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Watch out, MacBook Neo! The new Dell XPS 13 is here, and it could arguably be the best budget laptop available. With a starting price of $699, it packs many of the features you’d find in higher-end XPS laptops. Given the ongoing RAM crisis, this notebook is seriously worth considering for what it offers.Unlike most budget Windows laptops, the XPS 13 has a CNC aluminum chassis built to the same standards as its more expensive XPS counterparts. Not only does it look great, but it’s also the thinnest XPS laptop ever. Toss in other features, such as a vivid 2.5K touch display, a backlit keyboard, and fast performance, and you have a winner.I’ve spent 48 hours with the Dell XPS 13 and find that it lives up to the hype. To be clear, I tested the model with 16GB of RAM, which retails for $899. I’ll review the model with 8GB of RAM soon, but for now, here’s what I think of the new Dell XPS 13.Dell XPS 13 (2026): SpecsSwipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell - Column 0 Dell XPS 13 (starting)Dell XPS 13 (tested)Price$699 ($599 for eligible students)$899CPUSeries 3 Intel Core 5Series 3 Intel Core 5GPUIntel GraphicsIntel GraphicsDisplay13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) InfinityEdge touch display13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) InfinityEdge touch displayMemory8GB16GBStorage512GB512GBPorts2x USB-C2x USB-CConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0Dimensions11.69 x 7.90 x 0.50 inches11.69 x 7.90 x 0.50 inchesWeight2.2 pounds2.2 poundsDell XPS 13 (2026): Design
