The XPS12 is getting an Intel 4th Generation Core processor (Haswell) upgrade and Dell just made it official since Intel’s embargo has lifted earlier today. It features Dell’s rather unique laptop/tablet hybrid design and Dell says that this new computer can stay up for almost 9 hours on a single charge (it’s a 50WHr battery). This is a very good number, and once validated by independent reviews, this may show that Intel’s promises for extended battery life have finally materialized. Many people were waiting for Haswell to shop for a new laptop.
In terms of raw speed, Dell estimates that this laptop is 1.6X faster than its predecessor, and we will sure take the extra performance any day. Talking about numbers, XPS12 customers can choose from a Core i5 (2.6GHz) to a Core i7 (3.3GHz) and 4GB or 8GB of RAM. In terms of storage, it’s all SSD going from 128GB to 512GB and there is no hard disk option.
In addition to the classic WiFi (up to AC) connectivity, the XPS12 also comes with Bluetooth 4.0, Wireless Display (WiDi) and NFC (near field communications) which can be used to pair with accessories or mobile devices. There are two USB 3.0 ports and a mini-DisplayPort — this is the bare minimum, but Dell probably wanted to keep the profile as thin as possible. At 3.35lbs it’s not amazingly light, but it can turn into a real tablet, while also being a true laptop. What do you think?
