out of the ordinary. However, news of the impending laptop price spike likely amplified sales as consumers and the big brands attempted to get ahead of the newfound costs.

Add to that the lingering uncertainty of Windows 10's end-of-life and the push for Windows 11 PCs, and you can certainly see why PC sales were so strong. Lenovo alone shipped 19.3 million PCs globally in Q4 2025, according to IDC.

Just like Omdia's results, IDC shows Lenovo at the top of the PC sales charts with around 71 million (70.8 is the exact number IDC shares) shipments throughout all of 2025. HP comes in second place with 57.5 million shipments, Dell in third with 41.1 million, Apple in fourth with 25.6 million, and ASUS in fifth with 20.5 million.

My recommendation for those who need a new PC? Buy now and get it over with before the big price hikes hit. There are plenty of laptops from 2025 available, many of them at a discount as retailers attempt to clear out inventory for new 2026 models. I just put together a roundup of 13 top laptops on sale at Best Buy's Winter Sale if you need a bit of inspiration.

Do you agree with analysts who suggest that PC sales will decline in 2026? Do you see any way around the factors driving those price hikes? Let us know in the comments section below!

Laptop and desktop PC manufacturers had a healthy year in 2025. Global PC shipments climbed by 10.1% to 75 million PCs in Q4 and, for the entire year, by 9.2% to 279.5 million PCs.

The data, presented by tech research and advisory group Omdia, shows that laptops and mobile workstations were the biggest sellers, hitting 58.6 million units shipped in Q4 and 220.4 million units shipped throughout the full year. That's a significant 8% jump year over year compared to 2024.

The bigger jump, percentage-wise, landed in the desktop PC sector. Desktop and workstation shipments hit 16.2 million units in Q4 2025, raising the total number of units shipped last year to 59 million. That's a 14.4% increase compared to 2024.

Lenovo, the PC manufacturer that I saw focus more on AI than ever at CES 2026 despite having a ton of new hardware to show off, sold the most PCs in 2025 with 71 million units. It grew 14.4% in Q4 2025 and, for the year, 14.6%.

HP arrived in second place with its suite of rebranded Omni PCs that shipped 15.4 million units in Q4 alone. That performance contributed to about 57 million sales throughout the year.

Dell landed in third place with about 42 million PCs sold throughout 2025, which is about 7% better than its sales in 2024. Remember, Dell is the only PC maker that has openly admitted that consumers are not buying PCs just because they have AI, which stands in stark contrast to Lenovo, which is focusing more than ever on AI PCs.

Looking back at 2025, these strong PC sales numbers are not exactly surprising. Microsoft killed Windows 10 on October 14, which undoubtedly forced (and is still forcing) a ton of Windows users to upgrade to something new running Windows 11.

Tariffs on PCs and the parts that go into them seemed to be a constant threat, which surely drove some to buy a new PC sooner than they wanted. And to wrap up 2025, we were treated to a new crisis: memory and storage shortages driven largely by AI's insatiable demand for massive datacenters.

The PC market isn't expected to have such a great 2026

According to Omdia's Principal Analyst, Ben Yeh, 2026 isn't projected to be as kind to the world's PC manufacturers:

Indeed, this shouldn't exactly come as a surprise to anyone who's been following PC markets for the past few months. Yeh adds that "supply-side pressures will be more pronounced and supply will not fully meet demand," while also stating that PC sales will largely "hinge on vendors' memory and storage procurement and negotiating leverage."

Are you expecting to see a decline in PC sales in 2026 due to ongoing market conditions (tariffs, shortages, etc.)? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments section below!

In an interview with PC Gamer, Dell has commented on the current state of the PC industry and explained why its latest wave of hardware wasn't marketed directly as AI PCs. It turns out, Dell says it has learned that consumers don't seem to particularly care about AI in PCs and aren't making buying decisions based on it.

"... what we've learned over the course of this year, especially from a consumer perspective, is they're not buying based on AI," Dell's head of product, Kevin Terwilliger said. "In fact I think AI probably confuses them more than it helps them understand a specific outcome."

Dell's latest wave of hardware was notable because it almost purposefully omitted mentions of AI PCs. That doesn't mean its new hardware isn't AI capable, however.

"One thing you'll notice is the message we delivered around our products was not AI-first" says Terwilliger. "We're very focused on delivering upon the AI capabilities of a device—in fact everything that we're announcing has an NPU in it."

Dell is the first Windows OEM to openly admit that the AI PC push has failed. Customers seem uninterested in buying a laptop because of its AI capabilities, likely prioritizing other aspects such as battery life, performance, and display above AI.

This news is unlikely to please Microsoft, which has been trying to encourage an upgrade cycle with Copilot+ PCs for the last couple of years. It placed big bets on next-gen AI experiences as being a primary reason for people to want to upgrade their PC, but if Dell is correct, that effort has seemingly failed.

In fact, Dell's COO Jeff Clarke says that "this un-met promise of AI, and the expectation of AI driving end user demand" along with ongoing memory shortage issues has likely impacted the current state and growth of the PC industry.

Microsoft has slowly pushed AI into every aspect of its portfolio, and Windows 11 has been at the forefront of this unfortunate effort. Windows OEMs have been dragged along for the ride, but now it seems AI on its own isn't enough to encourage users to buy new computers, at least with Windows' current AI capabilities.

Features like Windows Recall and Click To Do, which are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, haven't resonated with the market. Recall was met with serious backlash, and the other Copilot+ PC features aren't big or useful enough to convince users an AI PC is worth buying.

What are your thoughts on the PC industry's recent AI PC push, and are you expecting these companies to lay off the AI marketing bandwagon in the near future?

Dell just admitted it made a mistake. At CES 2026, the company officially brought back the 'XPS' brand after a year-long experiment with the generic 'Premium' name. The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are gorgeous, but they're also incredibly expensive.

Right now, Dell is clearing out inventory of the Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium.

Under the hood, these are high-end machines and the spiritual successors the older XPS 14 and 16. They have haptic touchpads, zero-lattice keyboards, and OLED displays. What they don't have are the XPS name or the XPS price, and that's a win for you.

Here are the best deals on the 'Secret' XPS models (and the older XPS 13) that you should buy before they're gone, including a $450 discount on the excellent Dell 14 Premium.

Why buy a Dell 14 Premium or Dell 16 Premium laptop?

Dell moved away from its XPS branding last year. The company has since backtracked by unveiling the absolutely stunning all-new XPS 14 and XPS 16. The company even teased an XPS 13 that we should see later this year (our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino has actually seen the new XPS 13 🤫).

While we won't see the all-new XPS devices just yet, Dell has already discounted the Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium laptops. Dell usually slashes the price of its year-old PCs once new models are unveiled.

Since the Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium were basically XPS laptops in everything but name, the discounts are here. If you think I'm exaggerating the status of the Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium, Dell literally lists both devices in the "XPS Laptop Computers" section of its website.

Both the Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium are excellent laptops. They carried the legacy of the XPS lineup for a year and have familiar designs to those who love modern XPS laptops.

The laptops are sleek, professional-looking, and well-built. They do have the controversial row of haptic function keys, but some people actually prefer those.

"While the name may have changed, the XPS spirit continues, with all of the top tier design, construction, and performance we've come to associate with its flagship family," said our Managing Editor Richard Devine right after the new Dell Premium laptops launched.

Depending on the specs you'd like, you can save up to $520 on a Dell Premium laptop.

Alternative discounted options

If you really want a laptop that says XPS on it rather than just emulating the design of the lineup, Dell has some XPS laptops on sale as well.

Depending on the exact spec you want, you may also find a better deal by getting an older XPS laptop.

• Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite, OLED: $1,099.99 (was $1,499.99).

FAQ

Dell has a habit of building monitors that make other “pro displays” look like toys, but the new Ultrasharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U5226KW) still managed to surprise me. When a 52‑inch, 6K panel showed up in my home office, it brought genuine shock and awe with it (and I had to help the FedEx guy carry it).

The specs alone read like a dare. A sprawling 52‑inch canvas at 6K resolution (129 PPI) is something no other company even sells, and just when I thought Dell was done flexing, I saw the 120Hz refresh rate. That’s the moment my jaw hit the desk. A monitor this big, this sharp, and this fast shouldn’t exist—and yet here we are. Yes, you can technically game on it. Or you can simply enjoy Windows 11 animations so smooth they feel illegal, but that's not the target audience here.

At $2,899.99 with the stand (or $2,799.99 without), this isn’t a monitor for casual shoppers. But honestly? I expected it to cost more. Dell charged $5,000 for a 30‑inch 4K 60Hz OLED back in 2016, and this thing makes that look quaint (and Dell still sells the awesome Ultrasharp 32 6K, which I reviewed, with a soundbar for $2,999).

So after a few weeks of living with this absurdly ambitious display, what’s the verdict—and who is this monster actually for? Let’s get into it.

Dell Ultrasharp 52 specs and features

I already spoiled the main specifications of the Ultrasharp 52, but let’s dive a bit deeper.

The panel is not OLED, but it is IPS Black Technology, which is LG’s fancy term for making IPS more OLED-like by knocking contrast up to 2,000:1 and making blacks less washed out. Bonus in not being OLED is that there is no risk for burn-in, which is still a thing when you leave static images on for long periods — and I’d argue the person who needs this monitor is that user.

Resolution is 6144 x 2560 with a 21:9 aspect ratio for the full 51.5-inch 4200R curved panel, with 8.0ms response or 5.0ms in Fast Mode. That 5.0ms is the minimum for a decent gaming sesh, so have at it.

Eye comfort is also a big deal here, so it’s flicker-free and earns 5 stars for the TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort Certification. Indeed, Dell points out that the Ultrasharp 52 is the “world’s first monitor to achieve TÜV category one hardware low blue light certification … [with] up to 60% less exposure than competitors.” And I was so happy to see it has an Anti-Glare Low Reflectance (AGLR) with hard-coating 3H, making this a glare-free monitor.

Bonus feature that I rarely see? The Ultrasharp 52 has an ambient light sensor on top to auto-adjust brightness and/or color temperature, which is entirely optional if you don’t like how it performs. That's good as it is aggressive in keeping the display dimmer than you expect, but I think it's actually better for reducing eye-strain once you adjust (and I did).

The color gamut is 99% DCI-P3, Display P3 99%, BT.709 100%, and 100% for sRGB, so there are no complaints there, and these checked out during my calibration.

There are plenty of ports, including 2 x HDMI (HDCP 2.2; up to 6144 x 2560, 120 Hz, VRR), 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 (HDCP 2.2), 4 x USB Type-A 10Gbps downstream, 3 x USB-C 10Gbps upstream, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps upstream port, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet, 1 x USB Type-A 10Gbps downstream port/s with Battery Charging 1.2, and 2 x USB-C 10Gbps downstream port/s, Power Delivery up to 27 W.

To make things more accessible, you have two Type-C and one Type-A in a push/dropdown hub in the front, which is a unique feature that Dell likes to do. It’s great for thumb drives or charging your phone with easy access.

For real power users, the Ultrasharp 52 also includes a built in Thunderbolt 4 hub and KVM switch to connect multiple PCs up to it (like a laptop or two in addition to a desktop), Picture by Picture (PbP) supporting up to 4 input sources, Picture in Picture (PiP) supporting up to 2 screen partitions, and Auto USB KVM with Ethernet Switch Mode control supporting up to 4 input sources.

A concern I had was that it wouldn't offer audio, but luckily, Dell did include it as you get two 9-watt speakers, which are down-firing, running the bottom of the monitor.

Included in the box is the monitor, stand (which is height adjustable), power cable, DisplayPort 1.4 cable, HDMI 2.1 cable, USB-C to USB Type-A 10Gbps cable, Thunderbolt 4, and a 40 Gbps active cable.

The whole thing with the base stand weighs 18.23 kg (40.19 lbs.), and yes, it’s VESA compatible.

Dell Ultrasharp 52, what is it like to use?

No lie, putting this behemoth on my desk was comical. It’s soooo massive that when you first turn on your PC, your first thought is no way can I get used to it.

Then I used it for 24 hours, and I can’t see going back.

But let’s step back for a second. Setup was a breeze. In the box, which basically has a sled to carry the monitor to your office (I do advise having someone help you), you also get the stand and the cables. The stand has two parts and is toolless, simply clicking into the monitor’s back.

