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Dell's latest XPS 12 looks like a Surface rival, feels like a step backward
We first reviewed the Dell XPS 12 back in 2012, when Windows 8 had just come out and touchscreens on PCs weren't yet standard. It had a weird design, but it worked: a screen that flipped around inside its frame, allowing you to convert the 12-inch laptop into a 12-inch tablet. No, it wasn't as versatile as the now-ubiquitous Yoga, but it was a well-built, fast machine that could serve multiple purposes, and whose comfortable keyboard made it a dream to use in regular notebook mode. Now Dell has re-released the XPS 12 with a new design -- a 2-in-1 detachable that takes after the Surface Pro. Unfortunately, though, it's a poor imitation, and ultimately feels like a step backward.
Dell XPS 12 review: with the launch of Windows 8, 'convertible' takes on a new meaning
More Info Dell announces XPS 10 Windows 8 hybrid, XPS Duo 12 convertible Dell XPS 12 Windows 8 convertible priced at $1,199 and up, ships this month with pre-orders starting today Toshiba unveils U925t Ultrabook with slide-out touchscreen A Windows 8 PC that can be used in a tablet mode? Those will come a dime a dozen this fall. But what's fascinating is how each PC maker has approached the challenge of mixing a touchscreen with a more traditional mouse-and-keyboard setup. For some OEMs, this means going the hybrid route, with 10- or 11-inch tablets that slot neatly into an optional keyboard dock. For others, it means a full-fledged PC with a slide-out touchscreen. And for a few, it means a laptop whose screen can fold down, leaving you with what can only be described as an oversized slate. That's how we would describe the Dell XPS 12, a 12.5-inch notebook whose screen flips inside its hinge, allowing you to use the machine in tablet mode or, if you prefer, with the screen facing away from the keys. (Yes, Dell is giving this form factor a second try.) It starts at a relatively steep $1,200 but then again, this is a fairly premium machine we're talking about: it combines all the ingredients of an Ultrabook (lightweight build, Ivy Bridge processor and a solid-state drive) with a 400-nit, 1080p, Gorilla Glass touchscreen. So what's it like to use this form factor? And how does it fare as a regular ol' Windows 8 PC? Let's see.
Dell announces XPS 10 Windows 8 hybrid, XPS Duo 12 convertible (update: hands-on)
Our next stop on the Windows 8 announcement train is Dell, which today unveiled the XPS 10, a Windows RT hybrid device that runs Microsoft's latest OS on a 10-inch touch-enabled display. Dell says you can expect up to 20 hours of battery life, though the company didn't touch on CPU and storage specs. Dell also unveiled the XPS Duo 12, which sports a 12.5-inch touch display. When closed, it looks like any old XPS laptop, complete with a backlit keyboard, machined aluminum built and carbon fiber surrounding the display. To enter tablet mode, you literally flip the Duo 12's display around and close it over the keyboard. The design is intriguing (and it looks pretty awesome, we have to say), but based on our short hands-on time the hinge feels rather flimsy. Processor options will go up to Core i7 (Qualcomm also told us its Snapdragon S4 chip will power the device). Both the XPS 10 and the Duo 12 will be available later this year after the official Windows 8 launch. %Gallery-163801% %Gallery-163820% Mat Smith and Joseph Volpe contributed to this report.
