Apple disrupted the budget laptop segment earlier this year with the MacBook Neo, offering premium design and performance at $599. Dell has now responded with its own $599 entry-level XPS 13 for students, positioning it as a direct Windows alternative.
The XPS 13 enters the market following Dell’s XPS line relaunch featuring the 14-inch and 16-inch models. While the standard configuration starts at $699, students can access a discounted price of $599—$100 more than the MacBook Neo’s $499 education pricing, but with several key advantages.
XPS 13 vs. MacBook Neo: The Comparison
The XPS 13 delivers an all-metal aluminum construction measuring just 0.5 inches thick and weighing 2.2 pounds—half a pound lighter than the Neo. Its 13.4-inch display features 2.5K resolution with variable refresh rate up to 120Hz and touch support, while the Neo lacks a touchscreen and operates at standard 60Hz.
Under the hood, the $599 XPS 13 model includes a six-core Intel Core 5 Series 3 processor with integrated Intel Graphics featuring two Xe GPU cores. Upgrade options include Core Ultra 7 Series 3 with an eight-core GPU. Base specifications match the Neo with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, though both systems scale up to 32GB memory and 1TB storage.
The XPS 13 is thin and light and likely long running for trekking across campus.
Four key features give the XPS 13 the edge: superior audio with quad speakers versus the Neo’s stereo setup, biometric security via Windows Hello facial recognition, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity compared to the Neo’s Wi-Fi 6E, and backlight keyboard for low-light productivity.
Dell anticipates up to 17 hours of streaming battery life—a potential advantage over the Neo’s tested 13.5 hours. While unconfirmed, early results with Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 processors suggest this estimate is achievable.
The XPS 13 is based on a 13.4-inch touch display.
Where the Neo leads is aesthetics—Its three color options plus silver offer more variety than the XPS 13’s two gray-toned finishes. Dell’s student discount opens to those 16 and older, covering high school sophomores and above, though freshmen are excluded.
The XPS 13 launches “soon,” though Dell hasn’t confirmed specific availability dates or student discount duration details.