“My jaw dropped”: Dell just launched its new $599 XPS 13, and I don’t think the Windows 11 laptop market will ever be the same
Dell has made its new XPS 13 laptop available for purchase following its announcement at Computex 2026. The Windows laptop starts at $599 for students and $699 for general consumers, positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple’s MacBook Neo in the premium laptop segment.
The initial launch phase offers models equipped with Intel Core Series 3 processors in a Sky colorway, available exclusively through Dell.com where student pricing is readily accessible. More powerful variants featuring Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, along with an additional Storm color option, are scheduled to launch later this summer.
The XPS 13 (model DX13260) represents a strategic pricing approach for the premium Windows laptop market. The $599 starting price for students provides an accessible entry point to high-end computing, while the $699 base price for other customers maintains strong value positioning. The availability of two processor tiers allows customers to choose between base configurations for general use and more powerful variants for demanding workloads.
This launch demonstrates Dell’s commitment to strengthening its position in the premium laptop market, particularly targeting students and professionals seeking a high-end Windows alternative to Apple’s offerings.