The Dell XPS 13 takes advantage of Sharp’s IGZO tech

Jan 26, 2015 09:45 GMT  ·  By

A redesigned MacBook Air is coming out this year, with the most recent rumors saying that the 12-inch model will start shipping in early 2015.

The launch is expected to put a strain on the competition, but Dell is not very worried that the new MacBook Air (or MacBook Airs for that matter) is going to significantly impact them.

Speaking to Forbes in an interview, Director of XPS Product Marketing Donnie Oliphant said that the new MacBook Air was expected to boast an “aggressive design” and bundle an Intel Core M platform on the inside to support its very thin frame.

The laptop is expected to be extremely portable, coming in at 2.2 lbs / 0.99 kg or lighter.

Dell believes the XPS 13 is way cooler than any future MacBook Air

The new MacBook Air will certainly be very competitive, but so is Dell’s XPS 13. The company believes that they are offering a very thin/light product, although battery life is not sacrificed on the altar of absolute sleekness.

Dell’s XPS 13 breaks the scale at 2.6 lbs / 1.17 kg and is 0.6-inch / 15 mm profile. Compare this to the current MacBook Air, which comes in at 0.68 inches / 17 mm.

The ace up Dell’s sleeve is the IGZO display from Sharp, with which the company has set up a strategic partnership. The screen can boast up to 3,200 x 1,800 pixel resolution without sucking the life out of the battery life. To compare, the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro only offers 2,560 x 1,600 pixels.

Oliphant points out an interesting aspect by saying that it has an exclusivity over Sharp’s panels by the end of the year, so if you want this technology on board your laptop, you will have to go to Dell and Dell only.

Dell introduced its latest XPS 13 model back at CES 2015, and customers can pick one up for $800 / €673 and up.

Dell is betting on their XPS 13 when the new MacBook Air comes out (5 Images)

Dell XPS 13 launched at CES 2015
Dell XPS 13 frontal viewDell XPS 13 in profile
+2more