Story perspectives

Dell Launches 2026 XPS 13, Pricing Starts $699.99

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 10:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Dell US launched the 2026 XPS 13 thin-and-light laptop to challenge Apple’s MacBook Neo.
The base model costs $699.99 with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD.
$999.99 version adds 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, but lacks a headphone jack.
Dell offers a temporary $100 student discount, matching Apple’s education discount.
Reviewers praise the webcam, speakers, and tactile chiclet keyboard as Neo rivals.

History

Historical Context

In January 2008, Steve Jobs introduced the MacBook Air, promoted as the world’s thinnest notebook and quickly captured 56 % of U.S. ultrabook sales by mid-2013. Its premium pricing and education incentives prompted rivals; Dell launched the XPS 13 in 2012, moving 500,000 units in six months. The 2026 XPS 13, starting at $699.99 with a $100 student discount, directly echoes Apple’s 2008 strategy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Dell US launched the 2026 XPS 13 thin-and-light laptop to challenge Apple’s MacBook Neo.
The base model costs $699.99 with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD.
$999.99 version adds 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, but lacks a headphone jack.
Dell offers a temporary $100 student discount, matching Apple’s education discount.
Reviewers praise the webcam, speakers, and tactile chiclet keyboard as Neo rivals.

1 / 2