Dell XPS 13 (Core Ultra 200V)

Intel's second-generation Core Ultra 200V chips prove an excellent fit for the ultra-compact XPS 13

- TIM DANTON

I admit to a senior moment when I unpacked the latest Dell XPS 13.

Didn't we meet a few months ago, I muttered? Kind of, the laptop replied, but that was with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X inside (see issue 361, p58); this time I'm packing a sweet Core Ultra 7258V, part of the 200V series that you praised for its balance of speed and battery life (see issue 362, p46). We stopped talking after that, as things were getting weird.

The laptops-identified on Dell's website as XPS 13 9345 for a Snapdragon and XPS 13 9350 with a Core Ultra chip - are physically identical, down to the USB-C port sitting on either edge. With Intel inside, though, they support Thunderbolt 4 as well as USB 4, giving a fraction more flexibility.

If you miss having a USB-A port your best option is a port replicator or docking station.

The compensation for the lack of ports comes in the design. It isn't the lightest 13.4in laptop at 1.2kg, but with a 14.8mm height and 199 x 295mm footprint less than this magazine - it will squeeze into the tightest of spaces.

But will you need to bring your power supply? Anecdotally, no. I thrust this laptop into my bag for two trips into London and it lasted all day