Being a 4200R curved monitor (which isn’t super dramatic), I really advise being careful, as I find these types really easy to damage, especially if you have the monitor display down.

Like all sane people, I also suggest using the DisplayPort cable over HDMI, but both worked with my NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU. Setting up the auxiliary wires to power the other ports is a bit tricky, but it all worked well enough.

To get the most out of the Ultrasharp 52, you need to install Dell Display and Peripheral Manager, which lets you change brightness, color profile, auto brightness, KVM controls, and even custom Windows snapping schema. It’s a good app, and I have no complaints about it.

Once it’s all set up, what can I say? You can see my screen from the street where you walk by my house!

But if you spend all day looking at data, charts, Slack, etc., there’s nothing like the Ultrasharp 52. At 129PPI, the text is sharp, but not too small as to be a problem (Dell claims that the ideal PPI range is between 110 and 140). That said, I did set Windows scaling to 175%, which is over the 125% recommended range, but I’m getting old, so that’s what happens.

Regular Windows snapping works just fine, but Dell’s custom snapping option, which has preset defaults and the ability to design your own, is pretty awesome.

For size reference, Dell says using the Ultrasharp 52 is equivalent to using one 43” 4K monitor with two vertical 27” QHD ones flanking it (which is already a serious battle station), OR using two 49” DQHD (32:9) monitors stacked on top of each other.

Yeah, it's a lot of screen.

Finally, for the speakers, I was worried I would have to bust out some external ones, but nope, those two 9W ones do the trick for me, being great for watching video just as much as doing video calls. They sound great to me, being relatively rich in sound and being very “center focused,” which is excellent for my frequent online meetings.

Who is the Dell Ultrasharp 52 for, and is it worth $2,899?

Make no mistake, this is a serious monitor for professionals.

Dell claims the Ultrasharp 52 is for “traders, financial analysts, engineers, designers, and executives who demand precision, clarity, and efficiency,” which makes sense. This monitor is no different than the stereotypical setups you see with financial analysts who have multi-monitor arrangements, usually running at various resolutions, and some of them running vertically.

In that sense, the $2,899 is a bargain for those people who, at minimum, are pulling in six figures, but likely much more. For them, this is a necessary work expense. Why? Well, as someone who runs multi-monitor setups and who stares at charts, data, Slack, etc., all day, I can say multi-monitor kind of sucks. You often get different resolutions, you can have cable and video card connectivity issues, not to mention varying color calibrations or refresh rates.

With one monitor, you get 100% awesome all the time.

Indeed, I didn’t have a single bug in my time with the Ultrasharp 52.

Of course, if you’re a regular consumer with some money to burn, I can say you won’t be disappointed if the idea of near-life-size faces during video calls is on your bucket list. I definitely wouldn’t buy it for gamers, but if you do game on it on occasion, it’s also totally fine.

But are there other options?

This isn’t the first 6K monitor from Dell I’ve reviewed; in fact, the one I swapped out for the Ultrasharp 52 is the Ultrasharp 32 6K, which has a built-in sound bar and an excellent web camera. It’s more office-oriented, but arguably one of my favorite monitors of all time (though the webcam has crashed on me numerous occasions).

But there is one other contender that is technically much cheaper and higher spec’d.

The Samsung 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 sets the bar with its dramatically curved (1000R) dual 4K resolution (7,680 x 2,160), mini-LED, 2,500:1 contrast, and 240Hz refresh rate at 140 PPI. It’s on sale right now for just $1,499 (if you can find one), which is nearly half the price (hey, buy two! And stack ‘em!).

Of course, you lose out on some things, like Dell’s IPS Black is better for work, reading, and color accuracy, and 6K 21:9 is more natural for multitasking (plus, Mac support). Dell has a Thunderbolt 4 Hub and 140W charging, which is better for laptop‑first workflows (one cable to do it all), or those using PiP for a secondary device (or even up to four) via KVM. While Samsung does have a basic KVM, it doesn’t offer a Thunderbolt 4 hub. Finally, even though Samsung’s mini-LED is very bright and punchy, it’s not built for 10‑hour workdays and lacks that TÜV 5‑Star and hardware Low Blue Light certification.

Basically, Samsung is great for gamers and some office work. Dell is the better choice for those “traders, financial analysts, engineers, designers, and executives” who are staring at their monitors for 8 to 10 hours a day, with multi-device workflows.

It's eye comfort versus eye candy, if you get me.

Dell Ultrasharp 52: Final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You're looking to consolidate your multi-monitor setup
• You need the biggest display with no compromise
• You have a multi-PC workflow or shared workstations
• You're a trader, a financial analyst, an engineer, a designer, or an executive

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You're primarily a gamer
• You have a small desk

So yes — the Ultrasharp 52 is spectacular. It’s overkill in the best possible way, impeccably engineered, and genuinely delightful to use. But it’s also a tool with a very specific mission. If you’re a trader, analyst, engineer, designer, or executive who lives inside charts, timelines, dashboards, and multi‑device workflows, this thing is a productivity multiplier that pays for itself.

If you’re a regular consumer with deep pockets and a desire to experience video calls at near‑life‑size, you’ll love it too.

For everyone else? The price, the size, and the sheer ambition of this display will be more than you need. But for the right audience, the Dell Ultrasharp 52 is the new gold standard for single‑monitor workstations. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s unlike anything else on the planet.

Needless to say, it's going on our list for the best computer monitors for 2026.

There are monitors, and then there are Monitors with a capital M. In the case of Dell's new UltraSharp 52, announced at CES 2026, it's firmly in the latter category.

It's the world's first 52-inch ultrawide curved 6K (6144x2560) monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate. Yes, 120Hz at 6K. It's not using an OLED panel, which I'm sure will disappoint some, but it does put up strong competition with IPS Black tech that deepens contrast to 2,000:1 without risk of burn-in.

An ambient light sensor can automatically adjust the brightness and color temperature to be easier on the eyes, and it hits the highest tier of TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification. That's no joke if you're someone who looks at a display all day.

Dell compares the one 52-inch 6K screen to a setup with two 27-inch QHD monitors and a 43-inch 4K monitor — the new UltraSharp offers a whopping 61,000 more pixels and 25% higher pixel density than that combination, and you're only dealing with one mounting arm or stand on your desk.

Further helping manage desk clutter is a built-in Thunderbolt 4 hub and KVM switch. The monitor can charge a connected laptop with up to 140W of power, and it can connect to four PCs simultaneously.

Dell has the new UltraSharp 52 (U5226KW) aimed directly at day traders, data scientists, engineers, developers, and practically any other professionals who never seem to have enough screen space. And a professional you'll need to be to afford it; it rings up at $2,899.99 with a stand or $100 less without. It's available now at Dell's website.

Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino got his hands on the monitor a few weeks early to try it out, and I think this sums it up:

"The Dell Ultrasharp 52 is a full‑blown command center disguised as a single display. It proved itself to be a productivity powerhouse: razor‑sharp 6K resolution, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, IPS Black contrast that punches far above typical IPS, and a connectivity suite that feels like Dell stapled a docking station, a KVM, and an IT department directly onto the back."

You can read a whole lot more about this awesome display in our Dell UltraSharp 52 review.

The UltraSharp 52 isn't arriving alone at CES 2026. Dell also announced a new UltraSharp 32 4K QD-OLED monitor made for pros who need precise color reproduction.

It hits Delta E<1 with no extra tuning out of the box, 99% DCI-P3 and Display P3, 80% BT2020, 94% AdobeRGB, and 100% sRGB/BT709. It has the infinite contrast ratio that OLED is known for, plus it comes with DisplayHDR True Black 500 and Dolby Vision certification.

It, too, has a Thunderbolt 4 hub with up to 140W charging for a connected laptop to help declutter your desk. Dell plans to release the smaller 32-inch UltraSharp display on February 24, 2026. It's expected to cost $2,599.99.

Could your current workflow benefit from an ultimate 52-inch 6K monitor like the new UltraSharp 52? What type of work would you use it for? Let us know in the comments section below!

CES 2026 is going strong in Las Vegas this week, where many of the biggest tech companies are announcing their latest products and services.

Now, Alienware, Dell's gaming sub-brand historically noted for its high-end focus, has revealed its 2026 hardware lineup, and there are some surprises.

As expected, Alienware is refreshing its flagship gaming laptop line, but it's also adding a new AMD processor to its current Area-51 desktop. What's more, the company has surprisingly announced two brand-new laptops — an entry-level gaming laptop and an ultra-thin gaming laptop.

Here's everything Alienware announced at CES 2026:

All Alienware CES 2026 announcements

• Alienware Area-51 Desktop — This 80.5-liter flagship gaming desktop was already available with Intel processors (as seen in my Alienware Area-51 Desktop review), but this year, Alienware is adding AMD processors to its configuration options, up to Ryzen 7 9870X3D with 3DV-Cache technology. It offers up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU, 64GB dual-channel DDR5 RAM, and up to 4TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD to create a truly beastly gaming desktop.
  • Available February 2026, pricing TBA.

• Alienware 16 Area-51 Laptop — This flagship RGB gaming laptop offers a few different configuration options, including the new Intel Core Ultra 200HK processors, the top NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs (5070 TI, 5080, and 5090), up to 64GB DDR5 RAM with two memory slots, up to 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen 5 SSD, and a 96Whr lithium ion battery. It also features a 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) Anti-Glare OLED display that supports G-Sync and reaches up to 240Hz, and a speedy 0.2ms. Consumers also have the option of choosing Alienware's CherryMX mechanical laptop keyboard, which I fell in love with as seen in last year's Alienware 16 Area-51 Laptop review.
  • Available Q1 2026, pricing TBA.
• Alienware 18 Area-51 Laptop — This 18-inch RGB gaming laptop builds upon the 16-inch model to offer even more premium features. It offers the new Intel Core Ultra 200HK processors, up to RTX 5090, up to 64GB dual-channel DDR5, and up to 2RV NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen 5 SSD. The 18-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) display supports G-Sync, up to 300Hz, and 3ms. Buyers also have the option of configuring it with Alienware's CherryMX mechanical laptop keyboard.
  • Available Q1 2026, pricing TBA.

• Alienware 16X Aurora — This gaming laptop puts more of a focus on power efficiency and offers a design that blends in with non-gaming settings. It can be configured with Intel Core Ultra 5 235HX, 7 255HX, or 9 275HX CPUs, with the choice of an RTX 5060 laptop or 5070 laptop GPU. There are two memory slots, and it can be configured to have up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and up to 2TB NVMe M.2 Gen 4 SSD. The 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) anti-glare OLED display is HDR ClearMR9000 certified, supports G-Sync, and supports up to 240Hz and 0.2ms.
  • Available Q1 2026, pricing TBA.

• New Ultra-Slim Gaming Laptop — An official name and final specs have yet to be announced, it seems, but this will be a slim 17mm-thin gaming laptop available in 14-inch and 16-inch variants. Alienware says it's designed "for people who want the best balance between game performance, creative projects, and portability."
  • Launch date and pricing TBA.
• New Entry-level laptop — Once again, we don't know the official name or final specs of this gaming laptop, but it is specifically designed as a more affordable entry-level gaming laptop. Alienware states it balances "performance, portability, and price." Just don't expect it to be nearly as powerful as the Area-51 Laptop line.
  • Launch date and pricing TBA.

It's interesting seeing Alienware introduce a more affordable gaming laptop and a lightweight gaming laptop to its hardware lineup. This marks a notable shift from its usual mid-to-high-end focus. But I'm definitely not complaining. If anything, it's good to see more purchasing options come to market for us all to choose from.

What do you think about Alienware's 2026 lineup? Are you interested in getting any of these devices? Tell us about it in the comments.

At CES 2026, Dell did something PC companies almost never do: it admitted it messed up.

One year after the company tried to retire iconic brands like XPS in favor of a simplified “Dell / Dell Pro / Dell Max” naming scheme, the experiment is effectively over. XPS is back — not as a legacy holdover, but as the centerpiece of Dell’s consumer strategy going forward.

And Dell isn’t pretending otherwise. Vice chairman Jeff Clarke told press in New York that the company “underperformed,” “didn’t listen,” and is now “getting back to our roots.” He even acknowledged that reviewers and customers were right about the branding. For a company that ships hardware into a 280‑million‑unit‑per‑year PC market, that’s a rare level of candor.

