Dell XPS 12
If you're in the market for a new PC this holiday season, you'll want to take a close look at Windows 8 machines. Microsoft's newest operating system makes great use of touch-screen technology, opening the door for some clever new hardware. Here we show you the best laptops, convertibles, and hybrid PCs that combine Windows 8 with touch displays.
The new Dell XPS 12 is both a clamshell laptop and a tablet -- a combination we usually refer to as a hybrid or convertible laptop. The screen is hinged in the center of the far left and right sides, allowing it to swivel vertically, encased in a thin outer frame. Flip the screen 180 degrees, and it ends up pointing out from the back of the lid, allowing you to close the clamshell and leave the screen exposed, but keep the keyboard and the touch pad covered. In a sea of me-too convertibles, it's at least very unique.
The good: The Dell XPS 12 is a thin, powerful, very cleverly designed touch-screen convertible that flips into multiple screen positions.
The bad: For all the hype about touch and tablets with Windows 8, the XPS 12 still works better as a laptop than as a slate. Its battery life is on the low side.
The bottom line: Dell has revamped its rotating Duo laptop concept into the much-improved XPS 12, but like most convertibles, it makes a better laptop than tablet.
October 31, 2012 3:17 PM PDT
Photo by: CNET
