Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 becomes a Microsoft Surface-like detachable

Dell today unveiled the final parts of its 2022 XPS 13 lineup. After releasing the XPS13Plus Earlier this year, Dell announced the more traditional, cheaper XPS13 Clamshell update. Dell has also revised the XPS 13 2-in-1‘s design, transforming it from a portable ultralight with a 360-degree hinge to a tablet with an optional detachable keyboard cover, sold separately.

XPS 13 2-in-1 specifications

The XPS 13 2-in-1 (model 9315), available this summer, is basically a tablet in its base configuration with up to an Intel Core i7-1250U (two performance cores at 1.1-4.7 GHz, eight efficiency cores at 0.8 – 3.5GHz, 12 threads). For comparison, the similarly designed Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Detachable has up to an i7-1185G7 (four cores, eight threads, up to 4.8 GHz).

Dell’s detachable can also be configured with up to 16 GB of soldered LPDDR4x-4266 RAM and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD.

A 9 mm bezel surrounds the tablet’s 13.3-inch touchscreen, which has an aspect ratio of 3:2 and a resolution of 2880×1920 pixels. It claims up to 500 nits of brightness, 100 percent sRGB coverage, and an impressive 1,800:1 contrast ratio.

The screen is said to be both anti-glare and smudge-resistant and uses Gorilla Glass 7 for durability.

Perhaps as expected, the tablet’s port selection is tight: a pair of Thunderbolt 4s is. However, Dell is kind enough to ship the device with USB-C to USB-A (3.0) and USB-C to 3.5mm adapters.

Á la Surface keyboard

With a detachable, optional keyboard that doubles as a cover and a 13-inch-class tablet design, the redesigned XPS 13 2-in-1 is very similar to Microsoft’s Surface Pro line, more specifically its flagship Surface Pro 8.

And similar to the Surface Pro 8, you have to pay extra for a Type Cover or, should I say, XPS Folio. The XPS Folio attaches to the PC with magnets and pogo pins, and wraps a microfiber lining over the top of the screen for protection. Attaching the XPS folio would make the computer weigh an additional 1.23 pounds while adding a keyboard and 4.49×2.92-inch touchpad.

But one of the reasons Microsoft manages to sell its Surface devices without the Type Cover is because the tablets have a kickstand built into the back. That makes it easy enough to put a Surface Pro on a desk for more serious tasks, especially if you already own a compatible wireless keyboard.

However, the XPS 13 2-in-1 doesn’t have an integrated stand, making the XPS Folio seem more critical. It allows for 100, 112.5, or 125 degree angle props, Dell said.

Still, the keyboard’s comfort and performance are crucial for anyone considering using it for significant amounts of typing. I took a quick look at the XPS Folio, and my brief experience was surprisingly similar to what I felt with the XPS 13 Plus’s integrated keyboard in terms of travel. Not only do they look similar; The keys of both keyboards have a drop of 1 mm and large key shapes.