Computers are getting better with every releases and that is where the Dell XPS 13 line comes in. It has always been the premium laptops with the moderate size and decent specifications.

This is still being maintained in the newest iteration but with upgraded features in every parts of it.

Dell brought the Dell XPS 13 Plus up to the CES 2022 event and it got some interesting upgrades especially in its hardware department.

There is a new design and a the utilization of touch-senstivie function keys as well its iconic edge-to-edge keyboard that makes typing easy and fun.

According to the manufacturer, the new XPS 13 Plus is minimalist and modern and that can certainly be noticed with the design aesthetics of the computer.

The funky part is the utilization of touchpad to go in place for physical function keys.

While those who have been used to tapping buttons might require to develop muscle memories for this, it definitely won’t take so much time before getting used to it.

Speaking of the edge-to-edge keyboard, this allowed Dell to make them larger for a better typing experience while the buttons are nearly touching one another.

Dell actually have a name for it – Zero-Lattice and it’s a reminiscent of the olden 12-inch MacBook.

With the utilization of touchpads instead of physical buttons, function keys such as Fn jeys and other media control keys can be found right at this point.

The touchpad doesn’t work like the Touch Bar found on MacBooks but it certainly is a touch-sensitive nearly-virtual buttons.

In its defense, Dell says this version makes more sense because it just shifts back and forth between two layouts, not endlessly changing contextual buttons like the Touch Bar had.

It definitely looks cool, but I’m not sure I won’t miss at least having a physical Esc key. 

As for the display, you can crank it up all the way to 4K thanks to its OLED panel that makes everything bright and beautiful.

It makes use of a 28-watt Intel processor and the overall weight of the XPS 13 Plus is about 2.7-pounds while its thickness is about 15.3mm.

While I’m quite concerned about the fact that Dell yanked off the top glass layer of the display, the company says it won’t affect its durability. The essence is to cut out weight and make the computer a bit lightweight.

Also, forget about an FHS 1080P resolution webcam because this computer will not be featuring that as well.

As for the price point, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is expected to about US$1,199 in the United States and will hit shelves by Spring.