Dell XPS 12
Manufacturer: Dell, Inc. Part number: FNCWI02H
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Dell has revamped its rotating Duo laptop concept into the much-improved XPS 12, but like most convertibles, it makes a better laptop than tablet.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
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| ![]() | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/13/2013 |
| ![]() | In stock | as of 05/13/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Dell XPS 12 price range: $1,099.99 - $1,199.99
- Reviewed by: Dan Ackerman
- Reviewed on: 10/23/2012
The good: The Dell XPS 12 is a thin, powerful, very cleverly designed touch-screen convertible that flips into multiple screen positions.
The bad: For all the hype about touch and tablets with Windows 8, the XPS 12 still works better as a laptop than as a slate. Its battery life is on the low side.
The bottom line: Dell has revamped its rotating Duo laptop concept into the much-improved XPS 12, but like most convertibles, it makes a better laptop than tablet.
User reviews
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The best Solid Ultrabook ever brought!
Pros: No more carrying 2 devices! Laptop & iPad. I gotten tired of iPad! I needed work & play at the same time! I looked at other Windows 8 devices & I made the right decision! I don't want to detach from keyboard!
Cons: Need more Apps! Times will come! However, got old software installed on desktop!
Summary: You know what! Don't listen to people say about Windows 8. Iy will takes time to learn. Microsoft made the right decision! They need to redesign their OS! I ...
Summary: You know what! Don't listen to people say about Windows 8. Iy will takes time to learn. Microsoft made the right decision! They need to redesign their OS! I have Windows 7 HP touchscreen All-in-one desktop. Icons too much for touchscreen. Windows 8 is perfect touchscreen! Got me hook! I love my iPhone! I hated Mac operating system! I thought to myself why do I need iPhone, iPad & MacBook in my briefcase? & now Mini iPad? Too much! I just need my iPhone & Dell XPS 12! That's it! I used my iphone as Personal Hotspot to connect with my Dell! Perfect! Dell XPS 12 is a solid build! Nicely design! Only one thing missing is SD slot.
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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AMAZING!! Must Buy!!
by sanman1998 on December 2, 2012
Pros: Great design
Good battery life
Awesome touch screen
Great tablet mode
Cool battery meterCons: No SD card slot, but I never use that anyway
Summary: I bought the Lenovo Ideapad Yoga first because of CNET's review, but I didn't like it very much. I returned that one and bought this and I am ...
Summary: I bought the Lenovo Ideapad Yoga first because of CNET's review, but I didn't like it very much. I returned that one and bought this and I am EXTREMELY PLEASED with this Dell. BUY THIS!!!
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Simply Awesome
by benlm54 on November 30, 2012
Pros: Beautiful screen
Build quality
Useful form factorCons: No SD slot
Summary: First let me say, this is not a tablet! You should not buy this if what you really want is a tablet.
This is an ultrabook that is flexible enough ...Summary: First let me say, this is not a tablet! You should not buy this if what you really want is a tablet.
This is an ultrabook that is flexible enough to allow the user to get the most out of Windows 8 and it's touch based interface. With a touch based OS like Windows 8, sometimes a keyboard just gets in the way. The Dell XPS 12 lets you conveniently do that.
Let me also say, that Windows 8 is a joy to use on this thing. This is the kind of device that Windows 8 was made for. All of the complaints out there about Windows 8 are from people who haven't used it in any meaningful way on a device like this.
$1200 may sound steep, but for what you are getting it is a bargain. The best screen I have ever seen on a laptop, super fast performance, competitive battery life, outstanding build quality, and the perfect form factor with which to enjoy Windows 8 make it a great deal.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Solid laptop with great screen
by SadFatandMad on November 17, 2012
Pros: > Screen
> Keyboard
> Speed
> WeightCons: > Lack of ports (especially microSD or SD)
> Weight
> Windows 8
> No side vents for heat dissipation
> Flexible baseSummary: I have a number of Dell laptops for family use including an Alienware M18X and an XPS13. I wanted an ultrabook to take on weekends away for my photography hobby ...
Summary: I have a number of Dell laptops for family use including an Alienware M18X and an XPS13. I wanted an ultrabook to take on weekends away for my photography hobby and hence the XPS13 was bought. That has great light weight and reasonable speed for an ultrabook (can cope with Lightroom 4 etc) but the screen was a disappointment.
I've had the XPS12 for 5 days now and so far I can say that for me it't the better purchase because in everyday use it's fast enough (8GB version with i7 and 256GB) and the screen is lovely. I can use it for my photography and for dialing into the office (Citrix VDI) and multi task quite comfortably. Compared with the XPS13 though it is a lot deeper (about an inch), thicker and you can certainly feel the difference in weight.
The colours and contrast of the screen make up for it though. :-)
Gestures work well on screen, but it gets confusing for me what is and isn't touch enabled. I don't want this to turn into a review of Window's 8 but as it's inextricably linked to the use of the touch screen it's difficult not to. I use Windows 7 normally and have Android phone (HTC) and Nexus 7. This could be a great device but boy, does it take getting used to.
