The XPS 13 2-in-1 is the Dell convertible we've always wanted

By Derek Kessler
last updated

Ever looked at the beautiful Dell XPS 13 and thought that it might make a great convertible?

Dell XPS 12 2-in1 laptop
Dell XPS 12 2-in1 laptop (Image credit: Windows Central)

Dell has taken the much-loved XPS 13 ultrabook and to its next logical step: a convertible laptop. Everything that you know and love about the XPS 13, from the long battery life to the carbon fiber body to the gorgeous 13.3-inch InfinityEdge display, has carried over, but now in a slick and portable convertible form factor.

At first glance it's not immediately obvious that this is a convertible. In fact, the only real giveaway is the hinges: they're a pair a 360-degree hinges on either end instead of the single center-spanning hinge from the non-convertible version. From the fingerprint reader to the Windows Hello-compatible IR cameras (still mounted beneath the display, alas) to the soft-touch carbon fiber deck, it's a familiar laptop.

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But flip the screen all the way around and you've got a fully capable Windows 10 laptop equipped with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor (all from the low-power Y series), up to 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The InfinityEdge display comes in two resolutions: Full HD (1920x1080) or an eye-popping QHD+ (3200x1800), both 13.3-inch IGSO panels. Even with all of that going on, Dell still estimates a 15-hour battery life, with is just absurd for given the tapered 13.7mm closed thickness we're working with here.

The Dell XPS 13 is available now for a starting price of $999.

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Derek Kessler
Derek Kessler

Derek Kessler is Special Projects Manager for Mobile Nations. He's been writing about tech since 2009, has far more phones than is considered humane, still carries a torch for Palm, and got a Tesla because it was the biggest gadget he could find. You can follow him on Twitter at @derekakessler.

31 Comments
  • "Everything that you know and love about the XPS 13..." Except you're getting downgraded processors and port options, all while paying $200 more for the base models. Less for more, for even higher margins. I'm sure Dell's happy. Was so excited when I heard about an XPS 13 2-in-1 coming, but this definitely wasn't expected. Meh.
  • dont forget "inifinity edge display" = "you're going to have a bad experience with this under-your-chin webcam".  
  • You can always put it on tent mode I guess... Or just snapchat on your phone 😂
  • Genius webcam workaround!!!!
  • Hey there, as much as I want this 2 in 1 I wish the screen was bigger.... Hopefully the xps 15 gets the same flip love.
  • This.
  • For sure. I can't believe anyone does anything very productive for very long on a tiny 13.3" display. For me I think 15.6" is a good size. But we have an HP Envy x360 15.6" and that's just too big to be used as a tablet for long. I have used it but just more for the novelty than because it was nice to use that way. Maybe the 13.3" screen works well for that.
  • hey there. i agree with your statement. ive used a 15 inch MacBook pro for the past 4 1/2 years so im just used to working on a bigger screen and although its just a 2 inch difference, that ultimately makes a large difference for sure. i agree with the 15.6 inch size, or even something a tad smaller, as long as it is in the 15 inch range.
  • If you think about it in terms of screen area not the diagonal you realize how much difference there is, the 2.3" difference doesn't convey it well. If its a 16:9 panel a 15.6" screen has 37% more area than the 13.3" one a 17" one would have 63% more area tahn the 13.3" one.
  • Does it allow for a pen like a Surface? If it does, then standing ovation. If it doesn't, then, well, after two years of using that Surface pen there’s no going back for me.
  • Wacom AES it looks like.
  • I cant wait to see the HP Spectre X360 15 v Dell XPS 15 tbh - The HP looks better as the cameras are in a usable position and ash black and copper....hmmmm
  • They are quite different the X360 15" has slower dual core processor and a geforce 940MX which is only a little faster than the built in graphics. But does of course flip and support a synaptics stylus. The XPS 15 has a faster CPU and much much faster GPU but doesn't flip or support a stylus.
  • How is this different from Lenovo's Yoga line?
  • Its a dell, so you actuially get some support if it breaks lol. But seriously, not much. It is essentially a yoga that is put together a little better.
  • That's what I thought. I didn't get why the headline made it seem like it was anything special.
  • Yogas have faster processors and are better value in comparison to the 9365. The tiny right shift key is what's keeping me away from something like the Yoga 910.
  • Well Lenovo is Chinese, which rules them out for (most) purchasers who work in classified spaces. The XPS line has a pretty unique take on materials in design. I have really disliked the rubber feeling of the XPS trackpads, but the rubber they use for the keyboard / palmrests and bottom of the laptops is really a large improvement over the Apple inspired aluminum designs.
  • I can't wait for a 15.6 in version. If they do build one, that might just make me stop waiting for a 15 in Surface and take the plunge.
  • Type-C only and the pathetic spec on the base model make this quite disappointing.
  • So, about 2 months ago I managed to damage my old Dell XPS 12. It is still usable... but as it is coming up on 4 years old now, it is time to start looking for a new laptop. This looks like a strong contender (especially if the pen support proves to be true) but...
    Can we bring back the old carousel design of the old XPS12 for just one more laptop? I am sure it was a pain to design for, and probably caused all sorts of weight and bezel issues... but I LOVE the design of this old laptop. It just works so extremely well, and I really don't want to give it up! Maybe a little less weight, a slightly larger (but still 1080p) display, and the inclusion of some modern features like m.2 SSDs, USBc charging, a hello camera or finger print reader (who needs both?), and pen support... But outside of that keep the same overall body style, keyboard (mouse could improve), and flipping display.
  • Yes please. Bloody brilliant design. Better than the yoga-style flippers.
  • Not much of a convertible guy. Prefer the 2 in 1's where I can use the screen separately as a tablet, a la surface pro. The XPS 13 are nice though!
  • You should probably give one to me for testing!! I'll let you know what I think!!
  • WHY is it that awful, suffocating 16:9 aspect ratio??? Do they not think of tablet portrait mode??
  • Bloody hell, this is Bitchy Flame War Troll Central, not Windows Central! 
  • I don't really see the point of the 2-in-1 format for anything bigger than 12" screen.  When it gets big, it cannot easily be used as a tablet, it's kind of heavy to hold for a long time.  Maybe in tent mode, that's true. I have a Lenovo Yoga 710 11" version with Core-m5 processor, it's quite good, no fan, no noise, long battery life... love it, but going bigger than 11" I go all the way to a big 17" laptop where I can have dual HDD/SSD, discrete graphics and a DVD/BD drive (yeah, there are still people that wants this old technology).
  • Where can one go to see and feel this and other Dell XPS series laptops in-person before buying? Already tried Best Buy... Maybe they're afraid Dell XPS would be too much competition for other laptops.
  • It doesn't come with a stylus???
  • 15hrs battery life? Hm...
  • Oh Dell  Anything branded Dell is out for me after the experince I had with them.  I don't care what the specs are.  All I can say is that if you buy it you better plan on keeping it or you're in for a nightmare ........