But Dell didn’t just bring back the XPS name. It rebuilt the laptops themselves, and they look outstanding because even there, the company addressed some of the biggest complaints.

XPS 14 and XPS 16: thinner, lighter, cooler, and finally listening to users

Dell's XPS 14 and XPS 16 (aka Dell 14 Premium and Dell 14 Premium) are some of our favorite laptops here at Windows Central, especially the XPS 14, as it is one of the 14-inch laptops with an optional RTX GPU in it and is still super compact.

The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are the first wave of this course correction. Both laptops have been redesigned from the inside out, with Dell emphasizing durability, simplicity, and usability — a stark contrast to last year’s controversial haptic function row experiment.

That experiment is now dead. The physical function row is back. (I've personally loved those LED keys, which were an engineering-thermal decision, not to be "cool," but boy did some users really hate them).

The new XPS laptops feature CNC aluminum, Gorilla Glass, cleaner parting lines, and a calmer tonal palette. For the first time, the XPS logo sits proudly on the lid — something fans have been requesting for years. The touchpad gets subtle etching to define the active area, and key travel has been tuned for more accurate, faster typing.

Dell also leaned heavily into sustainability: modular USB‑C ports, easier‑to‑remove keyboards, recycled steel hinges, and recycled cobalt and copper in the batteries. Both laptops meet the new EPEAT 2.0 standard.

And yes, they do look a bit Apple-ish, but all I can say is in person, they're gorgeous.

Performance meets efficiency: Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and a major thermal overhaul

Inside, the XPS 14 and XPS 16 run Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 3 processors with 12‑core Intel Arc graphics. Dell claims up to 57% and 78% faster AI performance, respectively, and more than 50% faster graphics versus the previous generation.

That last part is critical. Dell is betting big on Intel's new integrated graphics, feeling confident it can replace an NVIDIA RTX 4050 from the previous XPS 14 (2024) and Dell 14 Premium (2025).

It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for ’em.

But the bigger story is thermals. Dell redesigned the cooling system with its largest, thinnest fans ever, new insulation gel, and a layout that cuts TDP in half—the result: cooler, quieter machines with significantly better battery life.

And battery life is where Dell is flexing the hardest

Record‑setting battery life and smarter displays

Dell says the new XPS laptops deliver the best battery life in their class — up to 27 hours of Netflix streaming or 40+ hours of local video playback. That’s not a typo.

A big part of that comes from the new 1–120Hz variable refresh rate LCD panel, which can drop to 1Hz for static content and ramp to 120Hz for scrolling or video. It’s the first laptop panel of its kind.

For creators, tandem OLED returns after debuting in 2024, offering higher brightness, better efficiency, and longer lifespan than traditional OLED

Mobility: thinner than ever, lighter than expected

Both laptops are just 14.6mm thick. The XPS 14 weighs around 3 pounds — half a pound lighter than before — and is now physically smaller than the MacBook Air 13 while offering more screen real estate. The XPS 16 starts at 3.6 pounds, nearly a pound lighter than its predecessor.

That's what happens when you ditch NVIDIA, by the way.

Dell also engineered the thinnest 8MP/4K laptop camera it has ever shipped and is the first to use 900ED battery cells, which are 23% smaller and 12% lighter.

I will note that many of us thought the new XPS 14 was actually the XPS 13 (more on that below) because it is that thin/small (it's not super light at 3.05lbs, but it does feel dense, likely due to the 70WHr battery).

The surprise comeback: XPS 13 returns later this year

Here’s the twist: the XPS 13 wasn’t even on Dell’s roadmap 120 days ago. But after the backlash to last year’s branding, Dell fast‑tracked its return. It will be the thinnest XPS ever at under 13mm and the most affordable XPS price point to date.

In other words: Dell is rebuilding the entire XPS portfolio, not just refreshing two models.

Now, I did see the XPS 13 prototype in person, but the press were not allowed to take photos as, noted above, it was literally created just a few months ago, so it's not finalized. But it sure is a looker. Dell initially didn't want to do an XPS 13 because, as I mentioned earlier, the new XPS 14 is smaller than a MacBook Air 13. It felt there would be too much overlap between the two, not enough of a differentiator.

Alas, it said it figured out how to solve that, and it's going to be one hot seller, is my guess.

What about the processor? Dell didn't commit to Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm, at least not to me on the record, but it was very gushing of Qualcomm's potential. Considering the XPS 13 already had a Snapdragon X Elite version, it makes sense for the company to bring back to the new model with the brand-new Snapdragon X2 Elite, but we'll have to wait and see. I sure hope they do.

An even bigger tease? Dell had two XPS placeholders for other XPS devices coming. That's all I can say at the moment about them. Any guesses or wants?

Finally, a global marketing campaign kicks off in February to reintroduce the XPS brand, and Dell says it's going to push hard to win back consumers. I'll say it was refreshing to hear a PC company talk so much about consumers and not just enterprise for once!

Pricing and availability

The XPS 14 starts at $2,049.00 and the XPS 16 at $2,199.99, with limited configurations available January 6 in the U.S. and Canada.

More configurations — including an entry‑level model well under $2,000 — arrive in February. Ubuntu options and the new XPS 13 land later this year.

[Update: Price correction from Dell]

Dell’s reset moment

Dell’s 2025 rebrand was bold, but ultimately misguided. The company now seems determined to fix that mistake by doubling down on what made XPS successful in the first place: premium design, strong performance, and clear identity.

This time, Dell is listening. And XPS is better for it. I'm legit excited for the company and can't wait to see how these new XPS laptops are, but I'm confident they're going to be the big winner of 2026 (putting aside increased RAM prices, of course).

And as I teased above, Dell has a lot of plans for the XPS brand, by which I mean actually expanding it and trying to drive down prices.

But what about the other brands, you may be asking? XPS and Alienware Area 51 are its top brands for consumer and gaming, respectively, with Alienware staying as its normal gaming range.

That said, Dell is keeping "Dell" for its mid and entry-level laptops, and "Dell Pro" sticks around for enterprise, so it didn't completey reverse course, at least not yet.

Dell just pulled off one of the rarest moves in the PC industry: admitting a mistake and undoing a major rebrand. Now that XPS is back — thinner, lighter, and actually better — I want to hear from you.

• Did Dell make the right call bringing back the XPS name?
• Did the 2025 “Dell 14 Premium” era ever make sense to you?
• And are these new designs enough to win back trust?

Drop your thoughts below. Be honest. Be chaotic. Dell says it’s listening this time — let’s test that.

Each year, I test and review a wide range of tech from laptops, desktops, and handheld gaming PCs, to various computer accessories.

Since this year is drawing to a close, I took a moment to think back on all of the devices I've tested that stood out to me most, whether due to their impressive performance, unique features, or reliable designs.

Here are my favorite tech things of 2025 that I personally have used and love. Some of them even happen to be on sale, so you can grab them at a discount if interested.

Whether you're looking for some new tech for yourself or are trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one, these are all devices I personally have used and recommend.

My favorite tech things 2025

Amazing devices from 2025 that I recommend

Whether it's time to replace your current tech or you're looking to get a gift for someone else, I cannot recommend these devices enough.

I've spent at least dozens of hours with each of them, and they're seriously my favorite tech things from 2025 that I cannot stop thinking about.

If you'd like a small computer that can easily keep up with common program usage, web browsing, and video calls, then I highly recommend the Geekom IT13 mini PC.

As for any creatives who might be looking at this page, you should consider the ASUS ProArt PA27JCV. Its fantastic color range with DisplayHDR500, KVM switch, and a healthy range of ports make it ideal for artistic endeavors.

Finally, if you're interested in getting a new desktop that can run the latest games but is also ideal for work, school, or personal use, then you should check out the Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250). This desktop puts up a modest front, but it's actually a powerful computer that runs beautifully and provides plenty of ports to fit your needs.

Regardless of what you're looking for, good luck finding the perfect new gear as we go into 2026.

The tail end of 2025 has brought the tech world a new crisis with which it must contend. Due to the frantic buildout of AI datacenters around the world, Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) and Non-Volatile Flash Memory (NAND) are in short supply.

The squeeze on DRAM has already forced the price of consumer RAM for desktop PCs and laptops to skyrocket, and SSD storage (which uses NAND) is next in line to see a spike.

Now, an internal memo sent to Dell employees on December 9 shows that prices for its commercial tech will rise starting on December 17 due to the rising costs of RAM and storage (via Business Insider).

👉 The cost of RAM has never been higher, making it a bleak time for PC building — Here's how to work around the price gouging while holiday shopping

Just how much will prices go up? Business PCs, like those from the Dell Pro and Pro Max lineups, are expected to rise by $130 to $230 for configurations with 32GB of RAM. Should you be interested in speccing up to 128GB of RAM, prices should rise by $520 to $765. On the storage side, opting for a 1TB SSD in your PC or laptop will drive up costs by $55 to $135.

Speaking anonymously to BI, a Dell sales employee says the price increase will fall between 10% and 30% based on the specific contract. BI quotes the same Dell employee as saying, "It's impacting everyone, and there's no way around it currently, so customers will just have to pay more if they want the products."

Laptops and PCs aren't the only Dell products affected by AI shortages

Dell's commercial sector sells PCs to businesses rather than individual consumers, and it makes up roughly 85% of the company's annual revenue stream. Commercial sales also include monitors and specialized GPUs, and it appears that their prices won't be left unbothered.

The internal price list shows that a Dell Pro 55 Plus 4K display is expected to rise by $150 over its current $1,349.99 list price. Should you want an AI laptop with the monster NVIDIA RTX PRO 500 GPU with 6GB of VRAM, you'll be expected to pay $66 more. And if you opt for the 24GB GPU version, you're looking at a price increase of $530.

👉 Valve's "Steam Machine" gaming PC will be in trouble if this RAM pricing crisis worsens — should we expect gamers to foot another unwanted bill from AI-obsessed megacorps?

In another memo obtained by BI, Dell urged its sales teams on November 25 to "move decisively" before the price hikes hit, setting up multi-quarter deals while also closing deals already on the table. Dell also stated that "ordering today for future delivery DOES NOT lock in current pricing."

Dell is clearly concerned that the DRAM and NAND shortage will cause customers to rethink their investments. The internal push to lock down contracts is wise, but the Dell sales employee who spoke with BI has said that the situation feels "out of our control."

The DRAM and NAND price crisis has no clear end in sight, with some experts claiming the cycle will last until at least 2028. And because these components are so widely used, there's almost no tech that will go unaffected.

A laptop is no longer a tool with a sole purpose; modern professionals and creators require a device that is as useful for completing tasks and collaborating on projects as it is for being your digital lifeline for entertainment, creativity, and casual use.

Dell understands that PCs must now fulfil a user’s every need, and the Dell Plus family of laptops is proof. The specs and hardware are impressive, but so are the numerous additional features included with the hardware, all designed to help you be more productive.

Whether it’s Dell’s growing ecosystem of apps and peripherals, cross-device compatibility making workflows easier, powerful AI tools for improved productivity, or useful conferencing and collaboration features, Dell Plus laptops are designed from the start for modern multi-use professionals who crave a more realistic work-life balance.

What sort of ecosystem has Dell built around its Plus laptops?

Dell has built a strong ecosystem of accessories – including keyboards, mice, headsets, stylus pens, webcams, speakers, docks, and displays – and software around its laptops, making it a snap to set up a seamless experience across devices, no matter your needs.

Using the same laptop for work and for play, of course, requires long battery life, and Dell’s Plus laptops certainly deliver. In our Dell 14 Plus review, we noted that “a full day of work isn’t cause for concern.”

Improving efficiency is the native Dell Optimizer app, which uses AI to quickly and intelligently adjust performance on the fly for a perfect balance. Within are also powerful collaboration and interaction tools, while network prioritizations ensure your meetings are never interrupted.

Dell Optimizer works flawlessly with Dell’s Display and Peripheral Manager. No matter how many of Dell’s accessories and monitors you use on your desk, the supporting apps make it easy to create a seamless experience across devices.

TL;DR: Buying a Dell Plus laptop means you’re getting a full ecosystem of supporting hardware and software, making it easy to create a seamless experience.

Can Dell’s Plus laptops link to other devices, like a phone?

