Organization Functioning and Configurations Offered

There are six configurations of the XPS 13 2-in-i available to buy through Dell'due south website:

  • $949.99: Core i5-7Y54, 4GB of RAM, 128 GB SSD, 1080p display
  • $1249.99: Core i5-7Y54, 8GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD, 1080p display
  • $1349.99: Cadre i7-7Y75, 8GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD, 1080p display
  • $1449.99: Core i7-7Y75, 16GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD, 1080p brandish
  • $1749.99: Core i7-7Y75, 8GB of RAM, 512 GB SSD, QHD+ brandish
  • $1849.99: Core i7-7Y75, 16GB of RAM, 512 GB SSD, QHD+ display - Reviewed

It's easy to spot that upgrading from a Core i5 to Core i7 Y-series processor will set you back $100. Similarly, upgrading from 8 to xvi GB of RAM volition cost $100. Some of the in a higher place configurations can be configured farther through Dell'south website, with a 512 GB SSD costing $150 over the 256 GB SSD, and the QHD+ display costing $250. These options are only available with some models.

As for the base model, I don't think it's wise at all to purchase a organization with just four GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD. The best value option is the $1349.99 model, which upgrades you to a Core i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD.

This is the beginning laptop I've reviewed with a Y-serial Intel Kaby Lake processor. The Core i7-7Y75 in my review unit of measurement is a 14nm function with a 4.5W TDP, well under the 15W TDP of the U-series processors used in most laptops of this size. This CPU packs two cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 1.3 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.half-dozen GHz. At that place's too Intel Hd Graphics 615 with 24 execution units clocked up to 1050 MHz.

While this processor isn't equally powerful as, say, the Core i5-7300U, it does allow the XPS 13 2-in-1 to be a fanless laptop. No fan whine when this laptop kicks into high gear is a blessing, although I'd probably adopt to run into better performance even if it required a fan.

Other hardware in the XPS 13 ii-in-1 includes an Intel 8265 Wi-Fi 802.11ac fleck with 2x2 MIMO, and Bluetooth iv.ii. At that place's a 720p webcam in an awkward location with mediocre quality. The 46 Wh internal battery can be charged through either USB-C port.

The most obvious effect with using a Y-series processor over more powerful U-series options is it's significantly slower. The Core i7-7Y75 is 22% slower than the Core i7-7500U in the Spectre x360, which is a strong competitor to the XPS thirteen 2-in-1. This has a notable effect for those wanting to, for example, edit videos on the laptop: the Spectre x360 rendered a H.264 video more than 12 FPS faster.

Sure, the 7Y75 is fine for web browsing and document editing, but those who use more enervating applications on their laptop volition find the Y-series processor inadequate.

The good news is the 7Y75 is roughly on par with the Skylake Core i3-6100U; it'south good to see Intel taking the operation of their entry-level 15W parts and bringing it into a 4.5W envelope with Kaby Lake. Compared to the m3-6Y30, a Skylake 4.5W role, the 7Y75 is a skillful 26 percentage faster in CPU workloads.