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| The new Dell XPS 13 weighs just 1 kg (2.2 lbs.). |
It appears the tech world’s collective wish is finally coming true. After months of watching Apple’s aggressively priced MacBook Neo steal the spotlight (and the budget laptop crown), real competition has arrived. Dell has officially stepped into the ring, announcing a new version of its iconic XPS 13 that directly undercuts the MacBook Neo on price.
Starting at just $699** (and an even more tempting **$599 for students), the new Dell XPS 13 isn’t just another budget Windows laptop. It’s a declaration of war in the sub-$700 laptop segment.
A “Better MacBook Neo”? The Hardware Says Yes
From a purely hardware standpoint, early assessments are surprisingly glowing. Tech outlet Hardware Canucks didn’t mince words, declaring that this XPS 13 is a “better MacBook Neo” —a bold claim given Apple’s recent efficiency dominance.
And honestly? The specs seem to back that up. The new XPS 13 features Dell’s signature high-quality aluminum chassis that rivals the premium feel of laptops costing twice as much. The display, in particular, is said to punch way above its price tag, offering vibrant colors and slim bezels that make the $699 price point look like a typo.
For a deep dive into the port selection, screen specs, and processor details, you can check out our full launch coverage here.
The 8GB Elephant in the Room
So, if the hardware is this good, why aren't Windows fans throwing a parade? The answer boils down to two words: system memory.
While the chassis and screen are top-tier, Hardware Canucks and a growing chorus of experts are worried about the entry-level versions of the Dell XPS 13 that will actually compete with the MacBook Neo. The base model comes equipped with only 8 GB of RAM.
This is where the Windows vs. macOS debate gets ugly. As many users have pointed out on Reddit’s r/technology board, the experience is likely to be very different. One user sarcastically remarked:
“Windows 11 on 8 GB of memory sounds like a fun experience.”
Another put it more bluntly:
“For a Windows PC to even remotely be taken seriously as a competitor to a Mac, it needs at least 16 gigs of ram, which no PC at this price point will ever have.”
They have a point. While macOS on the Apple MacBook Neo has been proven to run smoothly on just 8 GB of RAM (thanks to excellent memory management and swap optimization), Windows 11 is notoriously resource-hungry. In fact, while Microsoft officially lists 4GB as the minimum, anyone who has used Windows 11 recently will tell you that 16 GB is the real recommendation for smooth, multitasking-heavy operation.
The RAM Supply Crunch Isn't Helping
You might be asking: Why doesn’t Dell just throw 16GB in there and solve this problem?
The answer is the current market conditions. It is simply not reasonable to expect a $699 laptop to ship with 16 GB of RAM right now. As shown by the recent enormous Steam Deck price increase, OEMs both big and small have been hit hard by the ongoing RAM supply crunch.
So, Dell is stuck between a rock and a hard place. They can raise the price (losing the value war) or stick with 8GB (risking a sluggish user experience on the software side).
The Bottom Line
This leaves Windows laptop OEMs in a frustrating position. They don't just have to worry about the price-to-performance of their hardware; they also have to pray that Windows plays nicely. Microsoft has a handicap to resolve here if Windows laptops are to have a real chance at competing favorably with the MacBook Neo.
For now, the Dell XPS 13 represents incredible hardware value held back by a software ecosystem that demands more resources. If you live entirely in a web browser, this $699 Dell is a steal. But if you plan to have 15 Chrome tabs, Spotify, and a Word doc open at once? You might want to save up for the 16GB model—or just grab the MacBook Neo.
Looking for the competitor? You can check the current price and availability of the Apple MacBook Neo on Amazon here.
Source(s): Hardware Canucks on YouTube, r/technology, Dell, Simon Lee on Unsplash (edited)