Dell’s Plus laptops can connect to modern Android or iOS phones via Phone Link, allowing you to answer or make calls, send texts, and check notifications right from your PC. It’s one of the most convenient features available to Dell’s Plus laptops, and it’s one that I use all of the time, whether I’m working or casually computing.

Once linked with your phone, your Dell Plus laptop becomes the centerpiece of activity, reducing the amount of time you spend moving from one device to the other. No more missed calls, and no more pulling your phone out to check on a useless notification.

This feature has saved me so much time over the years, allowing me to get my work done more efficiently and effectively. And when the workday is done, you’ll have time left over to make plans with your friends – right from your PC.

TL;DR: Dell’s Plus laptops connect flawlessly with your phone, allowing you to save time and handle both devices from the same screen.

Are Dell’s Plus laptops a good choice for conferencing and collaboration?

Dell Plus laptops include loud, clear speakers and crisp, high-res webcams, ideal for conferencing and collaborating with coworkers and other professionals. And because the Plus lineup has the right hardware to run local AI, additional tools like Windows Studio Effects can automatically make you look and sound as good as possible every time.

Working a freelance job from the beach? Use AI to dynamically change your video meeting background to give a far more professional appearance. Catching up with friends and family? Have some fun with filters and effects.

Everything that’s said comes through clearly on the speakers, and thanks to Dolby Atmos support, you can add additional spatial tools for increased immersion. Because Dell’s laptops are set up with the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, you can always count on a fast and steady connection.

TL;DR: With clear webcams, crisp speakers, reliable Wi-Fi, and built-in AI enhancement tools, Dell’s Plus laptops are perfect for conferencing, collaborating, or simply catching up with friends and family.

Can Dell Plus laptops meet the needs of modern creators?

Dell Plus laptops are ideal for creators thanks to sharp, color-accurate screens, a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to run AI tools, and a durable design with long battery life.

Your personal AI assistant, Copilot+, has full access to the latest AI features in Windows 11, designed from the start to boost productivity. Need an image for a presentation? Use the Dell 14 or 16 Plus 2-in-1’s touchscreen and active pen to sketch an idea and watch it come to life in seconds.

For creators who need accurate color reproduction, the mini-LED display in the Dell 16 Plus is a stellar option with enhanced contrast for deeper darks and lighter whites. And because Dell puts every laptop through a stringent, military-grade durability testing process, you get a slim and sleek PC that will be your everyday companion for years.

TL;DR: Dell’s 14 Plus and 16 Plus laptops are perfect devices for creators and freelancers due to their durability, performance, and high-end screens.

If you think a Dell Plus laptop is for you, find out more on the Dell website.

And there’s one more thing to know before you buy: Dell offers a price match guarantee. Learn more about the Dell price match and price guarantee, including the terms, exclusions and restrictions.

With the holiday season in full swing, PC users will get a chance to purchase some reliable and normally expensive laptops at much lower prices, thanks to some early Christmas discounts.

Like the Dell 14 Plus, a reliable workhorse AI laptop that forgos gimmicks for essential hardware to complete workflow productivity with ease, that's now on sale for $499.99 at Best Buy instead of its normal MSRP of $849.99

Why buy the Dell 14 Plus laptop?

One of our top laptop experts, Zachary Boddy, gave the Dell 14 Plus a modest 3.5/5 star review.

They stated that while it may have a boring design, lackluster audio, and a below-average display capable of only 60Hz and 1200p resolution, it makes up for it's presentation by packing tons of essential hardware components to make its users' lives easier, whether it's during work or casual browsing.

It has a solid performance that's able to consistently run modern web browsers and Microsoft Office apps with no issues, thanks to its AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 CPU (with 6 cores) and AMD Radeon 840M GPU.

It has a long battery life of up to 19 hours, a responsive keyboard, and full AI integration with 50 TOPS on its NPU to help run AI-related tasks like researching alone or editing images with Copilot+.

Plus, it's been future-proofed for any updates regarding Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11.

So, if you're looking to get yourself a dependable laptop that's only packed with the bare essentials for the workplace or while you're away on a business trip, then Dell 14 Plus is for you, especially now that it's on sale for $499.99 at Best Buy, making it a great value Christmas present for yourself or your colleagues.

FAQ

Thunderbolt 5 docking stations are becoming increasingly common as the latest connectivity tech matures, and Dell recently released its new Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock (SD25TB5) aimed at power users and, as the name implies, professionals.

I've been using the new Dell dock on my desk for a couple of weeks, and I'm ready to share where it excels and where it falls behind the competition.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Dell. Dell had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Plenty of ports, a straightforward design, and massive charging potential

First, let's take a look at the port selection. The front of the dock features just two downstream connections: USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) at 10Gbps with charging abilities and USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) also at 10Gbps.

Most ports are relegated to the back to promote better cable management. There are three more USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports, all capable of charging, as well as USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) with DisplayPort 2.1 capabilities.

Two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports also make an appearance. Why not three? Dell moved some of that bandwidth over to native video out ports, including HDMI 2.1 and dual DisplayPort 2.1. This should make it quite easy to connect all of your monitors without requiring adapters or dongles.

A 2.5Gb Ethernet port and a barrel charging port round out the rear connections. I'd rather see a 10GbE hookup on a dock at this price, but at least it's not 1GbE.

As you should expect in any dock aimed at pros, there are a couple of lock slots on the side — one Kensington and one Noble wedge-shaped. The other side has venting cutouts to feed the internal fan.

So, where's the upstream Thunderbolt 5 connection for the host PC? This dock comes with the dreaded attached host cable. I prefer a detachable cable simply because you never know when a cord is going to fail, and I'd rather not replace an entire dock when it does.

However, Dell has a good reason for the attached host cable. This is the first dock that can deliver up to 300W of power to the host laptop, which requires a specialised cable. The caveat is that the 300W is only available if you've connected one of Dell's commercial laptops with USB-C PD 3.1 support.

Using the dock with a non-Dell PC? It can still hit up to 240W, which is enough to keep some of the thirstiest mobile workstations topped up. The bottom of the dock includes two pre-drilled holes meant for use with a VESA 100mm x 100mm mounting bracket, which allows you to hide the dock practically anywhere but your desktop.

Dell's dock supports up to four 4K displays each at 120Hz

Dell's dock doesn't skimp on video support; it's capable of handling up to four 4K displays at 120Hz each simultaneously. This maximum setup is only possible with DP 2.1 and Thunderbolt 5 with Display Stream Compression (DSC), a feature available in many pro-grade displays.

With DP 1.4 and DSC, it falls to quad 4K screens at 60Hz each. And without DSC support in your monitors, you're looking at quad QHD display support with a 60Hz refresh rate each. Of course, having fewer displays means you can crank up the resolution in each. The dock tops out at a single 8K monitor running at 60Hz.

Ultimately, the Dell Pro dock should be able to handle any sort of monitor setup you throw its way, even if you're working at a massive workstation with quad monitors.

A Pro dock wouldn't be much without pro-grade management tools

Dell's Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock is aimed at professionals, and it brings a ton of PC management tools for IT. Using a Dell laptop with an Intel vPro chip inside? Intel AMT over Thunderbolt is supported.

Otherwise, you're looking at MAC address passthrough, PXE Boot, Wake-on-LAN, WLAN to LAN switch, and kernel DMA protection. Thanks to Dell's Device Management Console, the dock can be updated and configured entirely remotely.

Everything wireless is encrypted with a strong WPA-3 192-bit standard, but security goes beyond digital as well. The dock is equipped with hardware-based, tamper-proof encryption, and specific ports can be disabled.

With a standard three-year warranty that can be extended to up to five years, this dock is no doubt going to attract a lot of enterprise customers. And thanks to wide compatibility — Windows 11 (and 10), macOS, Ubuntu 24.04, RHEL 9.7, and ChromeOS 141 — you shouldn't run into any problems if you're working across platforms.

Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You already have a Dell laptop with Thunderbolt 5 that can take full advantage of all the dock's features.
• You absolutely need the remote IT management and professional features.
• You have a power-hungry laptop that needs up to 240W (non-Dell PCs) or 300W (Dell PCs) of charging.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You're a casual user who won't make use of the professional management tools.
• You want a Thunderbolt 5 dock with a built-in M.2 SSD slot for easy removable storage.
• You don't have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop and don't plan on upgrading anytime soon.

Dell clearly had a focused vision for its new Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock. It set out to create a hub that's best used with its own Thunderbolt 5 laptops, especially in an enterprise setting where IT management is crucial.

In that regard, it's a complete success, and I expect that enterprise customers already using Dell PCs will flock to this dock for some excellent future-proofing.

However, due to the price — normally $569.99 but discounted to $484.99 at the time of writing — and the included features, I'm not recommending it to average users, at least unless money is no issue.

Standard users can certainly make use of a lot of the features here, including the excellent display support and charging capabilities, but you can spend a lot less and still get a great Thunderbolt 5 dock that doesn't charge you for IT management features you'll never use.

It might look like a basic PC, but Dell's flagship desktop aims to cater to everyone with its sleek and compact chassis that happens to be packed with some of the most powerful internals you can get in a computer today.

I spent a few weeks using the Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) as my primary computer to ascertain if it's worth the lofty price tag attached to it.

My time with it allowed me to see that it really does offer best-in-class performance, respectable thermal management, plenty of configuration options, and upgrade potential to appease even the most hardcore PC enthusiasts.

Our recommended Dell Tower Plus Desktop (EBT2250) configuration:

This review was made possible by a review unit provided by Dell. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250): Pricing and availability

Design ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Dell Tower Plus is a premium tower PC through and through, so you'd usually expect a high price tag to accompany its high-end components.

Being a Dell computer, it's available all over the world and can be purchased directly from Dell, Amazon, Best Buy, and other major tech retailers. Just note that certain configurations are only available at specific stores.

Dell's flagship Tower Plus desktop starts at $699.99 at Dell, with an Intel Core Ultra 5 225, Intel UHD Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. If you max out every option, you can quickly raise the Dell Tower Plus Desktop to a hefty $3,389.99 at Dell, but you're obviously getting a far more capable PC with more power, memory, storage, and features.

The Tower Plus I specifically tested features an Intel Core Ultra processor with integrated Intel UHD Graphics, a discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD. It's a powerful beast. It sells for $2,238.99, but it was on sale for $1,988.99 at Dell at the time of writing.

What's in the box? — You get the Dell Tower Plus, a chunky power cable, a few manuals, and Dell's entry-level wired keyboard and mouse. If you'd like, you can pay more to get the Dell Pro Keyboard KM5211W and a nicer Dell Wired Mouse when purchasing from Dell's website.

That said, you might be better off going with one of the best PC keyboards or best PC mice alongside your new PC, as the optional keyboard simply does not do the Dell Tower Plus Desktop justice.

The Dell Tower Plus has a very unassuming chassis and puts me in mind of 90s PC cases, but its mostly metal casing exudes quality when you really take a moment to look at it.

Unlike many other desktops on its premium level, this one doesn't have colorful RGB lighting or an edgy sci-fi design. As someone who doesn't really care for the "gamer" aesthetic, this is a major plus.

However, it is worth noting that the "GeForce RTX" on the GPU lights up bright white when the PC is on and shines through the vents on the casing's side. Because of this, I chose to place the Tower Plus on the left of my monitor so the bright lighting didn't shine at me when I used the computer.

Otherwise, the build quality is fantastic, with no glaring gaps or separations between the chassis panels. The Dell Tower Plus Desktop's feet also do an amazing job of gripping onto surfaces, ensuring there's no sliding around on my desk.

A healthy range of ports greets me on the front and back of the device, ensuring that I have enough connections to plug my various accessories and monitors in, as desired.

All in all, this is a phenomenal PC tower that pushes convenience and usability rather than a flashy design.

Performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As a creative individual, I spend many hours working in Photoshop and other programs, so fast and steady performance is important to me. Dell's Tower Plus, with its Intel Core Ultra 7 265K processor and RTX 5070 discrete graphics card, impressed me at every turn.

For example, some of the editing tools and filters I regularly use can take several seconds or even minutes to process on some PCs, but I was able to do these same tasks either instantaneously or within just a few seconds on the Dell Tower Plus. It was so convenient.

I also ran the Dell Tower Plus through several benchmark tests, and even though it isn't the most intense configuration Dell offers, it still excelled and got some of the highest scores of any PCs that Windows Central has ever tested.

