STACK #263 September 2026

TECH FEATURE

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What sets the Dell XPS 13 apart?

Just 1kg and 12.7mm thin – the thinnest, lightest XPS yet. Premium CNC aluminium construction rather than a lightweight plastic shell. 13.4-inch 2.5K InfinityEdge touchscreen with a smooth 30-120Hz variable refresh rate. Up to 17 hours of streaming battery life* Wi-Fi 7, a backlit keyboard, Windows Hello, and quad speakers all come standard.

The Dell XPS 13 puts the premium XPS formula on a serious diet. At just 1kg and 12.7mm thin, it’s made for life beyond the desk without skimping on touchscreen, everyday performance, or build quality. Words Bec Summer Why choose the Dell XPS 13 Laptop Big performance in a seriously thin laptop

Available in 8GB vs 16GB RAM models

8GB: A good fit for browsing, streaming, email, documents, and lighter multitasking 16GB: More breathing room for tab hoarders, heavier multitasking, and demanding apps Both keep the same Intel Core 5-320 processor, 512GB SSD, and 2.5K touchscreen Choosing the 16GB option gives you multitasking headroom – now and down the track.

What’s it like for work and video calls? The FHD IR camera supports Windows Hello, while dual-array microphones and quad speakers help with calls and catch-ups. The trade-off for that razor-thin body? Two USB-C connections and no card reader, so some setups will need a hub. A dual-fan cooling system also helps keep things cool and comfortable when the workload ramps up. Who should buy the Dell XPS 13? If your laptop goes everywhere you

Dell XPS 13 laptop? Travelling light shouldn’t mean settling for a lesser laptop. The Dell XPS 13 slips neatly onto crowded desks, into backpacks, and onto airline tray tables, but still feels every bit an XPS thanks to its machined aluminium build. Does ultra-thin mean less screen space? Not really. Slim InfinityEdge

borders help the 13.4-inch display make the most of the compact chassis, while 2.5K resolution keeps text, photos, and streaming sharp. Touch comes standard, and 30-120Hz variable refresh keeps scrolling fluid while allowing the screen to dial things back when needed. Will the battery get you through the day?

do, the Dell XPS 13 makes a compelling case. It suits students, commuters, and everyday users who value premium build and lightweight portability over gaming grunt or a plethora of ports. Pick 8GB for lighter usage; go 16GB for regular multitasking.

Dell rates the XPS 13 for up to 17 hours of streaming, although real-world runtime can vary with brightness, apps, and workload. The display can also drop to 30Hz when higher refresh rates aren’t needed, helping balance smooth visuals with efficiency.

26 SEPTEMBER 2026

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*Battery life varies significantly with device, settings, usage, and other factors