The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 – also known as the XPS 9315 2-in-1 – was launched in Malaysia back in 2022. Come 2024, the premium Windows-based tablet was then discontinued, and earlier this month, Dell announced that the XPS branding will eventually be replaced with the new Dell (yes, just Dell), Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max lines, which are then further divided into three sub-tiers: Base, Plus, and Premium.

Despite the discontinuation of the product and XPS branding (eventually), the XPS 13 2-in-1 still exemplifies what we’ve come to expect from Dell’s premium line of laptops. Yes, while this is technically a tablet, Dell still categorises it as a laptop.

Technicalities aside, let’s talk about what the XPS 13 2-in-1 offers. Here in Malaysia, it was offered in a sole RM5,999 variant. For that kind of money, it features a 12th generation Intel Core i5-1230U processor paired with 8GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, a 13-inch 2880 x 1920 touch-enabled display with 3:2 aspect ratio, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, as well as an XPS Stylus with 4,096 points of pressure.

Sure, in today’s market, the XPS 13 2-in-1’s hardware don’t particularly stand out, though I would argue its form factor is still a compelling one. After all, there aren’t a lot of premium Windows-based tablets in the market now with the convertible’s feature set, but I digress – that’s another topic for another day.

So what is it about the XPS 13 2-in-1 that “exemplifies” the XPS brand? Well, it’s the tablet’s build quality. Made out of “100% hydropower-produced” aluminium, it feels very solid in my hands. Measuring only 7.4mm thin and tipping the scales at 736g, it’s quite a lightweight, slim machine too. Granted, when paired with the XPS Folio keyboard cover, it does get thicker and heftier. But overall, I’d say this is still a rather lightweight and portable 2-in-1 convertible.

Aside from that, I’m also a fan of the XPS 13 2-in-1’s minimalist design. There are no flashy or glaring brandings on the tablet aside from the simple XPS lettering on the back panel, and even that is covered up by the XPS Folio keyboard case in laptop mode. Suffice to say that the tablet wouldn’t look out of place in a business meeting.

The XPS 13 2-in-1 may not be in production anymore, and while the XPS branding will eventually be phased out, that doesn’t mean the crowd-favourite product line will be gone. See, moving forward, Dell’s range of XPS machines will be parked under the Dell Premium range of models. Whether it’s the Dell Pro or Dell Pro Max product line, just look for the “Premium” moniker – that is effectively the XPS machine we all know and love.