The PCIe 5.0 SSD leads to very fast transfer speeds that kept up with any work I was doing. I was even able to transcode a 4K copy of Tears of Steel in just 18 minutes. Some PCs take 45 minutes or more to do the same thing.

This configuration can also easily keep up with the latest AAA gaming, even if this isn't a gaming PC that's specifically been optimized for digital adventures.

The Advanced CPU air cooling combined with dual fan design keeps the Dell Tower Plus cool and performant even during stress tests or when running more intensive programs.

Actually, most of the time, Dell's flagship tower PC is so silent that I could barely hear it running at all, even when gaming or running some benchmarks.

I was able to get the fans to turn up and hit a peak of 65.5 dB when running the most intensive programs; however, these fans only ever came on for small bursts of time and did an excellent job keeping the system cool.

Upgradeability ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dell did a fair job ensuring the Dell Tower Plus Desktop is easily accessible and upgradeable.

To remove the side panel, all I have to do is unscrew the screw at the back of the case and then pull on the locking mechanism. This causes the side panel to pop out.

Helpful illustrated instructions on the interior panel explain how to correctly remove different parts if you do want to upgrade anything.

The internal layout is very similar to the 2024 XPS 8960 Desktop, with everything being easily reachable.

Inside are two massive fans (one pulling cool air directly onto the massive RTX GPU and another pushing the hot air out of the back of the device) and an Advanced CPU air cooling system for the Intel CPU.

Only having two fans may concern some potential buyers, but as I noted in the performance section, this desktop doesn't struggle to keep its components cool. These fans are big and loud when they're needed, but otherwise remain quiet.

Near the top, you'll find two HDD slots, and there are also two SSD slots (one used, one available in my case) between the two RAM slots and the Wi-Fi card for your storage needs.

The power supply is at the bottom, with the Dell Tower Plus Desktop supporting up to 1,000W. The layout makes sense, and nothing is annoying to access.

Software experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐

As you'd expect, this desktop came with Windows 11, which runs very well on the Dell Tower Plus Desktop (as it should, considering this hardware).

Aside from that, Dell does bake in a few different apps and programs onto the Tower Plus Desktop. Unfortunately, McAfee Antivirus and Web Advisor come installed, but you don't have to use these if you don't want to.

There are also other Dell apps like Dell Optimizer and SupportAssist onboard, as well as standard Intel apps like Command Center. Finally, there's Dolby Access OEM, which can help fine-tune any speakers you plug into the desktop.

None of this is too egregious, and most (if not all) can be uninstalled should you wish to free up some space. Some of them are useful, like SupportAssist and Dell Update, which can help keep you updated with all the latest drivers.

Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250): Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy it if ...

• You need a powerful, premium desktop PC for creative work, extreme productivity, and/or gaming
• You want a simple, understated design that's still high quality
• You'd like an upgradable desktop that also offers plenty of ports
• You're willing to pay a premium for a high-end, pre-built desktop with the latest internals

❌ You should not buy it if ...

• You're looking for the best possible value
• You want a flashy design with RGB lighting
• You want a pure gaming PC packed with gaming-specific features

While not vastly different from the previous XPS Dell Desktop, the new Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) is a fantastic machine that is even more powerful and just as convenient as its predecessor.

Don't let the simple casing confuse you; this is a tiger with a demure design that excels at office productivity, creative work, gaming, and everything else you can throw at it.

Creative writing or digital documentation while travelling can be a gruelling task if you don't have the right laptop for the job.

Hence, Dell has come to lighten your burdens with this 50% Black Friday discount for the Dell 14 Plus Laptop at $499.99 instead of its usual MSRP of $999.99.

What makes the Dell 14 Plus laptop so special?

The Dell 14 Plus is a no-nonsense, diligent AI laptop that forgoes frivolous gimmicks like RGB lighting to be built with advanced technology for the sole purpose of getting work done.

It features a slim, minimalist design and a lightweight of 1.52kg to make it easy to store and carry, and it's got a large battery of 7 to 22 hours, depending on how much work you put it through before needing to recharge.

Its performance when typing and running multiple apps like internet browsers, Microsoft Office, and email is consistently smooth and solid, thanks to its Intel/AMD processors.

On top of that, it's been future-proofed for all AI and Windows 11 updates as the Dell 14 Plus is built with Copilot+ certification, thanks to a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of up to 48 TOPS (trillions of operations per second), depending on the processor you purchase the laptop with.

There are new niggling issues that hold this device back from being one of the best AI laptops of all time.

According to my colleague, Zachary Boddy's review of the Dell 14 Plus, it has a lackluster IPS LCD screen (with 60Hz refresh rates and 1200p resolution), which has distracting backlight bleed, low brightness, average color contrast, and washed-out, inaccurate colors.

It also has hollow-sounding speakers, a design that may be too safe for users wanting an extravagant-looking laptop, and it has no Human Presence Detection (HPD) feature to give it extra security.

If you can put aside those negatives, the Dell 14 Plus is a great purchase for casual or workplace PC users wanting to get their work done on the go.

The Dell 14 Plus (with an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 40 TOPS NPU, 8 cores, up to 4.5Ghz) is available for purchase at a 50% discount for $499.99 at Dell for Black Friday.

Keep a sharp eye out this weekend, as we'll be rounding up the best Black Friday deals for PCs, laptops, Xbox accessories, and other enticing electronics.

FAQ

More Cyber Monday 2025 — Quick links

• All our TOP recommended deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

Dell is home to some of the best laptops, monitors, and desktop PCs around, and it just so happens to also have one of the biggest collections of discounts available for Cyber Monday.

I'm seeing some of the most affordable Windows 11 laptop discounts disappear already, but there are still some great PCs available starting at only $349.

Lots of monitors for all types of users are still discounted, as are all-in-one and desktop PCs for work or gaming. I'm expecting most of these deals to expire tonight once Cyber Monday concludes, so don't wait too long to take advantage.

Update December 1, 2:40 PM EST: I verified all prices, removed dead deals, and added some new laptop discounts that are available only for a limited time until stocks run out. — Cale Hunt

Best Cyber Monday laptop deals at Dell

Best Cyber Monday monitor deals at Dell

Best Cyber Monday desktop deals at Dell

FAQ

More Cyber Monday 2025 — quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Steam Deck: Essential accessory deals
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
• SSDs: The best Samsung SSDs on sale

We're in the final week of Black Friday month, and Dell Outlet has decided to go all out with a massive sales event, offering deals for a variety of refurbished laptops for work and gaming, along with micro desktops and monitors.

We have scoured Dell Outlet to find the best discounts on refurbished products, whose quality is as good as new, to help you get value for your buck and save hundreds of dollars in the process.

What's more is that if you buy these products from Dell Outlet, you will get an extra 18% discount on them during checkout and 50% off their warranty.

More Black Friday 2025 — quick links

• All our TOP recommened Black Friday deals: Just the best
• mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
  
  Even more Black Friday deals:
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)

FAQ / Buying advice

With Black Friday closing in this week on November 28, 2025, retailers are pulling out every discount deal in their back pockets for us to consume. It's the best time of the year for shopping, as the best gaming laptops, best Windows Laptops, and best computer monitors are at their lowest prices.

This Dell sales event is no different, and here are a few reasons why taking up on these refurbished deals is worth it.

If there's one premium 13-inch laptop that I always recommend to PC buyers, it has to be Dell's incredible XPS 13. Dell's massive 2025 laptop rebrand didn't affect the Snapdragon-powered notebook, one that we personally tested and reviewed to discover some of the best battery life ever from a Windows 11 PC.

Because this is Dell's premier lineup of laptops, XPS doesn't usually come cheap. Cyber Monday, however, has landed at Dell's hidden outlet store, where you can find a "Like New" refurb for just $649.99. That's $550 off the regular refurbished price.

Dell XPS 13 (9345) review highlights — Why is it such a great deal?

Dell's XPS 13 (9345) launched late last year, and it's the only XPS model remaining following Dell's 2025 rebrand. Windows Central Senior Editor Zac Bowden reviewed the XPS 13 (9345) favorably, handing it four stars (out of a possible five) and a Best Award.

Bowden called out the "stunning and unique" design that features a seamless haptic touchpad, capacitive touch keys, and a zero-lattice keyboard, noting that it feels more like a 12-inch device due to the slim and refined chassis.

He tested the 13.4-inch display with 1920x1200 (FHD+) resolution — the same one in the discounted model highlighted here — and saw 98% sRGB color reproduction as well as 520 nits peak brightness. You'll be able to work outside, especially thanks to the anti-glare finish.

Battery life is really where this laptop shines, and that's all thanks to it running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip. I'll let Zac take it away:

"In our Procyon Battery Drain test, which runs productivity apps such as Microsoft Office on a loop until the battery dies, the XPS 13 managed 19 hours and 37 minutes, an incredible feat and beats most other Snapdragon X Elite powered Copilot+ laptops. The Surface Laptop 7 15-inch, for example, came in at over 18 hours."

You could certainly spend more on a new model with the same specs, and in fact, Dell has a new XPS 13 9345 with a 512GB SSD discounted down to $849.99. That's $250 off the regular price.

Considering you can save an extra $200 on a "Like New" refurbished model with the same specs, I'm recommending everyone consider the used model at just $649.99 first.

FAQs

More Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Steam Deck: Essential accessory deals
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
• SSDs: The best Samsung SSDs on sale

Sometimes, people want a simple, gimmick-free laptop that plays it safe when it comes to performance and design so they can use it to get through office work on time and go home to rest.

One of these no-nonsense devices is the Dell 14 Plus, a mid-range AI laptop with great performance and battery life that's currently on sale at Dell for $749.99.

Why does the Dell 14 Plus get our personal recommendation?

The Dell 14 Plus isn't the most glamorous laptop in the world, nor is it a premium powerhouse armed with the best specs on the market for AAA PC gaming.

Yet it doesn't care, for this AI laptop only cares about getting work done. Whether it's typing out documents, video-editing, streaming, or browsing the internet for research, the Dell 14 Plus does it with gusto.

This model features an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V GPU with 47 TOPS NPU and 8 cores that support up to 4.8 GHz, ensuring it has stable and strong performance while in use.

It also includes a long battery life of over 7 hours, a spacious, intuitive, and responsive keyboard, and built-in Copilot+ to make it future-proof for all upcoming Windows 11 updates.

The only major downside of this laptop, other than its steep MSRP of $1099.99, is its display.

While it features an adequate 1,200p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, the Dell 14 Plus' screen has an average color contrast, middling brightness of 300 nits, washed-out colors, and distracting backlight bleed.

The screen issue can be mitigated with some significant settings tinkering, but the $1099.99 MSRP issue has temporarily been lessened to $749.99 by Dell's exclusive 32% early Black Friday discount.

So, if you want a hard-working laptop purely for work purposes and you don't care about having only a passable display, then we highly recommend the Dell 14 Plus.

FAQ

Alienware isn't well known for its budget offerings, but with the Alienware 16 Aurora starting at just above $1,000 (and often dropping below with sales), the Dell-owned brand is making an effort in 2025.

I have both the 16 Aurora and the upgraded 16X Aurora in my office, and I've been using them a fair amount. While Alienware hasn't suddenly become the undisputed champion of value-driven gaming laptops, both of these devices more than earn my recommendation for those minding how much they drop on their next machine.

The Alienware 16 and 16X Aurora stellar overall performance wrapped in a classic "Alienware" design, with a range of simple-to-understand prices and configuration options. HP and Lenovo should watch out.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Dell. Dell and Alienware had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

My Alienware 16X Aurora (AC16251) review

Design ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Both Alienware Aurora laptops make use of the brand's "Interstellar Indigo" color, a deep blue hue that I personally love. Both laptops also boast similar, rounded designs with rear- and side-mounted venting and ports, a protruding thermal shelf on the bottom, and Alienware's iridescent logo on the aluminum lid.

At first glance, you may be hard-pressed to tell the difference, and that's a positive for the entry-level Alienware 16 Aurora. The more expensive sibling does transition to a slightly more refined, all-aluminum chassis, though, and features a single-zone RGB-lit keyboard compared to the standard white backlight of the regular 16 Aurora.

