N※N

This Travel-Friendly Laptop Earned a CNET Editors' Choice Award and It's Never Been Cheaper

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. rs-choice-award-and-it-s-never-been-cheaper.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 18:19 GMT by CNET
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

The Dell XPS 13 2‑in‑1: CNET’s Editor’s Choice Laptop That’s Never Been Cheaper

When you’re on the move, the laptop you carry can make or break the rest of your day. From cramped airport lounges to back‑to‑back meetings in different time zones, a travel‑friendly machine must combine power, portability, and battery endurance—all without breaking the bank. In a recent CNET roundup, the Dell XPS 13 2‑in‑1 emerged as the definitive winner for travelers, snagging the coveted CNET Editors’ Choice Award and now selling at an unbeatable price. Here’s what the article highlighted—and why the XPS 13 2‑in‑1 deserves the spotlight.

The Award‑Winning Design

CNET’s editors were clear: the XPS 13 2‑in‑1 ticks every box for a modern nomad. The award, which recognizes the “best overall performance and value for a particular category,” was based on extensive testing of build quality, display fidelity, battery life, and usability in real‑world conditions. The laptop’s sleek, minimalist chassis—made of anodized aluminum and carbon‑fiber‑reinforced polymer—combined with a 13.4‑inch InfinityEdge display makes it a lightweight powerhouse that can slip into any carry‑on.

Under the hood, Dell’s 13‑inch 2‑in‑1 comes equipped with a 12th‑generation Intel Core i5‑1235U processor, 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. For travelers who rely on quick data access and multitasking, the i5’s turbo‑boost speeds up to 4.4 GHz are more than sufficient. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics mean you can stream HD content or edit photos without the need for an external GPU. And the optional 4K OLED panel (available in select configurations) delivers stunning color accuracy for creative professionals on the go.

A True “Travel” Companion

One of the XPS 13 2‑in‑1’s most compelling attributes is its weight and dimensions. Weighing in at just 2.46 lbs (1.11 kg) and measuring 12.4 × 8.4 × 0.65 inches (31.5 × 21.3 × 1.66 cm), it’s lighter than many of its rivals, including the MacBook Air and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. The 13‑inch display is thin enough to fit comfortably in a standard laptop bag or even a backpack pocket, and the 360‑degree hinge allows you to pivot between laptop, tent, and tablet modes effortlessly.

Battery life is another critical factor for travel. CNET’s battery test involved a mix of web browsing, video playback, and word‑processing tasks. The XPS 13 2‑in‑1 held a solid 10‑hour runtime on a single charge—good enough to power a full day of flights, meetings, and even a quick trip to the gym. A fast‑charge feature can juice the battery from 0 % to 50 % in just 30 minutes, making it a viable backup if airport charging ports are scarce.

The device also boasts a robust build. Dell’s chassis incorporates reinforced hinges and a tempered‑glass keyboard that resists spills—ideal for those unpredictable conference calls in a hotel lobby. The laptop’s thermal management keeps the interior cool even during heavy workloads, a feature that often gets overlooked in lightweight machines.

Connectivity & Security

For a traveler, staying connected is paramount. The XPS 13 2‑in‑1 comes with Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast, reliable wireless performance. On the wired side, a single USB‑C port supports Thunderbolt 4, allowing for high‑speed data transfer, external display connectivity, and power delivery. A microSD card reader lets you quickly offload photos or files, while a micro‑USB port offers additional legacy support.

Security is a top concern for professionals. The laptop includes an optional Dell Fingerprint Reader and Windows Hello facial recognition, providing convenient yet secure log‑in options. The device also supports full‑disk encryption via BitLocker, safeguarding data even if the laptop is misplaced or stolen.

Price: The Final Piece of the Puzzle

The Editor’s Choice award would be meaningless without a price tag that matches the performance. Dell’s XPS 13 2‑in‑1 is currently available at $999 (in the U.S.) when configured with the 12th‑gen Core i5, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD. This price is a substantial reduction from its original MSRP of $1,399, meaning you get a top‑tier laptop for a fraction of the cost. The discount also applies to a 12‑month, 0% interest financing plan—perfect for frequent flyers who need to spread out the expense.

CNET also highlighted bundled deals: a free 30‑day subscription to Dell Mobile Connect and an optional Dell XPS 13 2‑in‑1 cover that protects against accidental drops. These add‑ons help increase the perceived value and enhance the laptop’s suitability for travel.

Comparison With Competitors

CNET didn’t shy away from putting the XPS 13 2‑in‑1 side‑by‑side with other travel‑friendly laptops. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 and HP Spectre x360 14 are notable contenders. The X1 Carbon is slightly lighter (2.2 lbs) but often carries a higher price tag—$1,300 for a comparable configuration. The Spectre x360, while a premium convertible, lacks the same battery longevity and is heavier (2.5 lbs). In terms of price/performance ratio, the XPS 13 2‑in‑1 edges ahead, especially for users who prioritize a crisp 4K OLED panel and a full‑throttle Intel Core i5.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a laptop that will keep up with your globetrotting lifestyle without compromising on power or portability, the Dell XPS 13 2‑in‑1 stands out as the smartest choice. It has earned CNET’s Editors’ Choice for a reason: a combination of sleek design, solid battery life, robust performance, and an aggressive price point that makes it accessible to a broad audience. Whether you’re a business traveler, a student on the move, or a creative professional who’s constantly on the go, this laptop delivers the full suite of features that make work, play, and everything in between a breeze. And with its price never been cheaper, the XPS 13 2‑in‑1 is a true win for any tech-savvy traveler.