Dell launches $699 XPS 13 to challenge MacBook Neo

Dell has unveiled a new, competitively priced XPS 13 laptop, positioning it as a direct challenger to Apple's MacBook Neo in the entry-level market. The device, announced at Computex 2026, will be available starting in June with a general price of $699 and a temporary $599 offer for students aged 16 and older.

This new model marks the return of Dell's iconic XPS 13 series and is described by the company as its thinnest and lightest laptop ever, weighing 2.2 pounds and measuring 0.5 inches thick. It features a CNC-machined aluminum chassis, maintaining the premium build quality associated with the XPS line. The laptop will be offered in two color options: "Sky" and "Storm," with the latter available later.

In a pre-launch briefing, Dell officials acknowledged the MacBook Neo as a capable machine that validated the market for premium features at accessible prices. However, they emphasized several areas where they believe the XPS 13 offers superior value. Key differentiating features highlighted include a backlit keyboard, which the Neo lacks, and a 13.4-inch touchscreen display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a variable refresh rate ranging from 30 Hz to 120 Hz. The display also...