While both laptops get two USB Type-A (5GBps) ports, an RJ45 Ethernet port (mounted on the side instead of the rear, for some reason), an HDMI 2.1 port, and a USB Type-C (10GBps) port with DisplayPort 1.4, the Alienware 16X Aurora upgrades the second USB Type-C port for a more powerful Thunderbolt 4 port.

All of these differences make sense. The Alienware 16 Aurora still looks good and enjoys great build quality, but the 16X Aurora is a little better in a variety of ways that make it undeniably more premium. I just wish these laptops were a little less chunky, especially that abnormally thick display lid.

Display ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just like the design, the Alienware 16 and 16X Aurora share much on the display front — but the 16X enjoys some notable upgrades.

Both laptops are equipped with a 16-inch, 16:10, 1600p IPS LCD panel with great responsiveness and color reproduction, but the 16X Aurora enjoys a faster 240Hz refresh rate (the 16 Aurora is limited to 120Hz), better color accuracy (hitting 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut on top of 100% of sRGB), and a higher max brightness (500 nits compared to just 300).

Both displays look good, but the Alienware 16X Aurora clearly has the upper hand. My only real criticism here is that this display's contrast ratio is barely average, even for an IPS panel, which you may notice when playing video games with a wider dynamic range or lots of dark scenes (like horror titles).

Performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Performance is everything for a gaming laptop, and the Alienware Aurora devices certainly do not disappoint. The configuration I tested the most was the 16X Aurora with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, which retails for $1,999.99 at Dell.com.

It should come as no surprise that this laptop runs well, but its strengths really lie in CPU performance and thermal management. The Alienware 16X Aurora, especially, can squeeze a lot of power out of its HX-series chips, and does an excellent job preventing throttling over time — even in its overclocked "Overdrive" performance mode.

I will say, those fans can get loud at full throttle, but the Alienware Aurora at least isn't constantly fluctuating the fan speeds. It's a consistent drone... but you may occasionally hear the fans roar to life when the laptop is closed and sleeping, which isn't uncommon for a Windows machine.

• Forza Horizon 5 — 113 FPS (Extreme preset, 1600p resolution, NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution/Frame Generation/Reflex Low Latency disabled)
• Gears 5 — 105 FPS (Ultra preset, 1600p resolution)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 — 94 FPS (Extreme preset, 1600p resolution, NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution set to Performance, NVIDIA DLSS Frame Generation disabled, NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency enabled)
• Cyberpunk 2077 — 57 FPS (Ray Tracing: Ultra preset, 1600p resolution, NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution Transformer Model set to Auto, NVIDIA DLSS Frame Generation disabled, NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency enabled)

When it comes to gaming, that CPU performance is especially noticeable in games like Gears 5. You don't have to pay this much to get around this level of performance, but the Alienware 16X Aurora is remarkably consistent, and that's a big plus. Its one weakness is that no configuration can be equipped with more than 8GB of VRAM — but that's due to NVIDIA's limitations, not Alienware's.

Battery life ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gaming laptops rarely impress when it comes to endurance, but the Alienware 16X Aurora actually exceeded my expectations (slightly). I still wouldn't describe this as an all-day machine, but the 16X Aurora can go a little further than a lot of other gaming laptops, draining 16% of its battery after an hour looping a generic Microsoft Office workload and 20% of its battery after an hour looping an HD video with default and balanced settings.

If you enable "Stealth Mode" by pressing the dedicated button in the function row, the Alienware Aurora laptops can go even further by disabling keyboard lighting, silencing fans, and more. It's a simple but clever feature for a gaming laptop, and it's not unreasonable to get a full day's use out of these devices if you're careful about it. Bear in mind that this was with the most power-hungry CPU/GPU combo you can get, so more affordable configurations will likely fare even better.

If you do decide to push this hardware to the max, like with gaming, don't hope for more than an hour or two of playtime, and expect to lose around 25-33% of your performance.

Keyboard & touchpad ⭐⭐⭐½

The Alienware Aurora laptops feature a tenkey number pad, which is somewhat unique in this day and age. Some people will value that addition, but the trade-off is that this keyboard does feel cramped thanks to its smaller keys.

Key travel also feels soft and shallow. I won't go so far as to say this is a bad keyboard, but it's certainly my least favorite of the laptops I've tested in recent memory. It's simply fine. I do like this layout overall, though, especially the inclusion of three customizable macro keys in the function row.

The touchpad is solid. It's smooth and responsive, uses Microsoft Precision drivers for gestures, and doesn't feel cheap. I'm not expecting a haptic touchpad in any gaming laptop, so this is good enough.

Software & AI ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Alienware Aurora laptops come with Windows 11 preinstalled, but don't have the hardware to be full Copilot+ PCs, so they're not on the cutting edge of Microsoft's software (depending on your feelings, that also means like artificial intelligence bloatware).

There are some preloaded Dell programs and unwanted third-party bloat, but for the most part, the Alienware Aurora laptops feel clean and ready to go. Stability was also excellent for me, which I've not been able to say about some older Alienware laptops. A big part of that is the Alienware Command Center software, which has truly come a long way and now feels reliable, intuitive, and feature-packed.

Everything else ⭐⭐⭐½

When it comes to everything else, Alienware didn't make any major mistakes. All Alienware Aurora configurations come with Wi-Fi 7 support, for example, and I never had any issues or complaints with wireless performance or reliability.

The dual, bottom-firing 2W speakers are basic in quality, but they're usable. The base 16 Aurora's 720p front-facing camera gets upgraded to 1080p with the 16X Aurora, but both are just fine for video conferencing. The more expensive sibling does also get Windows Hello facial recognition, though, which the entry-level 16 Aurora lacks.

I do wish the Alienware 16X Aurora, at least, enjoyed an upgraded speaker system, but both laptops hit all the basics for this price range.

Alienware 16X Aurora review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a capable, reliable gaming laptop without breaking the bank.
• You like having a clear upgrade path if you want to spend more.
• You want a powerful gaming laptop with better than average endurance.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You want the absolute best performance-per-dollar possible.
• You need a great keyboard and don't care about the tenkey number pad.

The Alienware 16 and 16X Aurora laptops are really good lower-to-upper mid-range gaming laptops, but what most impresses me is the clear and reasonable divide between the two.

The Alienware 16X Aurora gives you more premium build quality and better ports, a faster and brighter display, superior CPU performance and greater memory/storage options, and a better camera with Windows Hello facial recognition — straightforward upgrades that pick up right where the standard 16 Aurora's pricing leaves off.

To summarize, I recommend both of these laptops and find the Alienware 16 Aurora to be a worthwhile budget option. If you're willing to spend around $1,600 or more, the 16X Aurora is a fantastic upgrade. Alienware did a great job bringing the fight to the Lenovo Legion 5 16 and HP OMEN 16.

If you're interested, you can find the Alienware 16 Aurora (AC16250) from $1,099.99 at Dell.com and the Alienware 16X Aurora (AC16251) from $1,649.99 at Dell.com. I'd also look out for sales, because I've seen the former drop below $1,000 and the latter drop below $1,500.

It's been nearly a month since the end of Windows 10, and in response, people have been hunting for high-quality yet affordable Copilot+ PCs to help them get a better grip on Windows 11.

One such product is the Dell Inspiron Copilot 14-inch Laptop (Snapdragon X), which is enjoying an early 44% Black Friday discount for $449.99 at Best Buy.

Why should you buy this laptop?

Dell continues to put out top-notch PCs and laptops that remind consumers why it's one of the longest-running tech companies in the world.

With hundreds of machines under its belt, it can be difficult to choose which Dell Laptop is right for you.

If you're looking for a laptop for completing office workflow productivity efficiently or casual browsing online, we have found a top recommendation to suit these need — the Dell Inspiron Copilot+ PC 14" 2K Laptop.

This 14-inch laptop is packed with many advanced features, including a refresh rate of 60Hz, 1920 x 1200 HD screen resolution, 512GB of storage, 28 hours of battery life, 16GB of RAM, and a Qualcomm Adreno GPU.

Its most standout feature is its Snapdragon X (X1-26-100) processor, which boasts a base clock frequency of 2.5 GHz.

This not only vastly enhances the laptop's performance, but it also empowers the laptop's Copilot+ AI capabilities so it can search for information online faster, screencap and edit images more proficiently, and more.

On top of that, it is a slick, lightweight design that makes it easy to carry and store while travelling to work or a holiday destination.

So, if you're thinking about getting a new laptop to help you get through the day at the office, then we highly recommend the Dell Inspiron Copilot+ PC 14" 2K Laptop.

For a limited time, you can buy it for $449.99 at Best Buy, which $350 cheaper than its usual MSRP of $799.99 as part of Best Buy's Early Black Friday Sales event, which will last until November 9, 2025.

FAQ

If you're looking to buy a new laptop for yourself or someone else, there's a good chance you've considered Dell at least once. As one of the most popular brands for laptops and desktops, Dell's portfolio is stacked with a diverse array of devices.

Even if you know exactly what kind of laptop you need, it can still be difficult to find the Dell that fits the bill for a price you're comfortable paying. You can safely choose from our highest rated Windows laptops, of course, but you might be looking for something more specific, and Dell might offer the solution on its storefront.

So, whether you need the premium design and high-end features of the Dell 16 Premium, the overwhelming power of the Alienware 16 Area-51, the enterprise-grade security of the Dell Pro 14, or anything in between the lines, this is your ultimate guide to picking the absolute best Dell laptop for you.

Dell's complete 2025 PC rebrand explained

Dell's catalog used to be saturated with various sub-brands, including Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, Precision, Vostro, G-Series, and more. During CES 2025, though, Dell announced major rebranding across all of its devices, massively simplifying naming schemes in an effort to reduce customer confusion.

Long running and recognizable consumer brands like Inspiron and XPS are dead, replaced instead by simply "Dell." Business laptops that used to fall under the Latitude umbrella are now "Dell Pro," and powerful enterprise workstations are now "Dell Pro Max." All of Dell's gaming gear has been condensed underneath the Alienware brand, which itself has also simplified product names.

Underneath these wider brands, Dell also uses monikers like "Plus" and "Premium" to notate a device's position within the family, with numbers indicating screen size. For example, the Dell 15 is an entry-level 15-inch laptop, the Dell 14 Plus is a mid-range, 14-inch offering, and the Dell 16 Premium is a high-end, 16-inch flagship. You can apply the same logic to the other families, like: Dell Pro 14, Dell Pro 14 Plus, and Dell Pro 14 Premium.

In fact, Dell now uses this naming scheme across all of its devices, including mini PCs, desktop towers, and monitors, so you can get a Dell Pro Tower desktop or a Dell 32 Plus monitor. You can refer to the table above to visualize how all of this is broken down, because Dell somehow managed to make such a simple naming scheme confusing.

Dell's new branding no longer relies on average people knowing what "Inspiron" or "XPS" mean, but has the adverse side effect of making all of Dell's products blend together. The rebrand announcement was met with no small amount of criticism that Dell had given up any unique identity, and that point is especially valid when you consider HP's 2024 OmniBook and EliteBook rebrand — which is both more distinct and easier to understand at a glance.

Dell's consumer laptops explained

Dell's consumer offerings are largely divided into three categories: Dell, Dell Plus, and Dell Premium, with each family offering better performance, sleeker designs, more features, and higher price tags over the previous. These laptops will be Dell's most popular for regular people.

Dell

First, we have the "Base" family, or just "Dell." This group includes Dell's most affordable offerings, with simple designs and displays, fewer premium features, and budget-conscious price tags.

It starts with the Dell 15 from $399.99 at Dell.com, for those who need a value-driven laptop for casual computing. It's a good fit for those who rarely need a laptop, or for children needing a computer for school.

Then there's the Dell 14 from $699.99 at Dell.com, with a more modern 14-inch design and a more premium experience across the board, like a backlit keyboard. If you need more screen real estate, there's the Dell 16 from $699.99 at Dell.com.

You can find the entire Dell Base family from $399.99 at Dell.com, including Intel and AMD variants of each device, but bear in mind these are low-end devices that frequently go on sale, so I wouldn't recommend picking one up at full retail price.

Dell Plus

Next, we have Dell Plus, the mid-range family — and, statistically speaking, you're most likely to end up with one of these laptops. Here, you'll start getting more premium metal designs, more features like touch and stylus input, and (of course), higher price tags.