Dare I say again, the screen is lovely and it takes gestures/touch well. For some reason it doesn't feel quite as well built as the XPS13 - the base has a bit more give and you can feel the components underneath as you pick it up because you have to grip it more due to the extra weight. However, there doesn't seem to be any flex in the screen and the screen frame itself seems very strong. Not sure about the catches - perhaps roller catches would have been better - but it seems to hang together well. The sound quality is good if not great but I use a bluetooth speaker when away anyway, and it works well with the external portable drive I have for my photos using the USB3. It does get warm if you don't watch the vents (no side vents) but no surprise there! Battery life is better than I had been led to believe, but not as good as the XPS13 which just seems to go on and on. Switch on and off times make me think about an SSD for the other laptops . . .
So to conclude, would I get it again? Well yes I believe I would. It pretty much meets all of my needs and I could even see me using it at work as a BYOD. It's surprisingly nice. Is it worth the premium cost - not sure, but there are plenty of vouchers around for it at the moment (I got 11% off and free delivery). It feels 'quality' to the touch and has the sort of fit that makes you want to stroke the thing (yes, I know I'm sad). I just hope that it lasts too - but I bought the 3 year premium care for that! If your eyes aren't 20/20 then get some glasses or up the font size for longer strain free use - but it is a very tasty screen that works well as a tablet. As others have said, re-orientating can take a bit of time (seconds) but it get's there. This looks like becoming my 'main' laptop both for my hobby (photography) and work (web development). Only downers - weight, Windows 8 and Dell service.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Hands Down the best laptop I've ever owed.
by xxOOxx5 on November 14, 2012
Pros: Super fast login/logoff, no flex in the keyboard, super responsive to gestures, absolutely gorgeous 12.5" display
Cons: If you're buying XPS 12 primarily to use as a tablet don't do it. The down side to the sturdy build is the weight. I'll only use the tablet aspect on the plane, watching a movie on the couch or reading the news in bed on Sunday morning.
Summary: The XPS 12 is amazingly well built laptop/tablet. I was a bit worried about the spinning hinge but now that I can touch it for myself I can see ...
Summary: The XPS 12 is amazingly well built laptop/tablet. I was a bit worried about the spinning hinge but now that I can touch it for myself I can see there is nothing to worry about. It's snug enough to touch without causing it to spin yet easy to flip when you want it to. I bought the $1499 model and added a few odds and ends, its worth every penny.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Have had 2 since February In for repairs more than used
by Patti04 on April 18, 2013
Pros: Touchscreen
Cons: Keeps crashing
Summary: Bought one on February 22,2013 Returned because it crashed on March 20, 2013 Best Buy gave me a new one. Thi new onw has been back 4 times because ...
Summary: Bought one on February 22,2013 Returned because it crashed on March 20, 2013 Best Buy gave me a new one. Thi new onw has been back 4 times because it will not hold an internet connection. The Geek Squad at Best Buy has this computer with them more than I have had it. Two of the same omputers and both Garbage
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great computer...Trackpad Difficulties
by cucumber71 on January 21, 2013
Pros: Light, fast, touch-screen, tablet function
Cons: Trackpad doesn't work at times when I tap it to hit a button or place a cursor
Summary: I looked around at several reviews before I bought this product, and thought I'd share my experience with you in case there was any confusion with the different, quick ...
Summary: I looked around at several reviews before I bought this product, and thought I'd share my experience with you in case there was any confusion with the different, quick reviews from various websites.
First of all, I'll just say that this is a very nice computer, but of course you're paying a premium price for a touchscreen ultrabook with Windows 8.
Tablet Function: There seems to be a lot of criticism of the tablet function of the computer. You should understand that this is primarily a laptop with an added tablet function. Three pounds might not sound like much, but to try and hold it in an upright position for any length of time will tire your wrists quickly. Since it's a laptop, I would suggest that you just use it that way, and you still get the same angle without the wrist strain. If you would use it as a tablet, I would suggest laying it flat. So once again, if you're looking for a light tablet, you're looking in the wrong place. This is a laptop (with all the power and functionality of a laptop) that has an added bonus function of being able to used as a tablet.
The touch screen: this is one reason that I wanted to buy this computer. Right now, it's one of the few computers that takes advantage of Windows 8 touch technology, and I'm glad that I decided to couple a touch screen computer with Windows 8. The touch technology really makes it a joy to use in a lot of ways, just like your touch phone.
Windows 8: For the most part, Windows 8 works well. There are some little glitches, but for the most part I like it. It takes a little getting used to, but worth it. Some things seem a little more work than usual (like toggling between different documents) but in other ways it is much simpler. For a brand new OS, Dell seems to have integrated it well.
Ports: Since this is an ultrabook, it does not have all the things you would have on a heavier laptop. There is no DVD drive, SD card reader, etc., and I knew this going in. I will say, it can be a hindrance at times (like when I want to upload some photos from a camera or install software from a CD) but I guess there are workarounds for this. Again, just know this going in.
