Dell XPS 12 vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Is $999 Tablet Better? -- Features, Price & Specs Round Up

Tech company Dell is also launching its own 2-in-1 hybrid convertible laptop that seems to rival Microsoft's new flagship hybrid, the Surface Pro 4.

First announced in October, the Dell XPS 12 is now available for sale through Dell's website.

ZDNet reported that buyers can choose from two options the XPS 12 has: the base model priced at $999 and the high-end model at $1,299. Both are powered by the latest Intel Core M processors clocking at 2.7GHz (the same one that powers Apple's 12-inch MacBook), and have 8GB of RAM. Both also have Intel HD 515 graphics and a 30 Whr Battery.

The base model comes with a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) touchscreen display, and only has 128GB of internal storage. The higher-end model, on the other hand, is equipped with a 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160) touchscreen display and comes with 256GB of internal Solid State Drive memory. Both run on Windows 10.

The XPS 12 appears to have some of the positive aspects that the Surface Pro 4 has, and it even has a real hardware keyboard (unlike the Surface Pro 4's thin Type Cover). It has chiclet keys, and has Dell's wide glass precision trackpad equipped.

The Verge reported that unlike the Surface Book which has components in both the base unit and in the tablet body, the XPS 12 has it's major components installed inside the tablet. This basically means that it's a tablet with a really good keyboard, which uses magnets to secure the tablet, either for use in laptop form, and also when it's closed like a laptop.

The XPS 12 deviates from the weird “screen-flipping” that was in 2013, and opted for a more conventional laptop design – with magnets securing the tablet body into the keyboard base for laptop mode. However, the design angle restricts users to one viewing angle, much like the earlier Surface tablets.

Portability-wise, the XPS 12 measures 291mm x 198mm x 16-25mm, and weighs 2.8lbs. Take the tablet off the keyboard base and it measures only 291mm x 193 mm x 8mm, and weighs lighter at 790 grams.

The hybrid uses USB-C as its connector standards, and has two of them, giving users freedom to plug the charger in while allowing room for another accessory.

As part of the package, Dell has also included a USB-A adapter and a folio case, a sleek magnetic cover that protects the XPS 12 safe when in a bag, and doubles as a stand much like the Surface Pro's kickstand.

Orders can be made online in Dell's website.