Dell introduces new Dell XPS 13 Plus with 28W Intel Core 12th Gen CPUs, but function keys now touch function row

Dell unveiled the new Dell XPS 13 Plus at CES 2022, where the company now uses a new touch function row instead of standard function keys.

The new Dell XPS 13 Plus goes from a 15W processor to the latest 28W 12th Generation Intel Core mobile processor with larger fans that provide 55 percent more ventilation while reducing noise and heating. Also included is Express Charge 2.0, which charges the Dell XPS 13 Plus battery by 80 percent in just one hour.

Wait! Where is the touchpad? Is it on the left, right, or in the middle?

Dell introduces new Dell XPS 13 Plus with 28W Intel Core 12th Gen CPUs, but function keys now touch function row — The new touch function row, seamless glass touchpad with haptics and zero-lattice keyboard maximize user interfaces for a streamlined interior design [Image credit: Dell Inc.]

Dell has outfitted the XPS 13 with what it calls a “haptic ForcePad.” The company says, “The XPS 13 Plus is designed to be minimalist and modern. The sleek keyboard, function row, touchpad and palm rest deliver a clean, iconic appearance that is light to the touch and complemented by curved, comfy edges throughout. There’s no wasted space – the modern, edge-to-edge interfaces simplify the overall design to deliver a clean, harmonious surface.”

Moving on to keyboard design, the XPS 13 Plus keyboard was designed with larger keycaps are known as zero-lattice, also the keyboard is comfortable, smooth, and efficient with every keystroke. Thanks to a new capacitive touch experience that allows you to simply move between media and function keys, the top row of the keyboard are now cleaner.

In keeping with the clean and simple design, the standard trackpad has been replaced by a seamless glass touchpad that responds to touch with haptic feedback.

Dell also improved the quad-speaker design, the two up-firing speakers are hidden underneath the keyboard while the down-firing speakers are on the base that produces incredible sound.

However, the company didn’t talk much about hardware but they had lots of talk on design, but thanks to Dell XPS 13 Plus are equipped with the latest 28W 12th Generation Intel Core mobile processors. And we also want to see the base model in the OLED panel in Full HD and 4K touch display with Dell’s four-sided InfinityEdge display.

The XPS 13 Plus is available in timeless colors, light (Platinum) and dark (Graphite) with an enhanced surface finish that is premium and serene.

Dell XPS 13 Plus will be available this Spring and is expected to start at $1,200 for the base model and shipped with Windows 11. The new Dell XPS 13 Plus will also be available in Ubuntu 20.04 on the Developer Edition, according to Dell’s press note but still, they didn’t announce the price for that edition.