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Budget Laptop War: Neo vs. XPS 13
7 Oct
Summary
- Dell's XPS 13 offers a superior mix of features for its price point.
- A recent $600 deal significantly undercuts the MacBook Neo's cost.
- The XPS 13 boasts a larger screen, lighter weight, and better audio.
- Dell adjusted XPS 13 pricing and configurations for the budget market.

The budget laptop market has intensified following the MacBook Neo's spring debut. Dell's XPS 13 has emerged as a direct competitor, aiming to match the Neo's blend of design, display, portability, and performance for everyday tasks. Dell's initial $700 pricing for the XPS 13 mirrored the Neo, but recent adjustments have seen its entry-level model feature a smaller SSD, necessitating a higher spend for adequate storage.
However, significant discounts are now available. A notable deal at Best Buy offers the XPS 13 for $600, a $200 reduction that places it below the Neo's price. This pricing brings an excellent mix of features, including a slightly larger 13.4-inch screen, lighter weight, superior speakers, enhanced Wi-Fi, and keyboard backlighting. The XPS 13's premium design and high-resolution display were recognized with an Editors' Choice award.
For users requiring more memory for demanding tasks like media editing or improved multitasking, a 16GB RAM configuration of the XPS 13 is also available for $800, also with a $200 discount. These ongoing promotions highlight the competitive landscape for affordable yet capable laptops.