It’s about time for a new semester, and upgrading your PC can make the process much easier. You don’t need anything excessive to access most of the Windows software and cloud apps you’ll need in school or college, and Dell’s official store has already reduced prices on some of its best hardware.
• Back to school deals up to $900 off PCs and more at Dell
Some of Dell’s deals go into the weeds (who knew they sold robot vacuums?), so I’ve handpicked a collection for practically anyone who needs portable tech for studies or even works from home. We’ve tested hundreds of processors found in its laptops, and traveled the world with devices just like this.
Is the new Dell XPS 13 a good laptop?
After spending some time with the XPS 13, Senior Editor Zac Bowden said it “still feels every bit as premium and nice to use as the $1,000 XPS 13 before it”, which tracks, because this used to be placed as a much more expensive laptop. If you pick one up, you’ll get a 120Hz display for a smooth refresh rate on a bright, 2.5K touchscreen, in the thinnest and lightest XPS yet.
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.
Zac Bowden, Senior Editor
As the name suggests, the XPS 13 offers a 13.4-inch screen in a 2.2-lb chassis, powered by a relatively standard 65W USB-C AC adapter rather than a proprietary cable-and-brick setup. Yes, it’s smaller than the EcoLoop backpack was designed for, but the extra inch leaves space for extras like the Pro 7 mouse and keyboard combo.
However, Zac did make it clear that the XPS 13 has “an amazing keyboard and excellent trackpad”, so you’ll still be able to rely on it in any situations where an external set of peripherals isn’t as viable, and they stay in your backpack instead. Plus, the built-in webcam supports Windows Hello face unlock for faster logins, and its powered USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports support external displays.
You’ll need to verify your education status with Dell to be eligible for the XPS 13’s $599.99 student pricing, but $699.99 is still a great price if you’re looking for a work companion instead. Otherwise, for students heading back to school for a new semester, this portable PC combo for under $740 is a steal.
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