There aren’t many Windows tablets available in the market now. Take the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, which was initially released in Malaysia back in 2022, and eventually discontinued in 2024. Sure, quite a number of convertible Windows machines are still sold right now, but those are merely laptops with a 360-degree hinge.
After using the XPS 13 2-in-1- as my daily driver for quite some time, I’ve come to appreciate the sheer portability – and to a certain extent, practicality – of a tablet running on Windows. In my opinion, anyone who is looking to get a tablet should consider a Windows-based one, which is why I hope more Windows machines in this form factor will be released in 2025.
I’ve been primarily using a laptop as my daily driver for as long as I can remember, so it was interesting when I first switched to the XPS 13 2-in-1. The tablet itself weighs only 736g, and even when it’s paired with the 560g XPS Folio keyboard cover, it’s still a very portable, lightweight device. Of course, the 7.4mm thin chassis makes it that much more portable too.
Portability aside, I also appreciate the flexibility of using the XPS 13 2-in-1 as a tablet whenever I need to. Granted, with a sizeable 13-inch 2880 x 1920 touch-enabled display and 3:2 aspect ratio, it’s not the most compact tablet. But still, it is still a lot more lightweight to lug around than, say, a convertible laptop in “tablet mode” where the keyboard is simply tucked behind the display.
It’s worth noting that while other Windows tablets share these advantages, it’s particularly noticeable with the XPS 13 2-in-1. After all, it is positioned as a premium product under the XPS lineup, so it’s only natural for it to be thinner and lighter than a Windows tablet at a lower price point.
Besides that, I also find it much easier to do productivity tasks on a tablet running on Windows rather than another operating system. Yes, iPad and Android tablet have their own winning qualities, but for my personal use, I love the fact that I can be just as productive on a Windows tablet as I am on a Windows laptop.
Since I’m comparing the two form factors already, I do have to admit that I still prefer a Windows laptop when it comes to certain aspects. Typing experience, for one, is more often than not better on a laptop due to the physical constraints of a tablet’s keyboard cover. After all, there are only so much space for key travel, which is essential (to me) for a pleasant typing experience.
And then there’s the fact that it takes a bit of…creative positioning to put the XPS 13 2-in-1 on my lap comfortably to quickly type out a story at a launch event. Unlike a laptop with a hinge to hold up the display, a tablet in “laptop mode” has to prop up the display with either the keyboard cover or a kickstand, which takes up more space on a table; or in this particular scenario, my lap.
Despite that, I still love using the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 as my daily driver. It’s a premium Windows tablet through and through with solid build quality – it’s said to be made out of “100% hydropower-produced” aluminium – excellent portability, and a sleek, minimalist design with no flashy or glaring brandings on the tablet aside from the simple XPS lettering on the back panel. Even that is covered up by the XPS Folio keyboard case in laptop mode
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. Moving forward, Dell’s range of XPS machines will be parked under the Dell Premium range of models instead. 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 are familiar with.