I tried the new $599 Dell XPS 13, and I can’t believe how good it is: MacBook Neo is no longer the best deal in computing, this is
Dell has unveiled a new XPS 13 laptop positioned as an affordable entry point into its flagship XPS line. Unveiled at Computex 2026, the device starts at $599 for students and $699 for general consumers, making it one of the most competitively priced premium laptops on the market.
The new XPS 13 features Intel’s Wildcat Lake Core Series 3 processors and boasts a distinctive 120Hz display, alongside high-quality materials, solid construction, and a responsive keyboard and trackpad. According to reviewers who tested the device at the show, the combination of specifications and pricing makes it a compelling alternative to Apple’s recently launched MacBook Neo, offering better overall value through superior display quality, port selection, and build materials at the same price point.
Dell indicated that development on the reinvented XPS 13 began over 30 weeks ago, suggesting the project was underway before Apple’s MacBook Neo launch in March 2026. The company has explicitly positioned the new XPS 13 as a gateway device for first-time XPS buyers, emphasizing its role in bringing flagship-caliber computing experiences to budget-conscious consumers and students. The aggressive pricing strategy reflects broader competition in the premium laptop segment, where manufacturers are increasingly competing on value rather than specifications alone.