That starts with the Dell 14 Plus from 799.99 at Dell.com, which is a Copilot+ PC with all the latest and greatest AI features in Windows 11. I reviewed the Dell 14 Plus (DB14255), and found it to be a reliable mid-range laptop... but with a disappointing screen.

There's also the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 from $849.99 at Dell.com, which (as the name implies), is the Dell 14 Plus with a 360-degrees hinge and touch/stylus input.

If you need a larger, nicer screen, you can get the Dell 16 Plus from $849.99 at Dell.com, or get the more premium Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 from $1,099.99 at Dell.com. You can peruse the entire Dell Plus family from $799.99 at Dell.com, and all of these laptops (apart from the 16 Plus 2-in-1) come in AMD and Intel flavors, with AMD models usually costing less.

Dell Premium

Finally, for those who are willing to shell out the big bucks for one of the most luxurious laptops available on the market, there's the Dell Premium family. These are Dell's flagship laptops, and pretty directly replace the previous Dell XPS brand.

There are two sizes, and both boast futuristic designs with borderless haptic touchpads, capacitive function rows, best-in-class OLED displays, and optional discrete NVIDIA graphics.

There's the Dell 14 Premium from $1,549.99 at Dell.com, and then the beefy Dell 16 Premium from $2,499.99 at Dell.com. Both laptops demand a high price, but they'll tick every box and then some.

My colleague, Rebecca Spear, reviewed the Dell 16 Premium and found it to be powerful and beautiful, but that minimalist design is also controversial. You can check out the Dell Premium family from $1,099.99 at Dell.com, as Dell actually still sells some older XPS devices, too (for those who want a high-end laptop without seriously breaking the bank).

Dell's Alienware gaming laptops explained

Alienware is one of the oldest and most iconic brands in PC gaming, so it makes sense that Dell abandoned its own "G-Series" gaming hardware and went all-in on Alienware. This is a small lineup, making it easy for gamers and creatives to pick the perfect, powerful laptop for them.

Alienware Aurora

First, we have Alienware Aurora. It's rare you can describe Alienware as "budget," but the Aurora family can get close with its pair of laptops.

There's the entry-level Alienware 16 Aurora from $1,099.99 at Dell.com, which more modest specs and a 16-inch, 120Hz display. Those who demand more power can get the higher-end Alienware 16X Aurora from $1,649.99 at Dell.com, which picks up right where the standard 16 Aurora leaves off with superior hardware.

I'm in the process of reviewing the Alienware 16X Aurora (and checking out the 16) right now, and my thoughts are positive so far. You can look at the Alienware Aurora family from $1,099.99 at Dell.com.

Alienware Area-51

Dell has revived the iconic "Area-51" branding for the latest generation of flagship Alienware gaming laptops, which aim to deliver the absolute best high-end PC gaming experience money can buy.

These laptops are chunky and heavy, but are packed with the most powerful Intel and NVIDIA hardware and a full suite of advanced features, including an optional RGB-lit mechanical keyboard. Of course, these laptops are expensive — but you won't find noticeably better mobile performance anywhere else.

There's the Alienware 16 Area-51 from $2,749.99 at Dell.com, for one. My colleague, Rebecca Spear, reviewed the Alienware 16 Area-51 and gave it an Editor's Choice award. Then there's the even more insane Alienware 18 Area-51 from $3,449.99 at Dell.com, which truly turns every dial up to 11.

You can check out the complete Alienware Area-51 family from $2,749.99 at Dell.com.

Dell's Pro and Pro Max business laptops explained

The Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max families are all laptops designed with businesses and professional users in mind. These laptops are rarely super exciting, focusing more on delivering the features, experiences, and security enterprise customers need more than flashy designs or fun additions.

Because of how expansive these families are, I've condensed what would be seven sections into three.

Dell Pro Essential & Dell Pro

At the bottom, we have Dell Pro Essential and simply Dell Pro, which are more affordable PCs tailored for small businesses and professionals on a budget. Like all Dell Pro laptops, they come equipped with Windows 11 Pro, and benefit from Dell's various enterprise-focused security features and more durable designs.

There's the Dell Pro 15 Essential from $449 at Dell.com, for example, as well as the Dell Pro 14 from $669 at Dell.com and the Dell Pro 16 from $779 at Dell.com. These laptops come in Intel and AMD variants, and are often bought in bulk by businesses to equip entire fleets of workers.

If you're looking to pick one up for yourself, be sure you actually need those "Pro" features (most people don't, and are better off saving more with a consumer-focused laptop). The Dell Pro Essential and Dell Pro family starts from $449 at Dell.com.

Dell Pro Plus & Dell Pro Premium

Go up a price bracket, and you'll find yourself looking at Dell Pro Plus laptops. These laptops are often AI PCs, with biometric authentication, improved performance, and more features that could help you work more efficiently.

This includes laptops like the Dell Pro 14 Plus from $1,289 at Dell.com, which also comes in Intel, AMD, and 2-in-1 options, or the Dell Pro 16 Plus from $1,259 at Dell.com, which boasts the tenkey number pad that some still value really highly. Dell even offers the Dell Pro 13 Plus from $1,699 at Dell.com, as smaller 13.3-inch displays are still popular among enterprise customers for work in the field.

Increase your budget again, and you'll be considering Dell Pro Premium devices, Dell's highest-end devices short of a workstation. These sleek laptops are meant for owners and executives that need the absolute best security, performance, and features, all of which you can find in the Dell Pro 14 Premium from $1,819 at Dell.com.

These are solid laptops whether you're an enterprise customer or not, but remember that you are paying extra for hardware, firmware, and software security and remote management features. The entire Dell Pro Plus and Dell Pro Premium family starts from $1,289 at Dell.com.

Dell Pro Max

Last, but certainly not least, we have the Dell Pro Max lineup, which are Dell's enterprise-focused workstations. These laptops are all about performance that can be portable, but these mobile beasts will spend a lot of time plugged in.

The Dell Pro Max family is actually quite large, with Base, Plus, and Premium variants, and plenty of options including Intel and AMD, NVIDIA discrete graphics, Linux instead of Windows, and much more. It starts with something like the Dell Pro Max 14 from $1,279 at Dell.com.

Prices can very quickly rise as you pack in more powerful hardware, like with the Dell Pro Max 16 Plus from $4,079 at Dell.com. For those that need a balance of power and luxury, there are laptops like the Dell Pro Max 16 Premium from $3,610 at Dell.com.

No matter the workstation you choose, none of these laptops are going to feel particularly light in your bag — but few laptops will handle heavy duty tasks like AI workloads and 3D modeling quite as well. You can check out the full Dell Pro Max family from $1,279 at Dell.com.

How to choose the best Dell laptop for you

Dell is a major player when it comes to Windows laptops, and choosing one from among dozens of options can be a daunting task. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to narrow down which Dell laptops are best suited for your life and work, whether you need a PC for home, want to game, go to school, or have specific professional needs.

To help narrow it down, here are some questions you can ask yourself (and the answers, according to our expertise).

What are you planning to do on your laptop?

This is an easier question to answer, and the answer will help inform other questions, such as how much power you need, what features you need, and what should be most important to you.

Most people use their laptops for web browsing, email, Microsoft Office, video conferencing, and entertainment like watching videos, listening to music, and even casual gaming.

All of Dell's laptops can do this, but you may not need to super high-end display of a Dell Premium laptop, or the security features of a Dell Pro laptop. An Alienware laptop might be overkill, and it'll be thicker and heavier (with worse battery life) than a more casual laptop.

If you do want to play video games, though, or know you need extra power for things like photo and video editing, CAD, development, and more, then you'll want a laptop with discrete graphics — like Dell Premium, Alienware, or Dell Pro Max.

For many people, a Dell Plus will be the perfect fit. Those who have a higher budget and want a nicer laptop can look at Dell Premium. Finally, those who need power can find that with Alienware.

How much are you willing to spend on a new laptop?

Once you know what you plan to do with your laptop, you should ask yourself what your budget is. Dell's new branding pretty neatly divides laptop families according to price, so just knowing how much you can spend will massively narrow things down.

Just because you can buy the most expensive Dell laptop doesn't mean you should. Spending more will get you more premium designs, upgraded features like better displays or enhanced audio, and greater performance — but it rarely guarantees better battery life, and luxury designs sometimes put form over function. The less you spend, the more you'll feel the compromises in the build quality and overall experience.

Don't just consider your budget, consider how often you'll use your laptop and how valuable it'll be in your day-to-day life. Will you rely on this laptop for work? It's worth investing in a machine that'll last longer and let you work quicker. Is this a laptop for your child, or something you'll only occasionally use for casual tasks? You can save some cash by getting a more streamlined machine.

When it comes to Dell Pro and Pro Max devices, remember that you're always spending more for those security and remote management features — and most people absolutely don't need to (regular laptops are plenty secure and private).

Do you have specific requirements for a work laptop?

If you're considering a laptop strictly for work, don't immediately assume you need a Dell Pro or Dell Pro Max device. As I mentioned before, those laptops are designed with enterprise customers in mind, and regular consumers are paying a premium for the advanced hardware, firmware, and software features that improve security, privacy, and remote management for IT departments.

These laptops are often bought in bulk by businesses for their employees. Even if an employee is expected or allowed to purchase their own laptop, they'll likely know exactly what security requirements need to be met.

Consider if you can find value in the additional features those laptops offer, such as if you're working with highly sensitive data. Also bear in mind that, because these laptops are designed with enterprise customers in mind, they have different focuses than consumer laptops — so you may find the display isn't great for watching movies, or the speakers aren't great for listening to music, or the GPU isn't the best for gaming, and so on.

Do you need an AI laptop?

This final question may not have an immediate answer. After all, what is an AI PC? Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and basically every modern computer can take advantage of many of these features, like Copilot, in some form or another. So, what sets the best AI laptops apart from a laptop that can use AI?

Mostly, it comes down to two things: Windows 11, and future proofing. For the former, Windows 11 has a "Copilot+ PC" designation for modern laptops with powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs), which enable a variety of local, highly efficient AI features like enhancing your camera for video conferencing, creating a secure, private timeline of all your activity to quickly return to past documents or tasks, real-time captions and translations, enhanced photo and video editing, image generation, and more.

Most of these features aren't a "must-have" for most people, right now, but the point is that AI PCs have access to a lot of Windows 11 features that older PCs simply don't — and never will. That also plays into the second part: future proofing. AI laptops will continue to get all the latest and greatest software features, and the list is constantly growing.

That's true even outside of Windows' specific features. More and more companies are actively taking advantage of the NPUs inside AI laptops, enabling more features in apps millions of users use, including things like Adobe.

If you're investing in a new laptop and plan to use it for years, it's worth considering an AI laptop. Even if you won't use any of those features now, you'll be ready if a "killer feature" does release in the future. It also helps that AI laptops are available across most of Dell's portfolio, so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank.

What is the best Dell laptop?

If you wanted an immediate, catch-all answer for what the best Dell laptop is, you won't find it here. Laptops come in all shapes and sizes, and what people do with their laptops is complicated and varies from person to person.

I can give you my top three, though, based on what most people will look for in a laptop. That's starting with the Dell 14 Plus from $1,099.99 at Dell.com, which strikes a great balance. It's an all-metal AI laptop, and can be configured with a beautiful Mini LED display.

For those who want the best, there's the Dell 14 Premium from $1,549.99 at Dell.com. This laptop is beautiful no matter how you look at it, and can even be equipped with an NVIDIA GPU for improved performance.

For the gamers, there's the Alienware 16X Aurora from $1,649.99 at Dell.com. I'm still in the middle of testing this laptop, but I can already tell it's a mean performer — and the price feels just right for what you're getting.

The holidays are quickly approaching, and while you might be tempted to wait for November's Black Friday and Cyber Monday to pick up big-ticket items, Dell is hosting an early holiday sale with discounts too large to ignore.

Alienware's brilliant QD-OLED gaming monitors are receiving a lot of attention, especially with up to $350 in discounts on top models. I've also included some laptop deals that are too good to miss — up to $450 off!

These deals are only available for a limited time, so be sure to check them out before they're gone.