Power: It's fast. For example, I was transferring files from an old computer to this one via a flash drive, and it was so much faster. The SSD makes startup a joy.
Screen: It's good, clear and bright.
Heat: I guess I haven't run too much intensive stuff on it (perhaps Netflix being the most taxing) but it does not seem to heat up much at all.
Power usage: Just surfing the 'net, and doing some word processing, etc. the battery will usually last me almost a whole day.
Problems: My one gripe with this computer would be the track pad / mouse. Tapping the pad to get the cursor to rest in a position in a document or webpage can be frustrating at times. I don't know if this is a hardware or driver issue, but it definitely takes away from the experience of the computer when I have to tape four or five times to get the cursor to come to rest in the place that I want it to (and yes, I've adjusted the settings)
Service: I will say that Dell service is very good if you report to them that you have any type of problem with your new computer.
Overall: I really like the computer. The trackpad is my only really gripe. Like I said, it's a nice computer, but it's also expensive too. You have to decide if a light, touch screen, part-tablet, with a fast processor is what you want for this price.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Touchscreen and touchpad - a frustrating experience.
by matthez31 on May 7, 2013
Pros: nice to look at
Cons: terrible to work with, and dell will not fix the problem.
Summary: Got the Dell XPS 12 a few months back. The experience has been terrible so far.
After two touchscreen replacements, mainboard replacement, problems persist. The touchpad is another terrible isue, ...Summary: Got the Dell XPS 12 a few months back. The experience has been terrible so far.
After two touchscreen replacements, mainboard replacement, problems persist. The touchpad is another terrible isue, where Dell (Austria) acknowledged they cant fix the problem. Touchpad keeps hanging and is unreliable - it clicks or doesnt and takes sometimes ten seconds to work again. But Dell says, this case is closed, and these issues are "a customers risk of buying something new". Happy alpha testing for 1400 euros.
There will not be any other Dell in my life, thats for sure. -
I really like it.
by babystar1 on April 21, 2013
Pros: Both a real PC laptop and a tablet in one. You can download Java and all windows programs Beautiful screen, backlit keyboard. Very easy to convert to tablet mode.
Cons: It is overpriced. It should of come with a pen and a cover or pouch to store it. You can buy it in four different models, but even the cheapest model is too costly.
Summary: All in all I am loving this Dell XPS 12.I just bought it so I am still learning that this PC is both a PC and a tablet. I ...
Summary: All in all I am loving this Dell XPS 12.I just bought it so I am still learning that this PC is both a PC and a tablet. I am using it more than my desktop or my HP notebook.
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Smooth, solid, sexy, portable, capable, eye-turning
by noapplezombie on March 14, 2013
Pros: The sound is incredible! The really bright and full HD! It boots in seconds-less if in sleep mode. It comes with auto-brightness enabled.
I created a PowerPoint in Office 2013, but also watch movies from Netflix, HuluPlus and love the Kindle on it.Cons: Screen brightness with auto brightness is too dim. But REALLY bright if you change it to full brightness.
The resolution is so high, that the text is a little small.Summary: I don't know how I lived without this. I have a clunky Alienware for virtualization and a Nokia 920 for my tablet needs.
Now, I rarely use my phone ...Summary: I don't know how I lived without this. I have a clunky Alienware for virtualization and a Nokia 920 for my tablet needs.
Now, I rarely use my phone and don't use my Alienware because, at 3.5 pounds, this thing does both. I use my phone just as a docking station and a portable reminder of everything that has been synched to it.
People see me using it and ask what it is and mention how cool it is to have the tablet and full laptop capabilities.
If you are like me (using a too-large laptop/desktop and looking for a tablet), I would absolutely recommend this as an answer to solve both problems.
I can work on it and play on it, as well.
This is beautifully crafted and solid.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Dell, Inc.
- Part number: FNCWI02H
- Bottom Line: Dell has revamped its rotating Duo laptop concept into the much-improved XPS 12, but like most convertibles, it makes a better laptop than tablet.
General
- OS Provided Microsoft Windows 8
- Notebook type Ultrabook
Processor / Chipset
- CPU Intel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 2.6 GHz
Memory
- RAM 4 GB
- Technology DDR3 SDRAM
- Speed 1333 MHz
Storage
- Hard Drive 128 GB SSD
- Hard drive type Solid state
Display
- Type 12.5 in
- Max Resolution 1920 x 1080
Audio & Video
- Graphics Processor Intel HD 4000
Communications
- Wireless 802.11a/g/n,
Bluetooth 3.0 Dimensions & Weight
- Width 12.48 in
- Depth 8.46 in
- Height 0.79 in
- Weight 3.35 lbs
Sustainability
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2011) 5.1
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2012) 4.6
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Dell, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Dell, Inc.
- Address:
One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682 - Phone: (800) 274-3355
- Email: LB_Order_Questions@dell.com