Dell's Early Holiday Deals: Quick Links

• See all of Dell's Early Holiday Deals | Laptops, desktops, monitors, accessories, gaming, and more
• Top monitor discounts at Dell's Early Holiday Deals | Up to $350 off
• Top laptop discounts at Dell's Early Holiday Deals | Up to $500 off

Best monitor deals at Dell

Quite a few Alienware monitors are on sale at Dell, and I've pulled the four with the biggest discounts right here. My top pick is the Alienware AW2725DF, a gaming monitor that received a full five stars in our review.

That score is thanks to the incredible QD-OLED display with perfect color and contrast, blazing 360Hz refresh rate that will keep up with even the most powerful PC hardware, and peak 1,000 nits with HDR enabled.

A $300 discount drops it to just $599.99, but only for a limited time. If you're looking for something different — whether pricier or more affordable — keep scrolling for more options.

Best laptop deals at Dell

Dell's early holiday sale also encompasses laptops, and the best discounts I've spotted are on the Dell 14 Plus and Dell 16 Plus.

These laptops, which many will know as "Inspiron" from before the major Dell rebrand, provide a great balance of features, build quality, and performance without a high price tag.

The top deal is on the Dell 14 Plus, which drops to $649.99 from the usual $1,099.99 at Dell. It's an AI PC and a Copilot+ PC thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V CPU with 47 TOPS NPU, and it has a sharp 2560x1600 resolution. A 1TB SSD is a nice bonus, especially at this price.

If you need a larger screen, be sure to have a look at the Dell 16 Plus, which is also on sale.

To say there's a rush on Windows 11 laptops right now is an understatement. With Windows 10's End-of-Life date in less than a week — it lands on October 14 — the time to pick up a new PC has never been better.

And in terms of laptop discounts currently live during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, I haven't seen a better one than this. It's one of Dell's in-house discounts, which gets you a no-nonsense 50% off the new Dell 14 Plus.

That drops the regular $999.99 price down to $499.99. As you can imagine, this unbelievable deal won't last long.

I've covered these types of sales events for 10 years now, and I must say that it's rare to see any laptop — never mind one that's regularly $1,000 — get a flat 50% discount with no strings attached.

Dell's 14 Plus, a lineup of laptops formerly known as Inspiron before the major Dell rebrand of 2025, might not have the most exciting design or features, but it delivers strong performance, excellent battery life, a generous selection of ports, and a comfy keyboard.

This is one of Dell's Copilot+ PCs, complete with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with enough power to run all of Windows 11's built-in AI tools. Whether you use the AI features or not, the modern Intel Core Ultra 5 226V and its integrated Intel Arc 130V graphics won't have any issues cutting through your daily workload.

Dell isn't skimping on the memory or storage, either, offering 16GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM and a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.

Best part? During the in-depth testing process for Windows Central laptop expert Zachary Boddy's Dell 14 Plus review, they found that they could get about 7 hours of battery life from the system. That's not bad for a $1,000 laptop, never mind one that's down to just $499.

If you're in search of a new Windows 11 laptop that will stay relevant for years to come, you could do a lot worse at the discounted price point. Dell mentions that this deal is limited in quantity, so if you're interested, I recommend not waiting too long.

FAQ

Dell's premium lineup of XPS laptops had a great run up until January 2025, when the company announced at CES a near-complete rebranding.

The XPS lineup? Gone in name, but not necessarily in form. While Dell carried on the essence of XPS with "Dell Premium" laptops, the older PCs have been hanging around as stock sells out.

Now, Dell seems to be more focused than ever on clearing out XPS laptops, with savings up to $650 on select XPS 13, XPS 14, and XPS 16 models. I've highlighted here the standout deals on these awesome laptops.

Dell's XPS 13 (9345) picked up the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite System-on-Chip (SoC), turning it into a true Copilot+ PC with full access to all of the AI tools now baked into Windows 11.

👉 Related: Dell XPS 13 (9345) vs. XPS 13 (9340)

Not only did the XPS 13 (9345) keep the same futuristic design with seamless haptic touchpad, capacitive touch function buttons, and lattice-free keyboard, but it also pushed battery life beyond 19 hours in our Procyon Battery Drain test.

Windows Central Senior Editor Zac Bowden reviewed the XPS 13 (9345), remarking:

"The Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon fails to disappoint in the performance and battery life department. Thanks to that Snapdragon X Elite SoC on the inside, it's a mini beast of a laptop. Qualcomm's latest flagship processor is a real winner, making this laptop capable of pretty much most tasks outside of gaming and high-intensity creative projects."

If you're interested in an awesome Windows laptop with long battery life, 13.4-inch 3K OLED display, and plenty of RAM and storage, the XPS 13 9345 at $1,099 at Dell shouldn't be ignored.

Dell's XPS 14 jumps the screen size up to 14.5 inches while still offering many of the same futuristic features as the XPS 13. That display has a 3.2K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and an OLED panel for unreal color and contrast.

The PC is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H; it's an AI CPU with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), but unfortunately, it doesn't make the cut for Copilot+.

👉 Related: Dell 14 Premium vs. Dell XPS 14

In any case, the XPS 14 remains a strong performer thanks to the inclusion of an NVIDIA RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, 16GB of LPDDR5x-7467MT/s RAM, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.

Battery life won't match that of the XPS 13 with an X Elite chip, but it's still respectable. Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino reviewed the XPS 14 (9440), stating:

"Packing this much power into a reasonably small laptop, the XPS 14's 70WHr battery does an OK job. In day-to-day usage and synthetic benchmarking, the XPS 14 never feels like it's draining too quickly and ranges from average to slightly above average compared to other laptops in its class and those above it."

The best clearance deal currently running at Dell has the XPS 14 down to $1,549.99 from the usual $2,199.99, a savings of $650.

Last but certainly not least is the mighty Dell XPS 16 (9640). It's the right laptop for creators, designers, and practically anyone else who can make use of a quality high-res display and a discrete GPU.

The discounted model I'm highlighting here includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, NVIDIA RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, 16GB of LPDDR5x-6400MT/s RAM, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.

Its 16.3-inch display provides the most screen real estate, and it uses an OLED panel for perfect contrast and deep color. Its 120Hz variable refresh rate is easy on the eyes, and the 4K resolution is incredibly crisp.

Senior Editor Rebecca Spear reviewed the XPS 16 (9640), saying:

"To my surprise, the XPS 16 lasted 10 hours and 16 minutes before it ran out of juice. I also generated a Windows Battery Report, in which the battery life estimates listed were between 10 hours and 22 minutes and 10 hours and 24 minutes."

The XPS 16 is understandably the priciest laptop from the XPS family, but the current $500 discount eats a big chunk of that difference. Pick it up now for $2,099.99 while supplies last.

Not every piece of technology can be bold or exciting. Sometimes, tech is boring; boring can be good, and boring can be cheap. That's exactly what a lot of people want, and you'll find a whole lot of "boring" in budget and mid-range Windows laptops.

Out of all the laptops I've used recently, the Dell 14 Plus (DB14255) is one of the best... at being boring — the design, the display, the features, even the boring name that has spread across Dell's entire portfolio to simplify (overly so, in my opinion) branding.

Dell famously plays it safe with a lot of its hardware, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Dell 14 Plus gets the job done without fuss or flair, and its reasonable pricing makes it a solid choice for those who just need a tool (or for those who want to equip a fleet with an army of indistinguishable gray laptops).

My Dell 14 Plus (DB14255) review

Design ⭐⭐⭐½

At a glance, the Dell 14 Plus meets the minimum for a mid-range Windows laptop with its metal-clad design, but it only takes a second to see that it doesn't do much more. This aluminum chassis is just a little on the thick side (around 17mm), a little on the heavy side (around 1.52kg), and definitely sticks with the basics design-wise.

Build quality is also average. There's a decent amount of flex in the panels and the laptop itself, but I still have confidence it could take a beating and withstand years of use.

For I/O, you're looking at one HDMI 1.4 port, two USB Type-C (10GBps with DisplayPort/Power Delivery) ports, one USB Type-A (5GBps) port, and one 3.5mm audio jack. There's no USB4 or HDMI 2.0/2.1, but the basics are (once again) covered.

Display ⭐⭐⭐

The biggest disappointment with the Dell Plus 14 is easily its display. It's not because it's IPS LCD instead of OLED (there are some really nice IPS LCD displays). It's not because it's only 60Hz. It's not because it's just 1200p (although text can still be pretty choppy on this 14-inch panel).

The Dell Plus 14's screen just doesn't look good. Contrast is average, brightness is low, colors are inaccurate and washed out, and the backlight bleed is egregious — unless you're browsing the web, checking your email, or writing in documents, you probably won't want to use this display.

This feels like the screen of a sub-$500 laptop, not something that starts from $799.99 at Dell.com.

Performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Dell 14 Plus comes in Intel and AMD variants, but I chose to review the model powered by the 6-core AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 and its integrated AMD Radeon 840M graphics.

You can upgrade that chipset or increase the RAM and storage, but this laptop will never be the powerhouse — and it doesn't need to be. For casual computing (lots of web browsing, email, Microsoft Office, light photo editing, etc.), performance was always consistent and smooth for me.

Try to go beyond the casual workload, though, and you'll quickly find the limits — especially with graphics. Anything but the lightest games aren't likely to run well on the Dell Plus 14, but I honestly expected that. This laptop runs as well as it needs to.

Battery life ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

A low-resolution/refresh rate display, a medium-sized battery, and a high-efficiency chipset are a recipe for fantastic battery life, and the Dell Plus 14 does deliver here. A full day of work isn't cause for concern, especially since the display physically can't get bright enough to properly stress the battery.

I drained 6% of the battery after looping a generic Microsoft Office workload, and another 6% after looping an HD video at 50% volume. Running a Windows Battery Report showed me hitting around 7 hours of screen-on usage even with performance cranked up to the highest settings for my testing.

Charging is easy through either of the USB Type-C ports, but both ports are aligned on the left side.

Keyboard & touchpad ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Continuing with the positives, I actually really like the Dell Plus 14's keyboard. The individual keys are on the small side, but the layout itself is spacious and intuitive, the key action is consistently tactile, and the keycaps are textured nicely. You also get backlighting, which isn't always a given at this price point and below.

The touchpad is less impressive. Its size is fine, the button action is clicky, and you do get Microsoft Precision drivers, but the rough texture and shallow buttons knock a few points off. It gets the job done, but it's no comparison to a premium laptop touchpad.

Software & AI ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"AI PC" is thrown around a lot these days, but the Dell 14 Plus is actually a full-fledged Copilot+ PC thanks to the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) attached to its AMD chipset. That means all the latest and greatest Windows 11 features, and futureproofing for any updates released down the line.

Windows is slowly adding more useful artificial intelligence features, so even if there's nothing you care about right now (that's mostly true for me), the Dell 14 Plus is set up to get even better down the line. There's no Human Presence Detection (HPD) feature, though.

Dell didn't bury this laptop in its own bloatware, either, although the Dell Optimizer app for managing your PC settings is a little on the slow and useless side.

Everything else ⭐⭐⭐½

As expected for a laptop of this caliber, everything else about the Dell 14 Plus is perfectly average at best. The webcam and microphones will get you through video calls, there's a fingerprint sensor for Windows Hello biometric authentication that works most of the time, and you get Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth wireless connectivity on board with solid stability and performance.

The one area that somehow manages to fall below average? The speakers. Windows laptops aren't known for great audio experiences anyway, but these recessed, bottom-firing speakers are metallic and hollow-sounding, only suitable for casual listening. I like to have music playing while I work, but I did not do that with this laptop's speakers.

Dell 14 Plus review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a simple, no-frills work laptop with good performance.
• You want a more affordable PC that still supports Windows AI features.
• You find it on sale and want to save some cash.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You plan to do more than work, like play games or watch movies.
• You care a lot about having a bright, colorful display.

With all that said, the Dell 14 Plus (DB14255) is a boring laptop — but that's largely okay. Plenty of people want a boring laptop, and this PC is bound to attract a whole lot of tasty sales to make it an easier pill to swallow than it is at full price.

This is a workhorse, so it drops the frills and extraneous features to deliver good performance, solid battery life, enough ports, and a comfortable keyboard. Sure, the display is dim and washed out, and the speakers are tinny, but that won't prevent you from getting the job done.

You can configure your own Dell 14 Plus (DB14255) from $799.99 at Dell.com. This one won't be landing on our list of best Windows laptops any time soon, but the Dell 14 Plus is a decent machine.